United Nations of Beer

Monty Pythons Holy Gr-ale

by Sebastian Lipsett
(Beer Delegate, BC, Canada)

Monty Python's Holy Gr-ale
Black Sheep Brewery, Yorks, UK

It was brought to my attention last week of the need for a proper Halloween review for some Halloween-esque beers. Figuring I had ample time to do this assignment, I reckoned I'd try for the extra mile and do the review in costume.

As it turns out, it is a wee bit harder making an evil-flying-assassin-monkey costume than I'd originally bargained for. The requested beer was R & B Brewing's Hop Goblin IPA, but by the time I had finished my costume (about 6.35pm yesterday) the government liquor store was closed and I could only choose from a cold beer and wine store. To say I feel a little shame would be an accurate assessment.

Dismayed at not finding the beer of choice, I expanded my search for something Halloweeney and stumbled upon Monty Python's Holy ale (spelled GRail on the bottle), as made by the Black Sheep Brewery in Yorkshire, England. It indicated right on the bottle that it was tempered over burning witches, so I mean, I just had to try...

The colour of this Ale came out just on the coppery side of red, and a distinct fruity aroma also greeted me on the pour. At this point I must say that I was sad to watch the head evaporate in a matter of 30 seconds. Perhaps this was a result of the burning witch tempering? I'm not sure exactly what other characteristics burning witches would add to the brew.

The MP Holy Grail/ale is definitely a very malty flavoured beer. All of the hops added seemed to settle on the fruity side of the flavour, as opposed to adding any real bitterness to the brew. As sad as I was about my mysteriously disappearing head, the beer delivered on the flavour side and I dare say that it is not the last time that this beer will touch my lips.

As for the costume! The party was a great time and I almost won the limbo contest... the girl who beat me was all of 5' tall, and being over a foot taller than her I felt I deserved a consolation prize. People kept on running into my wings until they just plain fell off while dancing. Oh well, what can you do? Happy Halloween!