beer_name: Merry Monks' Ale
text: Poured into glass chalice: Pours hazy golden with a thin head that almost immediately disappears to a tiny, thin floating patch. A bit less-than-normal-for-style carbonation rises to the top. No lacing sticks around to speak of. This isn't bad in color, but is in need of better head retention and Belgian lace. The smell is of orange peel, grainy malt and banana-like fruitiness. Peppery spiciness gives it a kick with some subtle grass/hay way in the back. The taste begins with a spice kick that subsides revealing orange peel and carmelized maltiness. As it warms to room temp., it reminds me of sugar-coated banana chips and rock candy. An herbal touch struggles to balance out the sweetness, but in the end the candy sweetness wins out. Alcohol dries it out in the finish. Light-bodied, but holds together. There is an initial sharpness from spice and alcohol, though it becomes smoother and more malty as it warms to room temp. It's a stab at the style, and though it has certain characteristics of a Belgian Tripel, it's not the real deal...Even compared to other American interpretations of the style, I'm just lukewarm towards this one...