Salvation

[steveh]

Belgian-style golden ale, Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, CO. 22 oz brown bottle, 9% ABV

Pours a hazy, deep gold color with some red tones, giving it a sort of ripe peach color. Thick, light cream-colored that holds up well and leaves nice lacing (on my Duvel glass - hope that wasn't sacrilege).

Spicy fruit and bready nose - much like a spiced zucchini bread or fruit cookie. Alcohol becomes more prominent with warming, as does some slight DMS.

Fleeting biscuit malts in initial taste, followed by a lightly tart apples and cherry flavor with alcohol back. Dry finish, but smooth - not cloying. Subtle bitterness in finish too. Alcohol becomes more prominent with warming, as does some phenols, sort of harsh at this point, but not deterring.

A closer inspection of the label gives hints at flavor character: Brewed with Belgian malted barley, Belgian candy sugar, Styrian Goldings hops, and authentic Belgian yeast.

Smooth, syrupy mouth-feel. Medium body leaning toward heavy. Some effervescence lightens the body some, but not as champagne-like as a Duvel or Westmalle.

A very enjoyable brew, nice for quiet savoring or coupled with a whitefish or light chicken recipe.

S.

[Beaver]

Steveh, do you get much Avery around there? I have yet to try this. Salvation and the Reverend are noth on my list to try sometime.

[studentofbeer]

Steveh, i always enjoy your reviews, so i hope you can give me some tips on the more technical terms you use.

DMS, phenols and some other terms I can't think of right now get mention in your reviews quite a bit, and I was wondering if you could give a quick guide to what some of the more obtuse terms relate to so that I can expand my vocabulary and tasting instincts.

[Beaver]

On that same note, I've seen anise mentioned in beer write-ups. Can anyone describe what anise smells / tastes like?

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Beaver
On that same note, I've seen anise mentioned in beer write-ups. Can anyone describe what anise smells / tastes like?

Black licorice. A very nice flavor I might add.

We can get several of the Avery beers here in the DC area.

[steveh]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
Steveh, i always enjoy your reviews, so i hope you can give me some tips on the more technical terms you use.

I'm OBTUSE? ;)

I'll put together a little table or something some time but, here are some present answers:

DMS (Dimethyl sulfide) is always likened to cooked vegetables. Imagine the aroma of an open can of green peas or corn. Many of the macros are guilty of this nose (think: corn in the mash) right off the bat - Yuengling being one of the biggest offenders. I've noticed this aroma in some warm-fermented beers as they get warmer on serving, but never terribly offensive. It's considered an acceptable character at low levels in lagers and Kölsch, but a fault in all other ales.

A Phenol flavor is medicinal, sort of sharp and dry at the same time. Ever pull a band-aid off your arm with your teeth? That sort of acrid taste (smell, for that matter) you get? This trate is often referred to as astringent or tannic too. Many Hefeweizens have the flavor but it balances well with the rest of the beer and blends.

And Chaz is dead on with Anise, ever heard of an Italian liqueur called Anisette? Uzo (sp?) has a similar flavor and some Italian sausages utilize fennel, which is similar in flavor.

Beaver, there is one particular paint store I frequent that carries the Avery beers in bomber bottles. I finally decided to grab one for tasting after hearing such good reports on the beers. I'll have to check out some more!

S.

[Beaver]

Thanks for the info Chaz and Steve!

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh


And Chaz is dead on with Anise, ever heard of an Italian liqueur called Anisette? Uzo (sp?) has a similar flavor and some Italian sausages utilize fennel, which is similar in flavor.

S.

We have a small, local, family run Italian restraunt near our house. The sausage with hints of anise is incredible. I just wish they served some decent beers. The best they have is Heineken which is why I drink water when I am there. I also occasionally put a bit of anise extract in my coffee. Delish!

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by steveh
....there is one particular paint store I frequent that carries the Avery beers in bomber bottles. I finally decided to grab one for tasting after hearing such good reports on the beers. I'll have to check out some more!

S.

Definitely do that; I don't think I have been disappointed in an Avery beer yet - Their standard IPA and Ellies Brown Ale are both good examples of their style...actually, the only one I've tried that left me a little indifferent was the 14'er ESB, but I only had it once and don't know what I may have had before it, so it gets another chance.

Their seasonals are all very tasty- The Czar Russian Imperial Stout, The Reverend Belgian, Old Jubilation winter warmer, the Eleven anniversary Imperial IPA has one of the most interesting hop profiles I've had.

Try them all! eventually, I will...(still have a few to go)

[Beaver]

Originally posted by BluesHarp
Definitely do that; I don't think I have been disappointed in an Avery beer yet - Their standard IPA and Ellies Brown Ale are both good examples of their style...actually, the only one I've tried that left me a little indifferent was the 14'er ESB, but I only had it once and don't know what I may have had before it, so it gets another chance.

Their seasonals are all very tasty- The Czar Russian Imperial Stout, The Reverend Belgian, Old Jubilation winter warmer, the Eleven anniversary Imperial IPA has one of the most interesting hop profiles I've had.

Try them all! eventually, I will...(still have a few to go)

I'll second this. Avery makes some quality stuff!

[YamahaXS]

I had some Salvation right after I had some Eleven. They are both excellent beers IMO. The Salvation was the perfect level of maltiness for my tastes, which tend to focus on pales and bitters.

cheers and beers

[BluesHarp]

...and then there is "The Beast"...15.7% ABV of Grand Cru; no water, just concentrated flavor...but that alcohol is awfully well hidden, I've been told.

I still haven't opened my bottle...I either need help or a very long evening! ;)

[Beaver]

Originally posted by BluesHarp
...and then there is "The Beast"...15.7% ABV of Grand Cru; no water, just concentrated flavor...but that alcohol is awfully well hidden, I've been told.

I still haven't opened my bottle...I either need help or a very long evening! ;)

I had one pretty raw. I thought the alcohol and sweetness were too pronounced. Aging could mellow it nicely though.