Avery's Maharaja

This is the first in a series of guest reviews by Beer Guide. They will tend to focus on double IPAs, imperialized reds, in general, "statement" beers by notable craft brewers.There will also be reviews of more obscure and relatively
new Belgian beers.



The Maharaja Imperial India Pale Ale

The Avery Brewing Co. from Boulder Colorado is just one of many notable breweries from that state. I had been very curious about this beer for quite some time; recently I had a chance to try some. I was not disappointed. It poured a cloudy copper colour with a respectable head. At 9.9% alcohol and 102 IBUs, it's substantial. The nose was quite floral with strong citrus notes, very inviting. Up front is malt, sweet but not overly so. This is smoothly integrated with the big citrusy hop finish. Overall it's very smooth, well balanced and goes down easy with a long finish. It has an oily mouth feel indicative of very heavily hopped beers. All in all a good addition to the ever growing style of double IPAs, as pioneered by the west coast brewers.
The Maharaja says: "Bless them all!"