Avery Brewing Co. – The Maharaja

Some of the beers that I lost the pictures for pain me more than others and this is certainly one that falls in that category.  Fortunately I have no need to remember how to find it because I never forget what it looks like.  That and I have had a tendency in the past of naming my fantasy football teams after Avery beers and I won the league once as “The Maharaja.”  That’s correct; I combine my beer geekness and my sports geekness into one glorious package.

Now then, onward we go . . .

Brewery: Avery Brewing Co. (Boulder, CO)

Name: The Maharaja

Style: (American) Imperial IPA

ABV: 10.69%

Tasting Notes: Stored in the wine fridge (52 degrees or so) and served in an oversized wine glass/snifter.  $7.79 for 1pt. 6oz.

Aroma: Prominent, slightly estery hop aroma (not harsh) with some sweetness and alcohol in back.

Appearance: Medium copper color with some orange tint.  Slight (one finger or so) off-white head that dissipates pretty quickly with nice legs and trail.  Clear with few visible small, rising bubbles.

Flavor: High amount of strong hop flavor that seems to have a different character with every sip.  There is some underlying malty sweetness that helps to balance out the hoppiness.  A lot of bitterness is definitely there, but it is not overpowering.  The bitterness does linger after the finish though not in a harsh or unpleasant way.

Mouthfeel: Medium to light body with a moderate level of carbonation (without any real sharpness).  Very smooth with some barely noticeable warmth.

Overall Impressions: Certainly delivers on expectations of hops, hops, hops, and more hops.  There is a ton of flavor without being harsh.  Strong/powerful flavors, but easy drinking and a very nice beer (if you are into hop flavors).  The foil over the cap does look nice, but I dislike dealing with it (only when it is adhered)

Grade: A-

Just go toward the area that has the bottles with the golden Avery banner at the bottom, then look for the silver foil (with a giant “A”) on top of a bottle that has a green label with golden yellow and black lettering.  Then introduce yourself to the gentleman displayed in the middle.