Microbrew Maps: Avery Brewing Co.

Avery Brewing Company – Collaboration Not Litigation Ale

Pulling into the Avery Brewing complex is an adventure unto itself, and it’s been entertaining watching them expand through a maze of warehouse space in South Boulder off Arapahoe Ave, although I suspect what’s entertaining to me, has been nothing short of a nightmare to them. A pure, hellish nightmare – but what a great thing they’ve accomplished with the hand that was dealt. Parking has always been a disaster, but who cares - such a minor trade-off for some of the best beer in the country.

Recent news has them purchasing a new piece of land , allotting them the ability to expand their brewing capacity, the brewpub itself and the amount of requisite office space. I am excited. You can read about it here: http://beerpulse.com/2011/10/avery-brewing-planning-to-stay-put-in-boulder/ Good for them, and this plan attests to both the success and vision of the Brewery itself.

Now, like I said, pulling in is an adventure. Prepare to dodge forklifts carrying palates of delicious beer down the alleyway, random kegs and people scuttlebutting around. Off to the right just after their main offices is the tasting room. Exit the vehicle, and take in the scene. Smell the air, it’s a beautiful thing. Faint skunky smell of hops and malt and fermentation.

The tasting room is cool, and the staff is totally knowledgeable and friendly – more than happy to help you through their selection of brews on tap. This time around, I saw they had one of their crafts I hadn’t yet tried before – Collaboration Not Litigation Ale. Here’s the backstory:

“Salvation. The name of two intricate Belgian-style ales, created by us, Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing and Adam Avery of Avery Brewing.

After becoming friends a few years ago, we realized we both had a Salvation in our lineups. Was it going to be a problem? Should one of us relinquish the name rights? “Hell, no!” we said. In fact, it was quickly decided that we should blend the brews to catch the best qualities of each and create an even more complex and rich libation. In April 2004, in a top secret meeting at Russian River Brewing (well, actually it was packed in the pub and many were looking over our shoulders wondering what the hell was going on), we came up with the perfect blend of the two Salvations.

Natalie, Vinnie’s much more significant other, exclaimed, “We should call this Collaboration, not Litigation Ale!” “Perfect,” we shouted! We celebrated deep into the night (or is that morning?). Fast forward to November 14, 2006. After talking about it for over two years, we finally decided to pull the trigger and Vinnie made the journey to Avery Brewing to brew his Salvation exactly as he does in his brewery.” (http://www.averybrewing.com/our-ales/91)

So that’s cool. On with the review:

Collaboration Not Litigation Ale:

Just a pretty beer. That’s all.

Seriously though, it really is a great beer. Pours a dark brown to amber color, with a solid head. Definitely has a light yeast and slightly dank fruity smell to it. Traces of alcohol as well. In terms of taste, it has a good caramel malty base, with very little bitterness at all. Good variety fruity flavors, with a yeasty mustiness that balances well. Extremely mellow on the palette. Lightly carbonated and unexpectedly drinkable. Overall, it’s truly a solid beer, and I’ll be having more.

So anyway, Avery serves great beer. Great folks. Great company in general. So find out if they distribute to your area, and pick up whatever you can. If you’re in the Boulder, Co. area, stop by and say hello.