The Kaiser - Avery Brewing Company

BreworFerment

Oregon

4.95/5  rDev +28.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

The beer pours a nice hazy copper color with a lacy head that lasts for a long time. The brew clocks in at 9.3 ABV and you get a little bit of that alcohol on the palate but the malt bomb that characterizes this seasonal quickly neutralizes it. There are hints of orange and of course the spices that are inherent in an Oktoberfest. There is a slight hoppiness to the nose but again the bready aroma and taste overpowers it. The beer is well balanced and the body is not too heavy. I could drink this all night, except since it's not exactly a session beer you'd find me snoozing after two of these 22oz bottles

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2010 17:33:51 | More by BreworFerment

ABV

New York

4.9/5  rDev +27.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Great example of the Octoberfest style taken a notch up. Big malty nose, thick textured mouthfeel, sweet but not too sweet, followed by some pleasing hop bitterness. Alcohol is present but not overwhelming. Very drinkable despite its stregnth. Pleasurable in every way.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2004 05:21:33 | More by ABV

icetrauma

Texas

4.85/5  rDev +26%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Avery is really a hit and miss with me. So, I did not know what to expect from this brew. I was surpised! In a good way.

Poured into my Arrogant Bastard pint glass from the 22oz bomber. Pours a hazy copper color with a 2 finger tan lacy head that quickly disappated.

Smell was big yeasty bready tones with big malt scent. A touch of alcohol is noted along a smidgen of hops.

Flavor took me by surprise. Huge malt bomb. Big yeast and bread flavors smack you taste buds like a Chuck Liddel over hand right. Caramel flavors are big. The alcohol is not to noticable at first but becomes slightly present as the brew warms up. Just a slight touch of hops on the finish.

Mouthfeel is full but not mealy full. This beer is my new favorite for the Marzan style. I have not been this excited about a Marzen since Jubel was brewed. Thank you Avery for this bomb! Malt bomb that is!

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2010 02:10:47 | More by icetrauma

pkalix

California

4.85/5  rDev +26%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

beautiful neon copper color with oatmeal colored topping.
fruity, sweet smell, like a dopplebock.
full-bodied, rich, sweet, malts, caramel. not unlike a dopplebock. very healthy taste and a great starter for my evening at 9% abv (BA say 10.03%).
overall, i very much like this. i've had a few from this brewery and i remember them being very good. it tastes like a german product which, i think, is an accomplishment and an achievement. and for such an impressive abv, i think it deserves a very high overall rating. i dont get much alcohol burn from this and that factors in to my opinion... may be my highest rated american beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2012 00:26:33 | More by pkalix

bonsreeb85

Colorado

4.75/5  rDev +23.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I am a huge fan of the Dictator series, this is the only one I have yet to try, so I am supper-excited.

A - clear copper hued w/ an initially massive head that eventually shrinks to just a bubbly film across the top of the brew.

S - heavy caramel malts w/ a backing of spicy/floral hops. This beer has quite a pungent aroma for the style(perhaps the high abv. plays a role here?) apple and toasted biscuit also have big roles in the smell.

T - the flavor is dominated by a yeasty biscuit flavor, but well complimented by a slight spice that appears between waves of rolling sweetness. (damn this is good)then a light dose of hops with a welcome warming from the alcohol. all of this before a clean finish. Lots of flavor here considering the style.

MF - medium carbonation, big full body. feel is crisp and clean.

D - verdict is in. appearently Avery can make huge, well executed lagers too! very drinkable, but respect the 9.3%

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2009 00:56:20 | More by bonsreeb85

soze47

Massachusetts

4.7/5  rDev +22.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

One I've been looking forward to for a while. I picked up a bomber bottle of this and will definitely be doing so again soon.

Appearance: Transparent deep orangey/amber color. One finger of head that had big bubbles that subsided quickly.

Aroma: I got the herbal hops on first sniff, but much deeper tones of caramel maltiness came on second. Lastly, I get the big boozy heat. Could I get drunk smelling this beer?

