Sweet 14

Avery Brewing Company is probably the best argument in favor of southwestern beer superiority. In terms of flavor, packaging, and lunacy, their beers rank highly in our little pantheon of liquid love. For anyone outside of the exteded four corners area, you’re seriously missing out. Oak aged barley wines? 15% abv. stouts? Imperial Oktoberfest Lager? Every year this brewery churns out beautiful bombers that make our tender clutches quake when we spot them in reachin refrigerators. If the full line were available in southern California we would have a stronger tolerance for booze.
In years past, the Avery Anniversary Ale has run the gamut from a beautiful Bock last year, to the still wishfully remembered Ten (10 hops, 10 malts, 110 IBU’s, 10% alc. by vol.) This year’s offering, a dry hopped dark ale, can be summarily described as “a fucking mouthful.”
The ale pours a deep mahogany color, reminiscent of many great imperial reds currently en vogue on the west coast. Bubbles abound in miniature infinities. Though they are never strong enough to form a lasting head these little armies arise at the mildest agitation and swirl so invitingly as to desire intimate knowledge of their physics. Think lacing that makes you want to remove your trousers…
While we did at first whine that we once again were deprived the depravity of an Avery Anniversary IPA, the complexity of this beer surprised and awed us into submission. In the nose this guy is full of red fruits, spices, and chocolate. The first sip is an explosion of malts that some abyss colored stouts barely achieve which fades directly into a full flavored dry hop finish. Dump this dude into a big glass with plenty of room for swirling and sniffing. You’ll find yourself contemplating its various flavor profiles like some kind of drunken pre-Socratic.
The 14 proves no ale is too dark for summer. Find this beer; wait until sunset, slow down.

Dairy Pairy: Beemster Classic (Or the eldest Gouda you can find. 16 months minimum.)
Soundtrack: Ethiopiques 21