HAPPY VESAK DAY TO BUDDHIST FRIENDS, HAPPY LONG WEEKEND TO THE REST!
Funny that I’m posting on alcoholic beverage when the one of the precept is No intoxicants! 
Most of the teachings would have equate no intoxicant as no alcohol. oh my god! 
But according to Medical Science, they have shown that moderation level of alcohol has positive effects on cholesterol and prevention against heart attacks & strokes. Besides it helps to provide mild euphoria & removes inhibtions, which relaxes & opens up one mind. This healthier, isn’t it? 
I do agree that at higher intake levels, alcohol’s toxic effects may to impacts thinking, and raising the risk of liver disease, high blood pressure & cancers.
Fortunately, I’m not a excessive drinker. Hence, alcohol is a medicine to me as long as it don’t intoxicate my mind, it don’t breaks my health too huh? and you were thinkig I was afraid to break the precept during Vesak day ah? Noooooooo … fortunately, I’m not into these precepts theory hahahaha … Just be good & kind, I guess that will be good enough So let get on with those beverages with alcohols
Ice cold Ale or Beer, they are such a refreshing beverage any time, any hour. I spent my last remaining NZ$20 on 5 bottles of these delectable Monteith’s liquids. And got back NZ$9++ change back for lunch. Wow! they costs about NZ$2++ per bottle, that’s pretty affordable. From honey spiced summer ale to sweet , crisp & smooth dark beer, I simply adore every drop of it.
While i really wish I could give a personal taste reviews, I don’t think I can remember well after a span of 4months, beside the Monteith’s website gives so more detailed description along with some interesting facts on how these Ale & Beer were brewed, so I’m just gonna plug n play here, their words in italics :P
SUMMER ALE
Monteith’s Summer Ale is a refreshingly different beer. The opportunity to rediscover some flavour highlights of beer styles enjoyed on summer days past, and bring them back to life.
At the end of last century, in England, Europe and the Americas and in New Zealand, there was still an adherence to brew with barley, wholesome grains, hops and other traditional brewing spices.
True to tradition Monteith’s Summer Ale is a bright gold beer with great body from four different malts. Spiced with a single hop variety and a touch of history - a little Rata honey. Subtle, but enough to make all the difference. The result is a truly refreshing, herbal spiced summer ale that’s a splendid thirst quencher.
Monteith’s Summer Ale enjoyed ice-cold with a simple range of fruits, perhaps refreshing wedge of orange or lime. Alternatively, match with summer salads and stir-frys to complement the light flavours.
WINTER ALE
With distinct warming properties, Monteith’s Winter Ale has been brewed especially for the colder months of winter.
Exhibiting a deep red fiery hue Monteith’s Winter Ale is made from a combination of five premium malts, with hints of spicy cinnamon, resulting in a rich, bold, malty flavour and velvety smoothness.
The cinnamon characters are the perfect balance for the Green Bullet, Super Alpha and Pacific Hallertau hops developing a delicious, spicy, floral aroma
When poured, a creamy collar of foam will form. Monteith’s Winter Ale is best served at slightly warmer temperature to enhance the aroma and flavour characteristics of the brew. 8-10 degrees is recommended.
RED BEER
Monteith’s Celtic Beer is considered an ‘Irish-style ale’ in the heritage of beers of a burnt-red colour traditionally brewed in the Emerald Isle.
Monteith’s Celtic Beer has a dry roasted malt flavour characteristic of this style of brewing. This malty characteristic and crisp dryness is derived from malts of the roasted chocolate malt style. The hop character is medium to allow the chocolate malts to show through.
Monteith’s brewers have been able to develop traditional ale fermentation characters while allowing the interesting roasted malt notes to come through in the aroma.
ORIGINAL ALE
Brewed to the same Monteith family recipe since 1868, Monteith’s Original Ale is considered a pale ale in the heritage of beers brewed last century.
By today’s standards, Monteith’s Original Ale is fairly dark and this illustrates how much beers have changed over time. In the 1700s, the average beer was very dark and since then mainstream beers have gradually become lighter in colour.
Monteith’s Original Ale has a solid malty characteristic tending to the dark crystal malt range, with notes of caramel or burnt sugar.
However, its key focus is extra bitterness, as the tradition of pale ales tends to be beers with significant hop characteristics.
BLACK BEER
Monteith’s Black Beer is in a league of its own in the heritage of very dark West Coast beers brewed prior to restrictions imposed on beers in New Zealand during World War II.
By today’s standards, Monteith’s Black Beer is distinctive, with a higher alcohol content than ‘mainstream’ beers and a crisp dark maltiness. This complex malty characteristic shines through from the use of five different premium malts. With biscuit, nutty, caramel, chocolate and coffee malt characteristics, it’s a special taste in beers that is truly akin to the rich black beers historically produced on the West Coast of New Zealand.
Monteith’s brewers have developed traditional yeasty fermentation characters through which they meld berry-fruit notes with the aroma of this complex blend of malts.Monteith’s brewers have been able to develop traditional yeasty fermentation characters and some fruity/berry-fruit notes to the aroma.
The blend of these characteristics creates a balance that reflects the historic style of ‘pale ales’ ~ good body, complex ale fruitiness and a significant hoppy aftertaste.
Monteith’s beers are not pasteurised, which better preserves their natural, traditional flavours.
So there you have them all. Thirsty for some? I am, unfortunately, I have yet find my supply in Sunny Singapore. if you know, please do let us know! Thanks! Do visit their website for more juicy information: Monteith’s Brewing Company
And HAPPY VESAK DAY again! (Just in case you missed it earlier)
