The ingredients in Sour Monkey include water, malted barley, hops, yeast, and Brettanomyces. Let’s break down each ingredient and explore their role in creating this unique beer.
Water is the primary ingredient in any beer, and it forms the base for all the other ingredients. It provides the necessary hydration for the yeast to ferment the sugars and contributes to the overall mouthfeel and texture of the beer.
Malted barley is the main source of fermentable sugars in beer. It is responsible for providing the sweetness and body of the beer. In the case of Sour Monkey, the malted barley used is likely a pale malt variety to create a light and clean base for the other flavors to shine through.
Hops are the flowers of the hop plant and are used in beer for their bitterness, flavor, and aroma. They balance out the sweetness of the malt and add complexity to the beer’s taste profile. In Sour Monkey, the hops used might be of the noble variety, known for their subtle and floral characteristics.
Yeast is a crucial ingredient in beer as it is responsible for fermentation, where the yeast consumes the sugars from the malted barley and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide. In the case of Sour Monkey, Brettanomyces yeast is used in addition to the traditional brewing yeast. Brettanomyces is a wild yeast strain known for its funky and sour characteristics, which contribute to the unique flavor profile of the beer.
Lastly, the aging process in Chardonnay barrels introduces additional flavors to the beer. Chardonnay barrels are typically made of oak, which imparts flavors of vanilla, oak, and sometimes even a hint of wine-like qualities to the beer. This aging process adds complexity and depth to Sour Monkey, enhancing its sour lemon flavor and contributing to its dry finish.
To summarize, the ingredients in Sour Monkey include water, malted barley, hops, yeast (including Brettanomyces), and the additional flavors acquired from aging in Chardonnay barrels. Together, these ingredients create a complex and flavorful beer with a unique sour and oaky character.