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We’re on our way to the Oktoberfest celebration in Hermann, MO, and I’ve already had a Schlafly Oktoberfest to satisfy my daily requirement as part of my Oktoberfest Challenge. While my intention was to dig into my freshly home brewed pumpkin beer, my friend also had this Left Hand 400lb Monkey in his cooler and offered it to me. Since I haven’t had it before, and I do appreciate ESB’s and English IPA’s I thought it would be a good break from the Oktoberfest challenge marzens and pumpkin beers.
In the little clear, plastic cup I had, it appeared to be a golden copper color with a thin head on it. There was a light floral and citrus hop aroma with a little bit of malty breadiness.
It had a light-medium body, and was smooth drinking. The front with a a bit malty sweet, with a bigger floral and citrusy hop bitterness coming through in the middle. The citrusy flavor was a bit more lemony than the typical grapefruit flavors from the hops. The finish had a very pleasant floral and piney hop bitterness to it.
Maybe it’s the English emphasis of this beer, but I’m thinking it would go very nicely with some bangers and mash. Even if you can’t get that, it would go well with a burger as well.
This had an interesting hop flavor up front and in the middle, and a very enjoyable hop flavor in the finish. It was a very good beer to drink while sitting around and shooting the bull with friends. Maybe it’s been so long since I’ve drunk anything but a pumpkin beer or Oktoberfest marzen, but I found this to be a very well balanced beer that made me look forward to hanging out pub-style with friends later in the day.
My Rating: 
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