Avery Mephistopheles Stout

Brewed by Avery Brewing Company
Style: Imperial Stout
Boulder, Colorado USA

This was from batch 3, November, 2007 -- The 12 ounce bottle poured a deep ebony beverage, allowing no light through. It had a small smooth frothy tan head that was partially lasting and left some lacing on the glass. The aroma is generally sweet at first. Upon closer examination it possesses a strong presence of dark sweet dried fruits such as dates and raisins accompanied by notes of sweet sherry. The body was quite full with average carbonation and a slightly sharp mouthfeel. The flavor starts out quite sweet and continues throughout the long finish. There is a decided alcohol warmth to the finish that just keeps on giving. I suspect that this one would benefit from being laid down for several years

Bottle from Batch 2. Amazing dark BLACK, cant even try to see through this one, super thick like oil tan again really thick head, nose is choc, some lactic and alcohol. Flavors are cherry pits, espresso, choc, and alcohol. The mouth feel is incredible super thick but not cloying. Definate alcohol burn. Really interesting beer!!! I would like to get another and age it to see if it mellows.

bottle - batch #2. don’t drink this one too fast - it is a true beast. Absolutely amazing... I’ve never had anything this intense before. A sipper for sure. I’ve been waiting to try this for a while since it is unavailable in GA (due to the 14% law).... I am so glad I got my hands on 3 bottles, b/c this one is an experience. Pours as dark as possible and thicker than oil (almost) with a huge 2 finger tan head which receeds to a nice lacing. Huge aromas of liqueurish, chocolate and alcohol. Very complex on the palate with a variety of flavors coming through - such as liqueurish, chocolate, fruits, espresso and cherrys. Thick full body that flows over the palate unleashing it’s alcohol intensity. As soon as the beer hits your tongue, the tip feels a tingling sensation.... this continues throughout the mouth and wraps the tongue with an almost numbing feeling filled with all the aromas and flavors previsouly described. You can really feel a slight alcohol burn in the back of the throat on the finish. Some have said that this is too strong, but I disagree.... when you open this one, knowing that it is 16% abv and are prepared for the intensity, I think it is absolutely wonderful - just don’t hurry through it. It is definitley the Czar’s big crazy brother.

Pours thick and black like motor oil with a small brown head. Nose is almost wine-like with sweetness dominating. Mouth feel is thick and surprisingly lively with carbonation. Flavor is quite sweet with strong dried fruit and a hefty alcohol burn. The actual alcohol flavor is pretty well hidden. Finish is sweet with some roasted flavors. Powerful stuff, but yummy.

Aroma is a deep roasted scent that makes me think of chocolate cake baking. Color is solid black with good carbonation and a thick tight head. Taste is thick and rich. Starting with a full body it goes down creamy with a rich feel. Finish comes in sharp with a rich sweet roasted flavor with some fruit tones then turns to a brandy like feel. After taste hits you with a strong alcohol feel like you just took a sip of brandy. As you drink it you grow accustom to the alcohol feel and the fruit flavor become more apparent. Overall it is an intense brew but the alcohol feel is a bit overwhelming.

Bottle. Batch 3 (Nov. 2007). Aroma was malty, roasty with distinct alcohol undercurrents. Black like a dark night of the soul. Pours with a one finger beige head that leaves light lacing on the glass. Sweet dark vinous fruit nose with hints of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt. Alcohol flavor is less than I expected but still pronounced. Mouth feel is syrupy with a distinct warming sensation from the abv. This is a real kick in the taste buds. It is complex and tasty to be sure. However, as others have noted it is somewhat of a novelty as you can’t drink many of these bad boys. For those that wish that this was a bit toned down, try Avery’s Czar Imperial Stout.

Dark, impenetrable black pour with a medium sized deep tan bubbly head. Nose is dominated by dark fruits – plums, raisins, and figs with some smokiness. Thick, chewy, and sticky mouthfeel with mild carbonation. Flavor is sweet, too sweet for an imperial stout in my opinion. Nice finish that is reminiscent of a mocha latte – espresso, but sweeter.

Black with a thick light brown head, nice lacing. Carmalized sugar and powdered sugar sweet smell. Very sweet sugar/alcohol flavor with some blackened malt and coffee essence to slightly temper the sweetness. The 15% kicks in at the end and makes me shiver like I’ve had a straight shot of hard liquor. Like the Beast, this is too sweet and too boozy. 11/06/2006