The final bout of Round 2 for Master of Marzen 2020 sees Brew Monkey Beer Co. (TX) take on 3 Sheeps Brewing (WI).
Brew Monkey’s is one of San Antonio’s newest breweries who I’ve had the opportunity to try once before. 3 Sheeps was new to me this tournament, but put up a strong showing in round 1. Im excited for this bout!
Packaging Design
This criterion does not play into Brew Monkey’s favor, but packaging design has to go to 3 Sheeps for having a season-specific design. Running total: Brew Monkey 0-1 3 Sheeps.
Aroma
Brew Monkey’s Moody Marzen offers a deep and malty aroma. It has a slight warmth about it and sets the stage for what I hope to be a very flavorful brew.
3 Sheeps brew is equally strong, offering a deep malty and slightly earthy aroma. Honestly, these are both very excellent smelling brews.
I will give a slight edge to Brew Monkey here. Running total: Brew Monkey 1-1 3 Sheeps.
Flavor
Moody Marzen is a flavorful brew from the outset. A rush of toasted malts hits the tastebuds, and accelerates into a slightly earthier backend. A slight malt retains in the aftertaste, making for a great experience.
3 Sheeps opens much sweeter, with a nice, deep malty flavor. The backend is slightly bitey with a decent sweet twist. The aftertaste retains a mix of sweet and malty.
This one is going to Brew Monkey. Running total: Brew Monkey 2-1 3 Sheeps.
Body
As you can see below, neither brew retained a head or laced. With that in mind, it’s all about the mouthfeel.
Moody Marzen is a light and easy to drink brew. It’s mildly carbonated, and quite smooth.
3 Sheeps’ take is a bit heavier, very smooth, but sweet to the point it’s leaving a slight coating of my mouth.
With head retention and lacing being a dead rubber, I am inclined to give a slight edge to Brew Monkey here. It was deep and smooth, while maintaining flavor. I just found 3 Sheeps a bit sweet for my liking, in comparison. Running total: Brew Monkey 3-1 3 Sheeps.
People’s Choice
As in last year’s tournament, my Instagram followers have the opportunity to shape the decisions of each bout. In the 24 hours directly preceding each bout, a poll is placed on my Instagram story. Whoever has the most votes when the poll closes, takes this fifth criteria. So how did it shape up?
It was a close call in the end, but 3 Sheeps snuck out the People’s Choice win. Running total: Brew Monkey 3-2 3 Sheeps.
Results
Wow, another tight bout to close out round 2. Brew Monkey now progress to round 3 where they meet Double Nickel.
Be sure to check back regularly and to follow me on Instagram for your latest updates and opportunity to vote on each bout throughout the tournament. Until next time, cheers y’all!
Sgt. Suds 
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