Taste: Almost tastes in the exact opposite order as elements of the aroma. The booziness wakes up your mouth right away. Malty caramel (not the best word, but the closest thing I can think of) brings a perfect amount of sweetness that doesn't overwhelm your mouth. Lastly, the herbal qualities kick in during the aftertaste that feel spicy when combined with the residual heat from the booze.

Mouthfeel: Thick, lightly carbonated and sticky. All that being said, it is deceivingly drinkable. Full bodied, but very smooth and easy drinking.

Drinkability: Watch out. Scary how good and well balanced this beer drinks. At 10%, one could wreck one's self rather quickly with this beer.

Overall: The Kaiser is a malty bomb of flavor that is nuanced enough to not be called one note. Yes, the malt is the star here, but how it plays well with the boozy heat and herbal hops create an amazing delicate balance for a beer at 10% ABV.

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2010 22:25:06 | More by soze47

Whadawookie

Nebraska

4.7/5  rDev +22.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottled in 2010, this feller's gotten some good age'n time. This beer is delicious. Smooth and incredibly malty without being overbearing. I've never seen an imperial octoberfest anywhere before, it seems like a dopplebocks lighter cousin despite the fact that this is almost a 10%abv brew. It's basically a deep, hazy tan color. I'm not getting any head or lacing, but it might be because I drank another beer out of this snifter and rinsed without drying before pouring. I have another glass left in the bomber though, so I'll give it another shot.

I get a lot of apple and malt in the nose, caramel malts for sure.
When I take a drink, it seems to blast you with apples and vanilla and malt that almost beckon to mind a milkshake. It's no less filling than on anyways...

The aftertaste is mellow and enveloping caramel and an incredibly slight sourness. I am a definite fan of this brew, Avery strikes gold yet again.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2011 21:56:30 | More by Whadawookie

Ahhdball

Ohio

4.65/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Spotted this at a local brew shop and for $6.99 and figured why not, it's Oktoberfest somewhere. Very interesting label, German WW1 flag with a picture of Kaiser Wilhelm on the front and an Iron Cross.
Slick, oily pour with a nice orange/sienna hue holding a two-fingered beige head. The smell of caramel, nuts, hops and some alcohol lingering in the nose. Bitter hops pleasently mixed exceptionally with sweet lingering malts, hiding the big 9.3 ABV. Don't get fooled by it's subtlty. Smooth and creamy with a velevety texture, it leaves a little of itself behind after every drink. Overall this is an exceptional brew from Avery and probably one of my favorites. Unfortunately this is limited so I'll have to grab another very soon.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2004 16:26:53 | More by Ahhdball

isaacconway

Colorado

4.63/5  rDev +20.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Just got my hands on this years "The Kaiser". Let me start out by saying that I am typically not a Lager fan (always think back to my college Bud days...) but this is truly exceptional. It has a pretty strong start, reminding me of their "Hog Heaven" barlywine a bit, then it goes a completely different direction. That lager finish is one of the best I have ever tasted. It is full and flavorful, and almost kind of hits you at the end.

Cheers to Avery for a top notch Imperial Oktoberfest Lager!

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2009 01:17:09 | More by isaacconway

brewdlyhooked13

Ohio

4.6/5  rDev +19.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Appearance - subdued burnt orange color, steadfast head of one finger in thickness. Thick patterned lacing.

Aroma - hefty malty smell with foreboding dark fruit sweetness. The Kaiser beckons further inspection...

Taste - whew! Big and sweet. Malts are thick, with the sweet and alcohol, you might get the idea this is heading for a typical Belgian profile but it doesn't quite get there. Before the sweet/alcohol take over, some fruity hops kick them back and allow some roasty malt flavors through on the swallow. The aftertaste has a dose of alcohol burn to it, other than that it is a delicious roasty malt flavor. This would be prime in my opinion at around 7.5% abv.

Mouthfeel - heavy and thick like a winter blanket. Average carbonation and great resiliance prolong the complex flavors.

