Beer Review: Twenty One by Avery Brewing Co.

Avery Brewing Company in Colorado makes my favorite Imperial IPA, Maharaja. It's not the easiest beer to find on the shelves, so I was stoked to find a bottle the other day at the Beer & Wine Emporium in NJ. And I was even more stoked to find this newcomer sitting next to it: Avery's 21st Anniversary Ale, aptly named Twenty One.

As a Maharaja fan, I was pleased to read that Avery describes Twenty One as "an Imperial India-Style Brown Ale." I pictured Maharaja, but with a darker side. And that is just what I tasted. Below is my review of Twenty One. It's the same review I put up on Beer Advocate, but instead of using Beer Advocate scoring, I scored it according to BJCP judging guidelines, as if I were evaluating it at a competition (I happen to be a certified beer judge).

Appearance: When held to natural light, clarity, a frenzy of carbonation, and garnet highlights are visible, but the dark mahogany color of this beer makes it otherwise look opaque. The beige head is pleasantly thick and creamy. 3/3

Aroma: Caramel sweetness is nicely balanced by toasted malt and a generous helping of resinous, citrus, and herbal hops. Gentle notes of medium roast coffee and milk chocolate waft in from the background. 9/12

Flavor: Roasted malt serves as the foundation for much brighter flavors. The taste matches the aroma--a complex, yet well balanced spread of butterscotch, brown sugar, tropical fruit, and plenty of zesty C-hops. I'd call it a roasty Imperial IPA, a style of beer that could become a fast favorite of mine if made with this level of panache. Avery Brewing Co. refers to this beer as an "imperial-India Style Brown Ale," and the taste tells me they've met their goal. 18/20

Mouthfeel: Creamy, yet medium-bodied, this is a sipper that's not too heavy. Moderate carbonation and a smooth finish help the wonderfully complex flavors to shine. 5/5

Overall: Avery makes my favorite Imperial IPA , Maharaja, and this anniversary beer is just as good...actually, it's better. It's very similar to the Maharaja, but with some hearty toastiness that brings more balance to the sweet and tangy, and also makes it perfect for colder weather or a cozy indoor evening. Ready to buy another bottle! 8/10

Total Score: 43/50

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