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Ale To The Chief
Avery Brewing Company
- From:
- Avery Brewing Company
- Colorado, United States
- Style:
- American Strong Ale
Ranked #89 - ABV:
- 8.75%
- Score:
- 90
Ranked #9,670 - Avg:
- 4.02 | pDev: 9.7%
- Reviews:
- 409
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Nov 26, 2023
- Added:
- Jul 22, 2008
- Wants:
- 27
- Gots:
- 39
Originally brewed to celebrate Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009, we elected to give Ale to the Chief a second term to commemorate the 2012 election! Not an “Imperial” pale ale, this is a democracy. It’s Presidential! Take the all-American pale ale, a bipartisan blend of malt and hops, increase both to Avery Brewing standards, and then, of course, dry hop the result with that most quintessential of American hops, Cascades, and you get this…a brew worthy of the Oval Office!
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by garymuchow:
Reviewed by garymuchow from Minnesota
3.76/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
3.76/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
I guess I'm a little late to the game on this one. Oh well.
The requests on the label seem sincere, if not incompatible/unrealistic (how's that hopey changey thing working out), but what's that got to do with what's inside? Nothing. So let's give it a go. Poured into an imperial pint Sierra Nevada glass. I should also note that this is the first on a several DIPA journey. Wonder where this might take me?
Nice expressive sound as the carbonation escapes from its imprisonment. Full rich tannish head caps a very clear gold-reddish amber of the attractive kind. Cap becomes rocky as it settles.
I suppose, in part due to age, the balance on the nose is more balanced as the toasty malt character nearly overcomes the hop aroma of mild spiciness and a slightly intense resin, characteristic of so many in this style. I think age may have hurt this part a bit.
In my mind the unique quality of this drink continues to be the toastiness of the malt. It's quite apparent and unusual (as compared to the others in this style of which I've imbibed). A mild sweetness starts the drink, with an occassional touch of caramel (yum). A growing intensity of hop flavor (resiny again) and bitterness appears about mid drink and finishes after the liquid as passed, but the malt flavors are never really vanquished and help prevent a complete hop bomb. I'm not fond of oppressive hops.
Moderate body aids in reasonably quick drinking. Nicely carbonated as I'm not distracted and it lightens the feel.
The lightness helps the drinkability. However, I'm not inclined to indulge beyond this bottle. I'm not sure the blending worked quite right on this. It's an unique and interesting malt profile for style, but I guess in the end it's not something I'd consider trying to emulate or to excitedly seek out. But I"m pleased for the opportunity and I like the notion of creating a special beer for the hope that comes with the significant transitions in our life.
May 15, 2010The requests on the label seem sincere, if not incompatible/unrealistic (how's that hopey changey thing working out), but what's that got to do with what's inside? Nothing. So let's give it a go. Poured into an imperial pint Sierra Nevada glass. I should also note that this is the first on a several DIPA journey. Wonder where this might take me?
Nice expressive sound as the carbonation escapes from its imprisonment. Full rich tannish head caps a very clear gold-reddish amber of the attractive kind. Cap becomes rocky as it settles.
I suppose, in part due to age, the balance on the nose is more balanced as the toasty malt character nearly overcomes the hop aroma of mild spiciness and a slightly intense resin, characteristic of so many in this style. I think age may have hurt this part a bit.
In my mind the unique quality of this drink continues to be the toastiness of the malt. It's quite apparent and unusual (as compared to the others in this style of which I've imbibed). A mild sweetness starts the drink, with an occassional touch of caramel (yum). A growing intensity of hop flavor (resiny again) and bitterness appears about mid drink and finishes after the liquid as passed, but the malt flavors are never really vanquished and help prevent a complete hop bomb. I'm not fond of oppressive hops.
Moderate body aids in reasonably quick drinking. Nicely carbonated as I'm not distracted and it lightens the feel.
The lightness helps the drinkability. However, I'm not inclined to indulge beyond this bottle. I'm not sure the blending worked quite right on this. It's an unique and interesting malt profile for style, but I guess in the end it's not something I'd consider trying to emulate or to excitedly seek out. But I"m pleased for the opportunity and I like the notion of creating a special beer for the hope that comes with the significant transitions in our life.
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by jkblr from Indiana
3.84/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.84/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22oz bottled 07-17-16 (7 years, 4 months ago) poured into a tulip glass at fridge temp 8.1% ABV. The beer pours opaque medium amber with khaki colored head. The head recedes to a thin ring and small island. Minimal lacing. The aroma is mild with toffee coated cardboard and a hint of piney/citrus. The taste is semisweet oxidized caramel malt with fading pine and citrus. Moderate bitterness. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with average carbonation and a mostly dry finish. Overall, not great. This strong ale wasn't intended to sit in a bottle shop for 7+ years...
