Victory Merry Monkey 6Pk

Victory Merry Monkey 6-Pack is a Belgian-style holiday tripel from Victory Brewing in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, clocking in at 10.0% ABV. Scoring an 88 on BeerAdvocate across 186 ratings, this seasonal release layers warm baking spices and fruit over the robust Golden Monkey framework that made the brewery a craft-beer staple.

Quick Facts: ABV: 10.0%  |  IBU: 35  |  Origin: Downingtown, Pennsylvania  |  Style: Belgian-Style Holiday Tripel  |  Brewery: Victory Brewing

Production & Heritage

Victory Brewing was founded in 1996 by childhood friends Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and has grown into one of the most respected craft breweries in the Mid-Atlantic. Merry Monkey begins with the same backbone as the brewery's flagship Golden Monkey — a grain bill of Pilsner and Roasted Malted Barley fermented with a traditional Belgian yeast strain — then diverges with additions of cranberry, orange peel, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Hopped with Cascade and Tettnang to an IBU of 35, it keeps bitterness restrained enough for the holiday spicing to take center stage while the Belgian yeast contributes its characteristic fruity esters and dry finish.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cinnamon leads immediately, joined by nutmeg and a thread of orange peel sweetness. Underneath the spice, bready Belgian malt and light clove from the yeast fill out the nose.

Taste: The entry is warm and spice-forward — cinnamon and nutmeg arrive first, then give way to tart cranberry and bright orange peel at mid-palate. A bready, biscuit-like malt body anchors the fruit and spice, while the Belgian yeast lends subtle peppery complexity. At 10% ABV the alcohol is present but well-integrated, adding warmth rather than heat.

Finish: Dry and moderately long, with a slightly sticky mouthfeel typical of strong Belgian ales. Lingering cinnamon and a whisper of hop bitterness keep the finale balanced rather than cloying.

How to Drink Merry Monkey

Pour into a tulip glass or Belgian goblet at around 45–50°F to let the aromatics open fully; the spice character intensifies as it warms slightly. For a seasonal cocktail twist, try a Beer Mimosa — equal parts Merry Monkey and fresh-squeezed orange juice — where the cranberry-orange notes amplify the citrus. A Tripel Toddy, built with a splash of warm apple cider and a cinnamon stick alongside the beer, plays off the existing spice profile beautifully. It also works in a Belgian Shandy with ginger ale, where the ginger accentuates the nutmeg and clove.

Best For

• Holiday dinner pairings and Thanksgiving or Christmas tables
• Gifting to craft-beer fans who appreciate strong Belgian styles
• Cold-weather evening sipping by a fireplace
• Sharing at holiday parties where a higher-ABV seasonal stands out from standard lagers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Merry Monkey taste like? Merry Monkey delivers bold cinnamon and nutmeg up front, followed by tart cranberry and orange peel sweetness over a bready Belgian malt body. It finishes dry with a slightly sticky mouthfeel and gentle hop bitterness.

How does Merry Monkey compare to Victory Golden Monkey? Golden Monkey is the year-round Belgian-style tripel base, emphasizing fruity yeast esters and peppery spice from fermentation alone, while Merry Monkey adds cranberry, orange peel, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a distinctly seasonal character. Both share the same 10% ABV and Pilsner-and-Roasted-Malt grain bill, so fans of one will find familiar ground in the other.

Is Merry Monkey good for sipping neat? Absolutely — at 10% ABV with complex spice and fruit layering, it rewards slow sipping from a tulip glass and reveals new nuances as it warms toward room temperature.

Where is Merry Monkey made? Merry Monkey is brewed by Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, located in Chester County about 35 miles west of Philadelphia.

What foods pair well with Merry Monkey? Roast turkey or glazed ham highlights the cranberry and warm spice notes. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the malt sweetness nicely. Pumpkin pie or spiced bread pudding mirrors the cinnamon and nutmeg. Gingerbread cookies amplify the baking-spice character. Brie with cranberry compote echoes the fruit component directly.

What sizes does Merry Monkey come in? Merry Monkey is commonly available in 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles as a seasonal release.

Is Merry Monkey worth the price? Merry Monkey positions as a premium seasonal craft offering; its 10% ABV, Belgian-style complexity, and layered spice profile deliver strong value within the holiday specialty-beer category, particularly for fans of Victory's Golden Monkey looking for a festive variation.

Why Merry Monkey?

What sets Merry Monkey apart from the crowded field of winter seasonals is its starting point — rather than building a holiday ale from scratch, Victory takes an already accomplished Belgian tripel in Golden Monkey and refines it with cinnamon, nutmeg, cranberry, and orange peel. The result is a beer where the spice additions complement an existing complex yeast and malt character instead of masking a thin base. An 88-point BeerAdvocate score and over 30,000 Untappd ratings confirm broad drinker approval. For anyone who enjoys strong Belgian ales and wants a genuinely flavorful seasonal release, Merry Monkey earns its spot on the holiday table.