Avery – Mephistopheles’ Stout (2006)
Dec0
a devilishly strong stout
When I chose this stout, I was going off of a few things I know I like. Firstly, I love darks, and stouts are one of my favorite. Second, I’ve had a few Avery beers, and usually they have a way of putting a spin on a beer that’s a little bit different, a little better. Finally, I wanted a nicer, more expensive beer, to have with a nice meal. Oh, and I have a history of drinking beers with Demon heads on them, but that’s a different story.
So when I was at my local bottled beer retailer, Bottleworks, and I saw the red foiled, shiny stout, I thought I would give it a whirl. Little did I know, this devious brew was going to give me a whirl!
What I didn’t take note of, is that this beer has a 16.03% alcohol by volume. Once again I remind you, this is not a tipple or IPA, but a stout. I opened and it poured nicely, with a beautiful rich and dark head. However on first sip, Mephistopheles informed me why this was his stout. The first sip is almost antiseptic in nature. The malted barley and hops were not meant to be bent and twisted to this high of an ABV. The after taste is barely recognizable, like fine vodka. I’m drinking it straight out the refrigerator, and even at this cold, I can smell the mouthwash aroma.
I decided to finish my meal, and let this beast sit. Perhaps patience will dominate it.
15 min later, the brew is losing its alcoholic punch, and the Stout is coming out to let its self be know. It still needs to still a bit longer.
I’ve finished my meal, cleaned the dishes, and I look across the room, at this dominating stout, and give in, and decide to finish it. The alcohol flavor has passed as much as it is going to. What’s left is one of the strongest stout flavors I’ve ever imbibed. There is almost an oaky finish, while maintaining a velvety smooth texture. I like it, but I know that this beer is my better. I doubt I will finish it within the hour. Avery has twisted this stout into a demon, only those strong enough should attempt to drink.
The Good: When you get to it, it’s got a super flavorful body. Very Stouty, very smooth.
The Bad: Huge ABV. “This is going to hurt” kind of ABV.
The Evil: Meph’s Stout is 100% evil. it makes you want to drink it, and punishes you the whole way.