Metal Monkey Bottle Release Is This Weekend

ROMEOVILLE, IL — As it gears up for its second anniversary, Romeoville's Metal Monkey Brewing is planning the second annual release of flagship bottled beer Asmodeus. The barrel-aged Russian imperial stout was the brewery's first bottled beer release and sold out in less than two weeks last year, brewer Jason Janes said. This time around, Metal Monkey is bumping up production and adding three new variants in addition to the original: maple syrup, Mexican chocolate and coffee, featuring coffee that's hand-roasted in house. All four variants will be available on tap and for purchase on Dec. 2 at the brewery, 515 Anderson Dr.

"It's a big beer," Janes said of the 12 percent ABV brew, which proved to be a big hit with Metal Monkey fans last year. In 2016, Janes said the brewery hand-bottled 1,200 to 1,300 bottles of the original Asmodeus.

This time around, Janes expects demand to be even higher. "We brought in a bottling company to help us out this year," he said.

According to Metal Monkey, there will be 1,500 bottles of original Bourbon Barrel Aged Asmodeus for sale, plus 450 of maple and 300 of coffee and Mexican chocolate.

Bottles will be sold on only out of Metal Monkey's tap room for the first few weeks before being released to area bottle shops, Janes said.

The Asmodeus bottle release starts at noon Dec. 2, but a food truck will be on site at 11 a.m., according to Janes, who said guests will be able to buy pastries and other treats to pair with their beer. Metal Monkey is working on adding a second food truck to the lineup later in the day.

The release marks another milestone for Metal Monkey, which celebrated its first anniversary on Jan. 28. In February, the brewery was named the Village of Romeoville's Business of the Year, and in August, it celebrated RomeoFest with a special brew, RomeoPils.

Janes said an expansion is also in the works for Metal Monkey, which is now leasing the space next door. Initially, the space will serve as additional grain and barrel storage for the brewery. Janes said Metal Monkey is also upgrading its license to allow it to increase distribution to area bars and restaurants.

"The demand has been there," said Janes, adding customers have been asking about the second Asmodeus release. "It's nice to see people enjoy it."All the bottles are hand waxed and stamped in what Janes calls "a labor of love."

Metal Monkey's tap room is open from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Thursday, and noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The brewery is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Listen to Janes and fellow brewer Dan Camp talk about the Asmodeus release on the ABV Chicago podcast.

Image courtesy of Metal Monkey