Monkeynaut IPA - Straight To Ale

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This was an unexpected gift from longtime friends, UncleJedI and PurpleHatJoan, on our most recent get-together, this time in Madison, WI for the GTMW. Many thanks!

Nothing on the CAN of note other than the graphic of the screeching monkey. If Bitter Ameri[CAN]'s monkey was bitter, this little guy is outraged!

I am getting used to a spray from the Crack as I open a craft CAN, so this was business as usual. I employed an inverted Glug, resulting in two-plus fingers of dense, foamy tan head with great retention. The nose was big with pine hops, reminding me of the upcoming "Repo Man" tribute album on Ameri[CAN] Laundromat Records. I was a pre-order, so mine will come with a pine tree air freshener since you find one in every car. Color was a deep amber with NE-quality clarity. Mouthfeel was dense, viscous with a taste of caramel malt and pine hops on the tongue. Beautiful! Finish was semi-dry with the hops winning the battle with the caramel malt, but just barely. This is a really good AIPA and my thanks again for the present! Lots of nice sticky lacing remained. I would definitely give this some cooler space.

Serving type: can

08-28-2012 00:44:12 | More by woodychandler

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4.53/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Growler obtained from unclejedi out of the blue. Thanks for the opportunity.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 3/4" beige head over the clear coppery amber brew. Head recedes at an average pace, with lots of sticky lacing. Aroma is fruity pine.

Taste is sweet upfront, start to see the pine from very early, which carries through to the close, with some fruitiness apparent in the middle and ramping down towards the close. Mouthfeel is quite smooth, and drinkability is very nice as well. An all-around good brew, glad o have the pleasure to visit this part of Alabama.

Serving type: growler

08-15-2010 00:29:00 | More by ppoitras

BeerMark

Alabama

4.5/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Monkeynaut IPA is fine addition to the ever growing Alabama brewing scene. It has a beautiful copper color. When you smell it, you know hops were involved in the making. The taste is a strong malt and hop combination that satisfies. This ipa can stand toe to toe with ANY ipa I've ever had. A very nice IPA from my neighbors up in Huntsville.

Serving type: can

10-21-2012 03:51:56 | More by BeerMark

NODAK

Tennessee

4.48/5  rDev +14%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The aroma initially seems quite citric, but there's certainly a good candied malt sweetness there as well. It's sort of a tug of war between the two.

Pours a nice red color in my tall glass, darker than most IPA's are usually expected to be. Head is pretty nice and fluffy, and lacing is ample.

Initially, the citric hops that were perceptible in the nose are present and lead the beer off....but then there's quite a sweet, candied fruit sweetness that takes over. I definitely don't associate this taste with caramel or toffee....it's definitely fruit and just sweet. It's different for an IPA and I do enjoy it for a change up. The finish has a bit of astringent, citrus peel bitterness that ends the beer and lingers a bit afterwards.

This was really easy going down and due to the qualities listed above, it seems a bit different than most IPAs, which is a style where beers sometimes really do seem alike. I enjoyed it.

Serving type: growler

08-05-2012 01:28:58 | More by NODAK

dnrobert24

Alabama

4.47/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On tap at the J Clyde, this was my first full pint of monkeynaut after sampling it at the Magic City Brewfest. All in all, thiis about the perfect ipa. Amber to orange and clear with a fluffy head, the aromas of this baby are five star. Orange, grapefruit, with a bouqet of flowers--there is a lot going on. Body and mouthfeel are spot on. I tasted no alcohol poking through, unlike a lot of ipa's I have had recently. The bitter is balanced by the sweet and it goes down so smooth. The malts seem there mostly there as a supporting cast to the real star: the hops. Definitely worth seeking out if you are a hophead.

Serving type: on-tap

07-09-2011 05:46:51 | More by dnrobert24

bushwhacker

Alabama

4.47/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This enjoyable brew 'appeared' to me in the form of draught with a color of slightly orange-hued amber (slightly color blind). White foamy twoF head with good lacing. It had a delicious typical citrusy piney heavy hoppy smell that made my mouth water. I enjoyed the balanced ingredients of this brew with a very good mouthfeel and aftertaste. I liked this brew very much and would recommend it.