Scored to the average more than to the experience.
Nov 26, 2023Scored to the average more than to the experience.
Reviewed by REVZEB from Illinois
4.16/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.16/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had this a long time ago and forgot to put my review on the site. Was a cellared bottle. Orange body with a white cap.
Very malty in the nose: earth, caramel, fruit esters, bread and booze. Taste brings in a more grainy complexion with dark fruit, candied grapefruit, and jammy orange added to the malt bath of a beer. A strange old ale, but one that stands out in a crowd in a good way. Feel is dry for style, medium bodied, and grainy.
Nov 19, 2019Very malty in the nose: earth, caramel, fruit esters, bread and booze. Taste brings in a more grainy complexion with dark fruit, candied grapefruit, and jammy orange added to the malt bath of a beer. A strange old ale, but one that stands out in a crowd in a good way. Feel is dry for style, medium bodied, and grainy.
Reviewed by WoodBrew from Ohio
3.54/5 rDev -11.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
3.54/5 rDev -11.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
I'm trying a 2017 bottle of this with my old hockey buddy in Philly. It poured a slightly hazy copper with thin white head that is leaving some lace. The scent with dark fruit and apricot. The taste was sweet leaning and alcohol was certainly present. The mouthfeel was medium in body with good carbonation. Overall it's an ok beer.
Dec 12, 2018Reviewed by Eamonn-Cummings3 from New York
3.98/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.98/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 22oz bottle into a Trillium IPA glass.
Look is a off white heat with a amber orange.
Aroma is malty and yeasty.
Taste is malty and sweet with a touch of yeasty.
Jun 11, 2018Look is a off white heat with a amber orange.
Aroma is malty and yeasty.
Taste is malty and sweet with a touch of yeasty.
Reviewed by Franziskaner from Missouri
4.01/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
4.01/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Amber hued with vibrant carbonation bubbles pushing up from the bottom of the glass. There's a half inch of dense, creamy brown on top. I smell marzipan and caramel. I'm tasting plenty of marzipan, caramel, and dark wheat. There's a hint of piney hops at the back of the palate, The mouth is very smooth, dry, sticky and chewy.
Feb 10, 2018Reviewed by Brutaltruth from Ohio
4.18/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.18/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
From the 22 oz bottle in a snifter. This fine ale pours a lightly cloudy brown tinged orange-ish
amber with a fantastic head of off white foam that settle to a thick sudsy ring, pooling
big bubbled center, and showcases nice sudsy lacing. Nose of sticky bittering hops,
grassy hop notes, sticky caramel malts, light booze, and light tropical fruit notes.
Flavors exceed the nose with sticky hops laden with pineapple, grassy hop notes,
heavy caramel, robust herbal notes from the hops, and a tea like note with hints of
bitter orange...there is a touch of comedy to that considering the original brew date....
just saying. Excellent mouth feel; medium full body, medium light and zippy carbonation
helps to cut through the sweetness, and a bright hoppy finish dashed with caramel malts
and a lingering tea note.
Overall, a nice brew that is rich and excessive on the bitter end without being overly
bitter.
A solid strong ale.
Cheers
Jul 06, 2017amber with a fantastic head of off white foam that settle to a thick sudsy ring, pooling
big bubbled center, and showcases nice sudsy lacing. Nose of sticky bittering hops,
grassy hop notes, sticky caramel malts, light booze, and light tropical fruit notes.
Flavors exceed the nose with sticky hops laden with pineapple, grassy hop notes,
heavy caramel, robust herbal notes from the hops, and a tea like note with hints of
bitter orange...there is a touch of comedy to that considering the original brew date....
just saying. Excellent mouth feel; medium full body, medium light and zippy carbonation
helps to cut through the sweetness, and a bright hoppy finish dashed with caramel malts
and a lingering tea note.
Overall, a nice brew that is rich and excessive on the bitter end without being overly
bitter.
A solid strong ale.
Cheers
Reviewed by Thankin_Hank from Texas
4.1/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.1/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
A nice copper color and unusual smell that is malty and maybe sweet. Tastes like slightly sweetened tea. Needs ice and a straw. I wonder if a lemon would put the icing on the cake. That's pretty awesome stuff. You could floor people if you insisted it was iced tea. The alcohol is undetectable. My wife even liked it but doesn't get the tea flavor I do. This is so easy to drink. A fine brew by a fine bunch of brewers. Avery always reliable. From a 22 oz. magnum dated 7-17-16 into a snifter.
Jul 04, 2017
Ale To The Chief from Avery Brewing Company
Beer rating:
90 out of
100 with
630 ratings
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