Drinkability - a few of these around an October firepit and you'll be warm inside and out. Another one for the next Halloween party tasting.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2005 16:55:33 | More by brewdlyhooked13

lhaqq

California

4.6/5  rDev +19.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Amber golden body with a 1/2cm frothy white head.

S: Almost like a decent floral IPA, but with some malts and sweet flavors in the background.

T: Pretty sweet initially but the finish is rounded off pretty well with some malty grains. Fairly strong grains throughout, starts out sweet with caramel and finishes with some oats.

M: Heavy, definitely a sipping beer, but still light enough to fall in the Marzen/Oktoberfest style.

D: Haven't had an imperial Oktoberfest before. As an Oktoberfest, its probably my favorite.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2010 03:22:58 | More by lhaqq

Phatz

Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +19%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Millions of thanks to SwillBilly for hooking me up with this beer.
This beer is in a league of its own!

This is the most unique Märzen / Oktoberfest I have ever had; and I have devoted the last couple of weeks to studying and tasting Märzen beers.

Appearance: Pours a beautiful copper color with a majestic head sitting atop the noble beer as the crown worthy of the king of Oktoberfest Märzen beers. Properly labeled as Imperial while the designation 'Oktoberfest' may be subject to discussion.

Smell: Big peach vanilla oak liquor (alcohol) sweet buttery warming beautiful nose with just a pinch of grassy hop. This is a sniffing beer so much so I put the second half of the bomber in a snifter and the aroma grew from a 4 to a 5 as the beer warmed in my snifter. The hints of bourbon and wood just triggered massive salivation. Truly enticing. That said it did not smell like a Märzen, more like an oak aged Triple or a sweet BarleyWine; maybe an Old Ale.

Taste: I am awed and conflicted. This is the best tasting Märzen I have ever had *IF* indeed you consider it a Märzen. It is hardly representative of the style; it is *BETTER* IMO. wow! I am going to open a prophecy next to compare. Is it a triple or a Barley Wine Hmm? The flavor is very bold alcohol vanilla wood fruit (plums and raisins) bread and buttery creamy candied malts. It is an intimidating beer. This is not one I would call approachable or easy; it will smack you around and leave you begging for more but it is still sleek and seductive in nature. Super sweet brown sugar caramel and candy stick to the cheeks and a hint of citrus blends with the alcohol to force a pucker.

Mouthfeel: Rich and sweet this beer is as chewy and yet smooth as Lagavulin 16 yr single malt scotch with the perfect touch of subtle carbonation and spicy bite.

Drinkability: The flavor hits like a baseball bat and lasts as long a the resulting welt. mmm. Lingering all night (aftertaste of green raisins and booze) this beer made me drunk and still want more. Good thing I only had one because I could lose control with this one! Well-done Avery!

Hope this is helpful.
Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2006 06:37:11 | More by Phatz

bort11

Missouri

4.58/5  rDev +19%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

ach geschissen, it the Kaiser!

22 oz bottle, poured into an over-sized mug. Thick loocking two finger head that is slow to recede. Speck of lacing stick to the glass, and a solid ring forms around the surface. Color is a dark orangish amber.

Smell is malty goodness. Dark sweet bread aromas mixed with a mild spicy note. The taste is a still heavy with the malt, like a gooey cinnamon bun. The hops add a baking spice zing.

Moufell has a medium body. A little sticky on the lips. The carbonation is refreshing. The label says it's a 10.03 ABV, very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2008 12:23:14 | More by bort11

TastyTaste

Minnesota

4.55/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Very bright red-orange body, nice looking creamy tan head. Slow rising head, tiny bubbles.

Smell: Malty, metallic, and sweet.

Taste: Very malty. Butterscotch, fruity flavors are bold and spicy (fortified by the abv). There is a metallic quality to it, from the malt, i assume. One of my favorites in the style, whatever style that may be.

Drinkability: A hearty Autumnal sipper, drinkable, with a full body. Very tasty.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2006 22:36:41 | More by TastyTaste

far333

Connecticut

4.53/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I guess I'm a little out of season with this one, but hopefully the high ABV has helped it stay together. It certainly looks and smells great.

