Avery Brewing Co makes some great beers. I recognized the name, and that this was a special bottle the likes of which I’d never seen. Upon a second glance, I realized this was no ordinary beer. The foil wrapper, the intriguing art, the $10 price tag. This little guy came from Batch 4, brewed in April 2008, and clocks in at 15.53% ABV! This is more than your average mixed drink at a bar! I think legally that makes this wine rather than beer, but lawyers, whatever. This is absolutely a sipping beer. The taste is surprisingly malty for such a high ABV. The strong taste of alcohol is still there, a third of the way through the glass, but it is slowly slipping away. I bet the last gulp of this will be incredible! This is hardly hoppy at all, although it’s got a hint of spice to it, maybe cinnamon or clove. The oak flavor is subtle. How does one make a beer that is 15% ABV? Turbinado sugar, in this case. It says so on the label. Basically, the yeast added to beer eats the sugars and converts them to alcohol and CO2. To get a higher ABV, you can add sugar and the yeast has more to eat. However, adding refined sugar can lead to off flavors. I imagine Avery used oak chips to mask some of the off flavor, and make this smoother and more interesting on the palette. While I’m enlightening you, the discerning reader, check this out too.  I’m only halfway through and already I can feel me getting drunk. I haven’t eaten dinner yet, but this little guy is knocking me out. If you are an experimental beer drinker (and I assume you are, if you are visiting this site!), then I’d say absolutely try this out if you get a chance. Or, if you like to drink but feel that a 6 pack is too filling, you could also give this guy a spin.

Specs:
12 oz. bottle
15.53% ABV