Nimbus Brewing’s Old Monkey Shine, English Strong Ale (Tuscon, Arizona)
If you drive just short of two hours south of Phoenix, you’ll come upon the second largest metropolitan city in Arizona, Tuscon. With roots dating back to the old west, Tuscon has a lot of sights to see, and several microbreweries to quench your thirst after a long journey across the blazing desert. Opening in the spring of 1996, Nimbus Brewing Company made it’s mark on an unsuspecting public, drowning in the fizzy yellow sea of Macro made, industrial swill that some call beer. Inspired by traditional English style ales, which laid the foundation for their beers, they offer a wide variety featuring everything from easy drinking Blonde ales all the way to the thick and sweet oatmeal stouts.
Old Monkey Shine is an English Strong Ale by definition, and when they say “Strong”, they mean it. It comes in at a walloping 8.2% alc. but the booze is hidden so well, you wouldn’t guess it until it’s far too late. It pours a dark ruby color with an extremely thick and creamy tan head. Aroma’s of toffee, roasted chocolate and sweet caramel are abound. Notes of bready biscuits, subtle fruity figs, tinges of brown sugar and an underlying backbone of roasted coffee and sweet caramel round out the malty flavors. Hop bitterness comes from 100% English Kent Golding Hops. The hops essence comes in the finish which is earthy, mildly spicy and finishes dry. There is not any hop aroma whatsoever. As I get about halfway through the glass, the warming alcohol notes start to kick in, making my cheeks feel warm and my ears turn red. This is almost too easy to drink, and with such a full range of flavors and smooth mouthfeel, I definitely want another.
I can imagine sitting outside on a crisp fall night, in front an open fire pit, puffing on cigars and accompanied by good friends and family, Old Monkey Shine would definitely be the right beer for the occasion. This ale would pair very well with grilled steak marinated in Worchestershire Sauce and topped with blue cheese and bacon crumbles, a baked potato with all the fixings and finished off with some dark chocolate mousse for dessert.
Nimbus Brewing Co. also has a bistro in Tuscon, where they pair their award winning ales with great cuisine. I definitely will be making the trek down there the first chance I get. I’m extremely impressed with this ale and can not wait to try their other offerings. Until next time, Cheers!
NIMBUS BREWING CO.
3850 E. 44th Street
Tuscon, AZ. 85713
520.745.9175
Craft Beer Explorer 