Dark copper colored with an orangey beige foamy head that sinks quickly, but leaves spotty bubbles of foam around the edges of the glass. Strong malty and biscuity aroma, very rich, plus some ripe fruit, and just a hint of the alcohol coming through. My mouth is actually watering.

Flavor - wow - big and rich right upfront, sweet malts, lots of substance, some butterscotch and gooey melted brown sugar, sweet candy, a tiny hop tingle in the finish escapes the malt, and then quickly is overshadowed by an alcohol singe. A citrus peel bitter lingers. Mouthfeel is full and round, hitting all the corners of the mouth, makes me want to chew on it.

Despite the rich flavor and the ABV, I'm finding this one very drinkable. My first imperial oktoberfest, a great style. Many thanks to Brent for sending this one along.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2005 21:42:32 | More by far333

Blakaeris

Iowa

4.5/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I bought this 22 oz brew at Eagle River Liquor in Fulton, IL.

Pours a clear coppery orange with a head that leaves thick lacing. Very attractive.

Smell is very malty. I also get caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar.

Taste is sweet malts with a nice citrusy slightly bitter finish. Spices and some slight dark fruit flavors. The alcohol is subdued but lingers on the tongue. I was really surprised with this interesting brew.

Mouthfeel is thick buttery and smooth. Very nice.

I find this beer more reminiscent of an imperial dopplebock than an Oktoberfest. However it is still an excellent beer. Drinkability is amazing. This is one of the few beers that I will purchase by the case and drink throughout the year.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2005 00:21:01 | More by Blakaeris

Franchise

Oregon

4.5/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours an amber gold with a blonde head that is frothy and pillowy. The aroma is nutty, caramel, sour fruit, that has a crisp nose, and is tart in nature. The taste starts heavy on the palate syrup consistancy that has a caramel sweetness on the palate. The alcohal is warming and smooth followed by a toasted nut, charachter througout. The finish is again sweet with a nice hop bite that rounds out this delicious brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2006 21:36:02 | More by Franchise

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.5/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2007 release, poured from a 22oz bottle into a mug glass.

A: The beer is a bright amber color, with a short off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is very sweet and full of fruit and caramelized malts with some spice and a good amount of hops.

T: The taste takes all elements of an O-fest and brings them to a higher level than any other O-fest does. It’s very sweet with flavors of dark fruits and apricots. It’s very malty with a hearty breadines. It’s got a strong hops presence, a notable alcohol sting and a very good balance. The after-taste is sweet and bready.

M: Crisp and very smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky but clean for the style.

D: Very tasty, goes down dangerously easily, slightly filling, 9.30% ABV so there’s a hell of a kick for an O-fest. This is a damn good beer, but it’s definitely a one-and-done. All right, maybe if you hadn’t had anything else, you could do two bombers, but anymore than that would do this beer an injustice.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2007 06:17:21 | More by TheManiacalOne

giblet

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

this is a damn fine beer. poured a nice amber color into the glass with just over an inch of rich head. smells of lightly roasted malt with a hop scent to it. good flavor similar to the smell.

this is one that i had from a bomber and i would have had a second if there were any left. good balanced beer.

suckem up and movem out.

giblet

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2009 15:19:35 | More by giblet

kingjames1

South Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a bright amber, with a thin lace. Smell is a solid, classic Marzen - caramel, pepper, dark fruits and bread. The taste is great! A strong, malts backbone, with a crisp hops finish, and a slight but satisfying undercurrent of alcohol. This is very drinkable! One of the best Marzen's, and the only imperial oktoberfest I've had. Delicious.

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2009 01:22:19 | More by kingjames1

alexipa

Colorado

4.5/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

There is no other beer quite like Kaiser for me. It reminds me of my favorite part of the year: fall. It puts me in a great mood no matter what else is going on.

The appearance is deep and dark with a copper or orange-ish hue. The smell is inviting and appealing. It's the taste that I feel is unmatched at this time by any other beer of its type. Its strong, yet balanced taste is perfect for what it's meant to be; which is a beer for drinking casually on a chilly day. The strong content will warm you, while its flavors of caramel and toffee with a slight sweetness will delight you. I like my beers big and bold; the Kaiser has plenty of both.

