1001 Beers

Beer No: 41/1001
Page No: 183
Category: Amber

A couple of weeks ago, Paste posted this article on the 30 Best Beer Bars in America, and based on the two that I visited up in San Francisco over my visits there, the list is pretty spot on.  I also have a friend who has been to the Oakland bar and can vouch for it's awesomeness as well.  So if you're looking for a good beer bar in your part of the country, check this list.  It's pretty legit.  Plus, it's got the Brick Store Pub in Decatur, GA on it, so you know it's on task.  I recently completed a 6,000 mile road trip across the U.S. with the Brick Store being my ultimate Eastern destination.  It was a great experience (despite having to wait an hour to drink beer due to antiquated Georgia laws).  Back in 2009, they also posted the 25 best Breweries of the Decade - all of which I'm sure are in the book of 1001 Beers.

It's tough not to compare this Avery Maharaja to the Imperial IPA I had just yesterday, the Beer Valley Reefer Madness.  But even without yesterday's beer as a comparison point, it's quite obvious that this is the cream of the crop of Imperial IPAs (or Double IPAs). As I am writing this post, I am unfortunately out of Maharaja.  All I want right now is another.  So I'm definitely heading down to BevMo in Costa Mesa tomorrow to pick up 10 more that I have on order (6 for me, 4 for a friend).  I have one Sierra Nevada Pale in the fridge that will have to do, but I just want another Maharaja right now.  It is absolutely delightful.  It's just so well balanced - heavy in hops as an IIPA should be, but also nice malts - resulting in a beautiful amber brownish-red color and the perfect amount of carbonation and lacing.

To put it simply, this is in the top 3 in terms of beer I've ever tasted (and rated).  It's technically in the #4 spot on my list, but right up there in the top 3, I have a mead rating, which I don't really classify as a beer.  Better than Stone's Ruination, better than AleSmith's IPA, this Imperial IPA is just heaven in a bottle.  And, to be clear, I'm refering to Batch 11, brewed March, 2010.  If you can find this in your local store, buy them out.  You won't be disappointed.  I can't find it in my three local stores, but luckily I can drive about 20 minutes to get some more.  Hopefully the ones I buy tomorrow will last me for a while.  I'm sure 6 will supplement my daily beer intake just fine over the next few months.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Avery The Maharaja Imperial India Pale Ale from Avery Brewing Company

Aroma: 8/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 10/10
Palate: 4/5
Overall: 18/20

Rating: 4.4 / 5.0

Had from bottle from BevMo. Batch 11, brewed March, 2010. Pours reddish brown with little head, awesome lacing, and tan film that sticks around to the end. It’s tough not to compare this to the Leafer Madness IIPA I had yesterday, so be prepared...the Avery is a bit darker as more malts seem to be used and it is perfectly carbonated. The flavors all blend together perfectly. Taste of floral, citrus, pine, grapefruit, great malt undertones, and amazing hop finish - smooth, not dry or astringent. The best IIPA or IPA I’ve sampled - definitely best in category.