Margarete
Avery Brewing Company

 

 

This one is holding up quite well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i dont know how age is supposed to affect a beer like this. fruited beers generally drink best when fresh, big stouts usually a little age. this one has lost a lot of its cherry intensity, if it ever had any, just very subtle fruit notes remain. huge density, deep brown color, splashy little head that settles back. the nose doesnt have much cherry at all, instead sweet hot cocoa and bitter burnt barley malt present themselves. alcohol is very well hidden for its strength. the taste has only minimal cherry, and its all in the finish. not much tartness at all, which i was expecting since sour cherries were denoted. i would like to have had this fresh to compare. i like it quite a lot as a big stout, but as a cherry stout it underwhelmed. smooth feel though, and not as thick drinking as it looked on the pour. long finish to this, and when i really focus in i can get some of that cherry, but its way back. i have loved this series, but this one didnt hold up to oud floris or some of the other gems.