Interestingly, I have found more than any other beer that Kaiser changes its profile almost completely from tap to bottle. I have had it in both mediums multiple times (even a bottle from the tap room itself) and have found I do not enjoy it nearly as much from the bottle. In my opinion this is a beer you must have straight from the tap.

Serving type: on-tap

10-07-2011 20:10:36 | More by alexipa

beerluvr

New Jersey

4.47/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours with a thick and lacy ivory head settling upon clear deep coppery/amber liquid. A sweet and heavy malty, candyish nose tempered by lots of floral hop aroma. Thick mouthfeel supports flavors of apple, bread-like maltiness, a pow-pow-powerful hopping and a blast of alcoholic heat. The super long alcohol & hop show finish ends with alcohol felt in the throat...wow! I found this one to be an impressive take on the Marzen style, surely not for the timid of palate! Wish it were available by the six pack.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2004 19:29:38 | More by beerluvr

beertravel

New Jersey

4.47/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I was quite pleased with this brew. It came out of the bottle a picture perfect pour: a beautiful, ivory foam settling on top of a very bright, deep copper color body. The nose was malty and really set the stage for the tasting. The
malt was very much up front with just a slight bitterness at the finish. Not overly sweet. A slight alcohol warmth peeked through in this 9.8% abv brew. I found it to be very drinkable and not over the top as I expected. Look forward to my next one and will make it an annual purchase.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2004 17:05:41 | More by beertravel

sraimondi

Connecticut

4.47/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

What a pleasant surprise. Snagged this one at Plan B in Simsbury, CT today.

Poured into a pint glass with about a 1/2" inch head which hung on for awhile. Sheet lacing throughout the drink. A very pleasing auburn, medium copper color; definitely makes you feel a New England Autumn.

Vinous aroma with some raisin and fig presence. Malt and bread dominate.

Taste is VERY complex, so many flavors attack the tongue; dark fruit, malt and bread. Elevated ABV is very present at the front, but it doesn't overwhelm. MALT, MALT everywhere; with definite sweetness, but does not exhibit cloying qualities. As much as I tried, I could not detect any hops, but the hops must be there to provide some balance to the sweet malt.

Carbonation was "small" and provided for a very good & smooth mouthfeel.

The elevated ABV doesn't allow for too many of these, but you could always get a designated driver to cart you home.

An outstanding Imperial version of the style.

If you like malt, run don't walk to Plan B in Simsbury before this one kicks Not cheap at $7 per pint, but worth it, IMO.

Steve

Serving type: on-tap

10-16-2007 01:29:04 | More by sraimondi

rand

California

4.47/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

From bomber to pint glass

A: Pours a translucent, dark amber with lots of carbonation, forming a sudsy, two-inch head. Lots of sticky lacing.

N: Caramel, toasted malts, lemon, apple. Alcohol is strong here and warms the nose. Crazy for a lager.

T: Huge malt rush up front with a strong caramelly overtone. This is quickly met by alcohol, which warms the palate and only gets stronger as the beer warms. The alcohol bite is nicely countered with the sweet, fruity notes of the flavor profile - fuzzy notes of apple and lemon touch the edges of the palate. The brew is bready and one would think it's an ale if it wasn't for the 'Imperial Oktoberfest Lager' on the label (I haven't had that many imperial lagers so my tastes might be skewed). The beer finishes sweet with just a touch of earthy bitterness.

M: Rich and creamy as expected given the ABV, but not sticky. The ample carbonation washes away any residue.

D/N: Well, this is the most unique Marzen I've tried, and I'm sure this could be dubbed "experimental" and off-style, but who cares? This tastes good. If I was introducing someone to an Oktoberfest I might look elsewhere, but why introduce someone to an Oktoberfest? They're well marketed and seemingly everywhere - noobies can find their own. BA's, drink this.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2010 09:13:40 | More by rand