Tasting Notes and Review of The Beast by Avery Brewing

I have a lot of respect for what Avery Brewing does. They brew uncompromisingly big beers and are one of those brewers that are redefining what beer can be. Every time I have an Avery beer I solemnly declare to whomever is nearby that this is my favorite Avery. Now, here's The Beast and I have to say, this is my favorite Avery, for now.

Pros

Cons

The Beast slides silky-like down the side of the glass. It is clear amber brown with little head. The nose is sweet and packed with notes of apricot, dates and apple cider. The first sip strikes the tongue as tart. The beer is thick and silky in the mouth with relatively low carbonation. The complex flavor is full of notes of brown sugar, dark fruit and a strong, warming alcohol presence. There isn't a lot of hops to notice until the end of the drink when a significant hop bitterness lingers.

This is definitely a sipping beer. I split a 12 oz. bottle with my wife and it took me more than half an hour to work through my share.

I'm writing this in August 2007, shortly after The Beast was released. Right now it's still young; the flavors are sharp and all over the place. With aging the rough edges of this beer will soften a bit and the flavors will blend some more. It's very good now but in time it will become a marvelous thing indeed.