Avery Brewing Company
Boulder, CO
“You get what you give.” Inspired by this principle and the farmhouse and pale ales of Belgium, Avery created Karma Ale, a decidedly fruity and estery ale, intricate in body and nose, all driven by a unique Belgian yeast strain.
ABV: 5.4
ABW: 4.3
COLOR: N/A
BITTERNESS: 17.5
ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1048
AVAILABLE: AK, AL, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, KS, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Where will destiny take me? In spite of the Eastern promise of the name, Karma (5.4 percent) is in the style of a Belgian saison or farmhouse beer. It has a deep bronze/going-on-amber color and a spicy (cinnamon and oregano) aroma from the hops along with rich toasted malt. Dried candied fruits fill the mouth along with spicy hops and a “fresh bread” malt note. The bittersweet finish becomes finally dry with bitter, peppery hops, toasted malt and ripe fruits and spices.
This hazy honey-colored beer raises a tan foam that recedes quickly to a collar. The nose is full of aromatic malts and Seville oranges, with a hint of sweet spices. In fact, it smells like it’s going to be sweet, but the palate is lightly hopped and very dry while remaining gently fruity. The finish remains dry, with a refreshing lilt of light acidity. Moderation, balance, and, dare I say… elegance, from one of Colorado’s boldest brewers? What’s the world coming to? A very versatile beer that’ll love what you’re grilling in your back yard today.
Author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. Respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. and www.protzonbeer.co.uk.
Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of The Brooklyn Brewery, the Editor-in-Chief of The Oxford Companion to Beer, the author of The Brewmaster’s Table, and a veteran host of more than 800 beer dinners in 15 countries.
