Beer pick of the week: Ale to the Chief
October 15th, 2008 by Jeff Holland in Drink
Ale to the Chief
Avery Brewing Company
Boulder, CO
8.75% ABV
Dubbed a “Presidential,” rather than “Imperial,” pale ale in honor of American democracy, Avery’s election year tribute beer was originally to be released for the Inauguration in January, but the excitement of the race has pushed the schedule forward a few months, proving that opportunistic marketing is alive and well in the craft beer segment. Due to its popularity, a second batch will be bottled next month. I plan to have a few on hand for the Inauguration, and for once I may have something to celebrate. Ale to the Chief pours a deep, orange gold with a thin, clingy head that beads ups nicely to show off its strength. The aroma is of floral, citrus hops and toffee malt, with a hint of yeastiness. The taste is spicy on the tongue, but with a complex malt sweetness from dark Munich and honey malts. An underlying fruitiness is evinced by apricot, orange pith, and grapefruit flavors. Magnum hops deliver a solid bitterness throughout, with a sharp alcohol in the nose. The mouthfeel is full but crisp, with a dry finish from the hops and alcohol.
(Photo by Jeff Holland)
October 16th, 2008 at 4:38 am
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October 20th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
this beer is truly excellent – not a surprise though, you can’t go wrong with much from Avery!