Serving type: on-tap

07-26-2011 00:03:08 | More by bushwhacker

nickthegun12

Alabama

4.45/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

pours a light orange color body, with a full white creamy head

smells of aromatic citrus hops, not much of a malty smell, but fits the style

taste is bitter up front with medium alpha acid hops, not much of a lingering aftertaste

the feel is very dry, a little too dry but still fits the style

overall this beer is outstanding, from the best brewery in ALABAMA!

Serving type: can

09-13-2012 00:50:33 | More by nickthegun12

rhoadsrage

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

(Served in a tulip glass)
A-This beer pours a clear deep orange body with a slow microcarbonation that supports a thick creamy beige head.

S- The full aroma of dried citrus hops comes through even during the pour. There are some spice hop notes that are layered underneath.

T- The dry green citrus pith hops has a slight sweetness in the caramel malt that follows. There is a sweetness hint that lingers with the green spicy note to the hops, but little bitterness. The nice pungency stains the tongue after each sip.

M- The medium-full body has a creamy texture and no alcohol heat noticed. The tight little fizz enhances the hop flavor

O- The full big delicious IPA has a big pungent floral flavor with some nice spice character to add depth. The malt sweetness is just enough to keep this beer dry but support the hops flavor. Thanks to Coldchill for this brew.

Serving type: can

01-08-2013 16:05:50 | More by rhoadsrage

ncfranklin

Alabama

4.33/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at The Nook in Huntsville, Al

A : A murky brown/hint of red with a solid finger cream head. Reasonable amount of lacing.

S : Piney & cirtrusy hop notes, small level of caramel maltiness underneath.

T : Upfront with the piney hops hitting hard, but quickly balanced by a smooth level of malt. None of the light citrus note from the smell, but not lacking in a robust flavor. A smooth finish with a long hop aftertaste.

M : A nice medium-body with a creamy feel. Leaves a very nice cleanness to the mouth afterward, with a small tingly touch. Not hugely carbonated, just enough to give texture.

D : Very well balanced makes it extremely drinkable. This is a standout IPA from a new brewery. Coming back from a west coast IPA binge to find this reputable brew is a real treat.

Serving type: on-tap

08-01-2010 20:35:16 | More by ncfranklin

mattsdenney

Tennessee

4.3/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Picked up a six-pack @ Midtown. A new arrival to the Nashville area and I've been looking forward to tracking it down.

This beer pours thick and heavy from the can with a quickly growing thick, frothy head. As the bubbles dissipate you're left with a dark orange, clear ale and a thin white head. There's definitely some lace remaining from the recession of the head. This thing looks tasty but not necessarily heavy. The first smell reveals heavy citrus and grapefruit essence that's punctuated by sweet floral hops.

First taste is essentially a hop explosion. Good strong, sticky hop bitterness accented with juicy grapefruit, floral undertones, and a nice piney finish. The flavoring of this beer is beyond impressive and I like that it's got a nice warming boozy feel to boot. The mouthfeel is more on the heavy side which is perfect for a thick, frothy higher ABV IPA. Definitely a beer to savor.

Overall, one of the better IPA's that I've sampled (it's reminiscent of Cigar City Jai Alai if you've had that). I will definitely purchase again.

Serving type: can

12-23-2012 21:46:42 | More by mattsdenney

abar22

Alabama

4.28/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Beer release event notes...

Dark and cloudy with a solid creamy white head.

Hoppy nose. Grapefruit, orange peel, and pine.

Taste mirrors nose. Grapefruit, orange peel with a splash of lemon and a piney bitter finish. Great beer for a first run.

Solid body and carbonation.

Better than most IPAs and this was its maiden voyage.

