The Swill: The Czar Imperial Stout
The Still: Avery Brewing Company
Boulder, Colorado
http://www.averybrewing.com
The Drill: Imperial Stout, 22oz bottle, 10.77% ABV, available October through March
The Spill: The people at Avery wanted to brew a big Imperial Stout, and they did it, alright. This monster is nearly opaque, giving off a deep ruby hue around the topmost quarter-inch in the glass. The head is a light mocha color, and the carbonated mouthfeel is like regular Coca-Cola with extra syrup. A bold coffee aroma entices the drinker in for a sip, which had better be a little one. The first impressions are those of molasses, roasted malt, and alcohol. A hint of black licorice or anise becomes more prevalent as the beer starts to reach room temperature, almost as if someone spiked it with a little bit of Jagermeister. The hops stings the back of the tongue while the alcohol hits the sides, but the sweetness rests in the front, providing a molassesy memory when all is said and done.
Says Bill: I was looking forward to drinking this one, but I was a little underprepared for it. There is such a thing as going too far, and Avery didn't quite tow the line, I fear. My favorite qualities of a good Imperial Stout are a dark, roasted, bitter body and a nice sweetness interlaced within. Black licorice isn't a note I like my beer to hit, and this one hit it a little too hard. I dumped the last 6 ounces down the sink.
Refill?: A big, strong beer for sure, but a little too right of center: 2.5 taps out of 5.