In the past years I would have momentarily glanced at the Avery beers on shelves at liquor stores and walked on by. Reflecting back on that a few months ago I realized it was due to a simple factor. The labeling. Their old labels seems out of date making me think that this amazing brewery (from that I had heard) was more your run of the mill craft beers. Well, ever since they updated their packaging within the last year I’ve been on board 100%. Call me shallow, but it goes to show that quality marketing and branding go a long way in distinguishing yourself from pack.
With that said I finally picked up my first 6pk of Avery’s beers (before then I just bought single bottles). Joe’s it was. What draw me to this beer was the mobster character on the front of the can. Being from the Chicago area there something about the prohibition era that excites me. Regardless, the minute I bopped the seal on that first can I was sold.
A white foam slowly grew out of the can (don’t worry it does not gush) giving me some indication that this beer was fresh and active. The pour looked crips and refreshing like a lemonade. A glorious hazy light straw golden hue filled the glass until I realized a creamy egg shell white head was growing nicely. Visually this is a very well crafted beer. Great head retention and boy does it lace…all the way down the glass. Cheap macro American pilsners are fizzy and super clear. The haze in this beer gave it some character and reminded me that I invested my money into something brewed with passion.
The smell was as pretty big for a pilsner. More along the lines of a German Pils the malt was bready, light sweet notes and then whap! Hops. Herbal, bright, floral, and strong. Altogether the beer exuded aromas like hay, grass, white wine, straw, fresh grain and barn.
The taste is definitely bitter with a grassy herbal approach. Right up front it hits you and then big time in the finish. It is dry and mouth smacking in the aftertaste as the hops take over the light malt. This only helps to make it all the more sessionable as you want to take another sip to quench your palate. I found that the hops were hefty enough to clean your palate of greasier foods while the lighter malt notes helped relieve it of some spicy sauces. This beer is perfect for the Summer months and football events (I’m sure you could even trick your swill drinking friends into drinking it).