Beer of the Week Collaboration not Litigation Ale
Greetings,
Collaboration not Litigation Ale
The opening statement by the defense: (What the brewers want you to know)
"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 that we both had a Salvation in our line-ups. Was it going to be a problem? Should one of us relinquish the 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 libation. In April 2004, in 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 it morning?)."
"Fast forward to November 14, 2006. After talking about it for over 2 years we finally decided to pull the trigger and Vinnie flew out to Avery to brew his Salvation exactly as he does in his brewery. This was blended with Avery's Salvation December 11th, 2006. We hope you enjoy it as much we enjoyed brewing and blending it."
"All profits from this joint venture will fund a return educational trip to Belgium with our bros Tomme (Port Brewing), Sam (Dogfish Head Brewing) and Rob (Allagash Brewing). This pilgrimage will enable us to learn even more about traditional brewing techniques to combine with our already strange and unique styles here in America."
The follow up by the prosecution: (To do justice (pun intended) to these tasting notes I was joined by two members of the Kings County (Brooklyn) legal community. I will call them J.L. and Big Sam to protect the guilty.)
J.L. - "Not too sweet... a smooth beer. My wife would like this!"
Big Sam - "If this was a defendant I would have the charges read excessive richness with an added count of being well balanced"
My notes:
Appearance: A deep, dense red garnet brew that is topped with a rocky, sandy tan head.
Aroma: A green grass, not yet mowed, aroma is subtly supported by a general grain impression.
Mouth feel: The fairly full mouth feel is accented with some carbonation but not enough to affect the flavor.
Flavor: This is a full flavored brew that must be sampled at cellar temperature (50F) to be appreciated. Served at bar temperature (40F +-) the flavors develop from pleasantly well balanced and dangerously quaffable to fullness combining chocolate, caramel and molasses dancing with sweet/sour counterpoint of green apple aroma and flavor and the resonance of fresh green tree leaves on a warm spring afternoon.
Finish: The finish at bar temperature is remarkable refreshing with little sweet malty cloy or harsh alcohol. When allowed to warm to cellar temperature the finish is equally well balanced but with many more layers of flavors to enjoy.
VITAL STATISTICS:
Beer Style: Blended Belgian-style Strong Ale
OG: 1.079
Alcohol by Volume: 8.99%
http://www.averybrewing.com/BigBeers/seasonal/CollaborationnotLitigationAle
Cheers!
Peter LaFrance
