Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale – A Beer Review
April 28, 2009
As you may or may not know, we’ve declared April English Ale Month here at The Brew Club.
Our latest English Ale is from Black Sheep Brewery, and its a 4.7% ABV English Pale Ale called Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale. You may recall that we recently reviewed another Black Sheep beer, Riggwelter.
Being something of a Monty Python fan, (as well as a fan of British Ales) I found this pint bottle label to be so amusing I just had to get it! I mean, it says that the ale is “Tempered over burning witches” right on the front! Too funny! Apparently, this beer was created in 1999 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Pythons! How fitting! (I wonder if they’ll make something for their 40th considering its 2009?)
The Holy Grail Ale is a coppery amber color that creates a nice foamy head in my glass. Upon smelling this particular Black Sheep beer, you can really tell that burning witches were used to temper the ale. There is a nice fruity scent that come through in the aroma – but not too much, and there’s a bready kind of smell to this beer as well that I thought was interesting too. Really nice.
Quickly on to the taste, it is very similar to the smell, mild hops, fruity, some malt sweetness and that bready thing too with just enough bitterness to make the balance. On the bitter scale, this ale was less bitter than the London Pride or even the Bass Ale. To me, it had the slight taste of sour apples or something similar – still, this beer is super smooth, and highly drinkable. My bottle was not overly carbonated, and the amount of hops in the taste was just right I thought. This ale has a wonderful aftertaste that is also surprisingly…fruity and slightly bitter!
As I finished drinking this Ale, I’m was thinking how nice a change from the heavy, sweet stouts I’ve been enjoying as of late. The Holy Grail Ale is creamy very, very smooth, and like I mentioned there is hop flavor, but not much of a hop ‘bite’. Did I mention this beer is smooth? I guess that’s where the burning witches help in the brewing process! If you see it on the shelf someplace, do yourself a favor and check it out – particularly if you like English Pale Ales. I really enjoyed this one.
Rating: 
Posted in 4 Star Reviews, All Brews Reviewed, English Beers
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I tried this one quite awhile ago, before my beer blogging days, and I don’t remember what I thought of it. I got it merely for the novelty of it being Monty Python.
Mike’s last blog post..Chocolate Indulgence Stout
April 28th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I thought this beer was ok. I made sure to get it for the novelty of the beer. I suppose that was pretty genius on the brewer’s part. I’d place it more in the 3 star area but preferences are different.
Michael Reinhardt’s last blog post..Review of Dark Lord by Three Floyds Brewing
April 29th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
I’ve not tries this, although I should have. I was always afraid that they had to pull out Monty Python for marketing to make up for a lack of flavor. I’ll give it a whirl this week.
Nate’s last blog post..Good, Great, or Terrible…
April 29th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Thanks for the comments guys. I’m pretty sure most folks would rate this beer as ‘average’ – nothing great, but nothing bad either. It doesn’t stand out as a really memorable beer except that I really, really enjoyed it when I had it. I’d get it again even if it had a different name!
Scott-TheBrewClub’s last blog post..Want to Learn Beer? Start Home Brewing
July 29th, 2009 at 5:22 am
I was not overly impressed but I did enjoy it.
Here is what I thought: http://www.taleofale.com/2009/06/chocolate-stout-face-off-few-other.html
Reuben´s last blog ..Another Belgian classic from Chicago.
March 6th, 2010 at 1:55 am
A friend got me a six pack as a gift as we are both Python fans. I found it surprisingly nice. Perfectly balanced and carbonated and very refreshing but with plenty of flavor. Highly recommended as an everyday drinking ale.
Unfortunately, my friend got it on a trip out of town. I drank the last bottle today and have not found it in Chicago yet. If anyone knows a store that carries it here, please reply.
I should note that the version sold in the U.S. is actually brewed at the High Falls Brewery in Rochester, NY under contract with Black Sheep.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:23 am
@Jim in Chicago – I’d agree. From what I remember, this would make a good beer for regular drinking. Now that I think of it, I often see this beer @ my local Whole Foods. Their website seems to indicate there are several in the area – give it a shot!
I was not aware of the contract brewing thing. I’ve never heard of that but looking into it it seems you’re right!
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Beer Review -Yards Extra Special Ale (ESA)