Mount Arrowsmith Brewing- Thirsty Monk Golden Strong Ale

Mount Arrowsmith Brewing- Thirsty Monk Golden Strong Ale Review

Dave Woodward is BC brewing royalty, especially on Vancouver Island. After strong showings at Whistler Brewhouse, Tofino Brewing, and Axe and Barrel, Dave is now head brewer at Mount Arrowsmith Brewing where he continues to work his brewing magic. Lately off the canning line is a juicy interpretation of a Belgian Golden Strong.

Thirsty Monk pours a slightly cloudy pale gold colour with a billowing white head that lingers and leaves good lace. The aroma is of mild pineapple and spicy yeastiness with hints of orange. As appropriate to the style, it is light-bodied and effervescent. Thirsty Monk has a mouth-puckering level of dryness and a good hit of hoppiness initially. Dave used Mouteka hops which likely provided the stone and pome fruit notes and Ella hops which lean more towards the tropical fruit flavors. The moderate bitterness is hidden by bigger yeast spiciness and a touch of alcohol. These flavors fall off fairly quickly into a calmer but lingering aftertaste.