Serving type: on-tap

05-01-2010 19:14:55 | More by abar22

Mojo

Alabama

4.28/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

12 ounce can -> World Market tulip

This one pours up a nice copper with a 1 finger fluffy off white head. Retention is good and lacing is amazing. Smell is primarily orange and lemon. Taste is where this really shines. Upfront there is a lemony sweetness followed by that wonderful grapefruit not and a hoppy bitter finish. Mouthfeel is nice with a decent amount of carbonation. This is worth giving a try if you come across it. I'm going to try this brewery's milk stout soon and hope it as good as their IPA.

Serving type: can

03-16-2013 04:23:19 | More by Mojo

GPHarris

Alabama

4.23/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a - poured a three-fingers thick light tan head into an english pub glass. the body was a bright copper color.
s - big piney hops with some nice caramel sweetness.
t - up front big-time with piney hops but there is a nice balance here too.
m - medium thickness, creamy.
o - loved this beer in a can, so quaffable.

Serving type: can

06-18-2012 14:57:45 | More by GPHarris

brentk56

North Carolina

4.23/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Arrives with a modest head laying on top of the clear amber liquid; streaks of lace are left behind

Smell: Caramel and herbal, pney hops; a little spicy

Taste: The malt lays down a caramel backbone, with the resinous, piney hops building through mid-palate; nicely balanced into the finish with a leafy, spicy character

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation

Overall: A bit more like a hoppy amber than an IPA but still quite good

Serving type: on-tap

07-11-2012 13:42:59 | More by brentk56

TrappistJohnMD

Mississippi

4.2/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours clear amber in a Raise Your Pints Mississippi snifter.

Smell is perfect, in my opinion. Strong hop character. Lots of citrus. Pleasant musty notes.

Taste is sweet malt up front with some mild hoppy citrus and mild to moderate bitterness in the finish.

Mouthfeel is light to medium bodied. Very smooth and drinkable.

Overall this is a very nice IPA.

Serving type: can

09-09-2012 03:06:16 | More by TrappistJohnMD

Freethyhops

Alabama

4.18/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

from notes at The Nook's sneak preview.

a- dark amber, barleywine like color with a beige head. fairly heavy lacing.

s- piney resinous hops. apparent caramel, a little breadiness. a hint of grapefruit is about all I get from the citrus spectrum.

t- like the nose, the caramel malts are plentiful and add a substantial malt backbone to a heavy dose of hoppiness. it's mostly piney with a little grapefruit/citrus. the bitterness is fairly heavy but not overdone. the finish is bready and bitter. reminds me of a Maharaja, Hopsecutioner like profile. good company IMO.

m- full bodied for an IPA, sticky and well carbonated.

d- goes down easy with no "extreme" flavors to slow you down. it feels a little on the heavier side for an IPA which might hinder your drinking rate after a couple of these.

Serving type: on-tap

05-01-2010 22:45:23 | More by Freethyhops

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4.16/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to Bulbman for sending this one my way!! This poured out as a clear looking orange color. Tere is a nice looking white head on top. The retention is good and the lacing is scattered. The smell of the beer is bright and lively with hops. Really nice citrusy aromas on this beer. The taste of the beer has a nice hoppy flavor as well, subtle lemon and orange flavors with a sweet maltiness. The mouthfeel is medium bodied, it's slick and kind of oily. The carbonation is good here too. Overall the beer is very good. Much better than I expected.

Serving type: can

01-29-2013 23:52:00 | More by Knapp85

kaips1

Kentucky

4.13/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Growler into a pint glass, brought straight from Alabama. Thanks Walter

A-a nice rich amber, good head, some lacing that turned into a small bubble ring
S-a slight bready smell,some citrus(makes me think of citra hop)
Slight sweetness and then tart
T- close to the same as the smell, there is a slight tangyness in the middle of the drink, it's a good thing
M- it's moderately lively not as much bite and tingle I was expecting, a clean wet finish
O/d- overall I really like this, it's not the craziest ipa but it's more than just decent, drinkability, I can see myself finishing this growler, this is a tasty beer and one I really like

Serving type: growler

05-06-2011 02:59:29 | More by kaips1

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.1/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a ghetto growler purchased from Highland package Store in Birmingham. Pours a slightly hazy orange amber with a swirly head. Very nice citrusy aromas with some floral notes as well and some leafy hops near the end. A touch of pine rounds it out. The tangerine, orange, and lemon notes play nicely with the sweet malt here. Just lovely. Very smooth in the mouth with similar notes as found in the nose, but slightly more muted here. Still very nice citrus and a good leafy bitterness on the finish. Very smooth with a creamy note, and good clean, pure flavors. Another solid Alabama IPA- maybe this is a trend.

