Grizzly Growler

I’m on Belgian beers this summer, which is typical for warm weather, or when I’m near a good selection.

Belgian beers are great with food. Heck, they’re great by themselves, with a cigar, a good friend, on the back porch, front porch and after you mow the lawn. They’re great beers.

I’ve not been as intrigued by the way American brewers interpret Belgian brew, but occasionally you find a gem out there.

Victory Brewing Company, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, produces a fantastic beer called Golden Monkey, a golden, Belgian-style ale.

I love Belgian beers with spicy food, or food with a ton of character. The beer has a ton of character, so it’s a natural partner to full-flavored food. I love Belgian beers with Thai food like Pad Thai or basil noodles.

Victory’s Golden Monkey is a perfected match for spicy food of the Asiatic variety.

One of our favorite family dishes is called Raj’s Chickpeas. It’s a spicy bean dish with onions, diced tomatoes and cumin seed served over basmati rice. We started making it in college when we needed a fast, inexpensive meal, and it has become a staple for us.

When I popped open the Golden Monkey, the nose was all banana ether, which is very typical in Belgian beers. The color was cloudy straw. On the tongue it was all champagne bubbles and fruit. This beer has many unique characteristics so that it takes a few to figure out just what it is about one in particular.

So if you’re eating Thai or Indian for dinner, grab a few Golden Monkeys to go along. You’re palate and your guests will thank you.

Jay baniya banja hakim, to gajab khuda,

GG