Avery Hog Heaven

I first had this beer at the Avery brewery in Boulder and I was seriously impressed. Having never tasted a barleywine, I was surprised to taste an intense hop presence reminiscent of a good IPA. The color was a great ruby hue and the mouthfeel was smooth and very drinkable all while the sweet malt flavors contributed to a very balanced flavor. I would highly recommend this beer.

Pour with a 1 finger width head that reduces to a half finger width. Good lacing throughout. Smell is seriously hopsy, good grapefruit and orange peel scent. Color is a good amber color. Taste is predictably hoppy which I am very happy with. I didn’t really notice any sort of sweet finish. Has a very crisp flavor that is very good.

Had this on tap at Ashleys in Ann arbor. Smelled nice, citrus and bitter fruit. Really fills the mouth, smooth with a great malt backbone and layers of punchy hops throughout. This stuff is nice, a good one for conversation.

Fruity, hop and citrus aroma. Amber brown with frothy head that quickly dissipates. Grapefruit and malt. Well balanced, go’s down smooth. Good thick mouth feel. Very good overall. drink this bi-weekly.

Pours a beautiful deep amber color, nicely formed lace head. Aroma is very hoppy (hoppier than I expected). Flavor is hoppy with some understated fruit finishes. Very smooth, easily drinkable. Definitely recommended.

1-15-08 tap
Medium thick amber color with thick head and pillowy lacing. Smell is sweet and hoppy. Nice big smooth creamy body - really impressed! Very drinkable. Flavor is nicely developed and not too bold. Nice finish.

Sampled on tap. Pours a clear amber color with some offwhite head and a bit of lacing. Smell is big and vibrant fresh and awesomely fruity hops with notes of juicy apricot like hop aromas. Taste is blanced and nicely hopped but with a caramelly sweet maltiness and a hint of alcohol as well. Ridiculously smooth and easy to drink for a barley wine. Slightly viscous body, and a fantastic smooth example of the style. Great beer.

Strong hops with moderate malts mixed in. Clear orange amber color with a medium tan head. Creamy start with hop bitterness middle that fades slightly into a malty and creamy finish.