Serving type: growler

07-25-2011 00:14:59 | More by Georgiabeer

AgentMunky

Alabama

4.08/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at the J. Clyde. From notes. Reviewed 9 June 2011. Listed as 7.3%.

A: Clearish, orange, no head. Pretty.

S: Orange peel, citrus juice, resiny hops.

T: Really nice. Well-balanced. Fruity (lots of grapefruit) with perfectly balanced piney hops. The maintaste is sweetish (from both fruit and malt). The aftertaste is bitterly hoppy, but not dry.

M: Robust, lightly carbonated, and good -- there's nothing to criticize.

O: Good American IPA. Strong, drinkable, and pleasurable. Recommended. Would drink again.

EDIT 25 January 2013: Poured from a 12 ounce can into a tulip glass (thanks to xxcarpxx!). Might be a little old.

No real change, except that this iteration is less hoppy and more sweet. Creamy with fruit and a lightly bitter aftertaste. I still really like it.

Serving type: on-tap

08-04-2011 15:11:45 | More by AgentMunky

SteveLyman

Michigan

4.05/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

To begin,

A small half inch silvery white head, with a decent lacing throughout. When looking at my glass,there is a golden orange sunset color.

The smell is of a typical American IPA, grapefruit and lemon citrus aroma. The kicker at the end is the strong pine notes.

The taste is much the same as the smell. Grapefruit taste at the very beginning, but ends in a fresh evergreen pine.

The is a great beer if you are looking for a refreshing taste on a Friday night.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2010 04:20:43 | More by SteveLyman

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Amber brew with foamy head. 4.0

Pine and resinous citrus. Toffee malts. Pretty dank. 4.0

Moderately bitter. Orange, pine, and grapefruit. Toffee malts make for great balance. 4.0

Smooth, yet brushy. Excellent feel. 4.5

Tasty sample I had from my buddy's growler. An oily hop wonder without all of the extra sweetness or bitterness.

Serving type: growler

06-14-2012 03:29:57 | More by thecheapies

dizzyballer

Virginia

4.05/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Huntsville airport. The Grille at Four Points.

Four points for the beer too.

Great nose. Nice bitterness. Almost coppery. Well balanced.

Not much head, but I don't know who to blame for that. Served in a nice glass.

Not a tremendously handsome waitstaff. But friendly enough.

Serving type: on-tap

10-11-2012 21:13:33 | More by dizzyballer

emerge077

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks Jim for the generous post-fest freebie. Awesome can graphic of a reluctant and/or awestruck primate astronaut.

Color is a saturated dark orange with bright clarity, with lasting foam and drippy concentric rings of sticky lace. A floating island veil of skim hovers for the remainder of the glass.

Some herbal greens and funky citrus rind notes in the aroma, slightly dank in that wet green way.

Moderately bitter at first with a balanced supporting caramel malt middle, lingering orange peel and citrus notes throughout. Medium bodied with light carbonation, nice hoppy aftertaste that lingers. One for the deep south hopheads...

Serving type: can

05-31-2012 01:28:10 | More by emerge077

EgadBananas

Louisiana

4.03/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Canned around late October.

Pours a muddy copper color, tan coloured head. no real lacing to be had. Bright citrus aroma, some tropical fruits and slight bready malts. Bitter front, citrus, pine and resins. Creamy, slick, oily medium feel. Good, easy drinking IPA...Thanks Jamie!

Serving type: can

11-11-2012 22:59:26 | More by EgadBananas