Victory Berry Monkey

Victory Berry Monkey comes as a six-pack of domestic beer listed from Massachusetts, and the name points to a fruited beer with berry character. The listing gives no ABV, IBU or style designation, so what follows describes what berry beers of this kind usually do rather than a measured profile. Check the label for strength and style before pairing or serving. In berry-forward beers, the fruit usually shows up as a jammy or tart-berry aroma over a malt or yeast backbone. Bitterness is typically restrained so the fruit stays in front, and the finish ranges from off-dry to lightly tart depending on the base beer. If the base leans Belgian-style, expect some spicy yeast character and a drier finish. If it is a lighter ale, expect a cleaner, juicier profile. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 40 to 45°F. Pulling it from the refrigerator ten minutes before pouring lets the fruit aroma open up, while straight-from-the-fridge temperatures tend to flatten it. A tulip or snifter-style glass concentrates berry aromatics best, and a standard pint or wine-style glass works if you don't have one. Pour with a gentle tilt and leave any yeast sediment in the bottle if the label indicates a bottle-conditioned beer. For food, fruited beers tend to suit salty and rich dishes where the berry notes act as a counterpoint. Aged cheddar, creamy brie or goat cheese, roast duck, pork belly and charcuterie are natural matches, as are lightly sweet desserts such as cheesecake or vanilla ice cream. Spicy dishes can clash with a sweeter fruit profile, so choose milder heat if you pair it with something like Thai or Mexican food.