Old Jubilation - Avery Brewing Company

beerogre

New York

4.38/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I first encountered Old Jubilation last year, when I purchased it along with some Hibernation Ale, and I was immediately impressed by it as a very drinkable Winter Warmer, and as good as the Hibernation Ale was, I always slightly preferred this beer over it.

Towards the end of the Holiday Season last year, I decided to keep a bottle back, to see how it compared with the 2006 release, and I have to say that for those planning to get into cellaring, it really is worthwhile when you finally get to sample the goods.

This year's batch is every bit as good as I was expecting, but you really can taste the benefit the extra year has had on the 2005 version. It is just so much better in every way, the taste is richer, definitely sweeter and has acquired some sherry like aspects, and the mouthfeel is much smoother.

It makes me wonder how far you can go with this ageing process: If this is the result of my minor experiment with a good beer for one year, what about some of those great beers that are put down for several years or more?, They must be truely fantastic.

Interesting, very interesting.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2006 02:26:00 | More by beerogre

CUBeerBuff

Colorado

3/5  rDev -22.3%

06-11-2013 23:10:55 | More by CUBeerBuff

maxwelldeux

North Carolina

2.25/5  rDev -41.7%

06-03-2013 01:23:46 | More by maxwelldeux

Jave

Washington

4.25/5  rDev +10.1%

06-02-2013 01:19:28 | More by Jave

DenverBigRed

Colorado

3.5/5  rDev -9.3%

05-31-2013 23:20:04 | More by DenverBigRed

Plonk

Alabama

3.5/5  rDev -9.3%

05-29-2013 18:45:44 | More by Plonk

robertmitchum

North Carolina

4.75/5  rDev +23.1%

05-24-2013 09:37:05 | More by robertmitchum

InspectorBob

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +3.6%

05-21-2013 20:25:34 | More by InspectorBob

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +3.6%

05-20-2013 23:15:05 | More by Slatetank

ipas-for-life

Virginia

3.25/5  rDev -15.8%

05-20-2013 20:42:10 | More by ipas-for-life

KDE

Texas

4.25/5  rDev +10.1%

05-20-2013 20:26:28 | More by KDE

ElizabethEleanor

Texas

3/5  rDev -22.3%

05-17-2013 03:13:28 | More by ElizabethEleanor

drummermattie02

Texas

4/5  rDev +3.6%

05-13-2013 14:25:17 | More by drummermattie02

Bill235

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -2.8%

05-13-2013 11:55:51 | More by Bill235

HarmonMW

Michigan

3.75/5  rDev -2.8%

05-12-2013 00:13:31 | More by HarmonMW

MawfBrewing

Florida

4/5  rDev +3.6%

05-04-2013 16:38:29 | More by MawfBrewing

gshak

Texas

3.75/5  rDev -2.8%

05-01-2013 16:35:38 | More by gshak

rkf1976

Michigan

2.25/5  rDev -41.7%

04-28-2013 23:58:15 | More by rkf1976

DavoleBomb

Ohio

4.43/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a snifter. 2007 vintage, so somewhere in the 5-6 year old range.

3.5 A: Deep brown borderline black color. Just a short frothy head formed and fell quickly. No lacing. In any case, I'm happy about the carbonation level at this point.

4.5 S: Seems that this has aged quite nicely. Still quite potent, but also with smooth, well integrated aromas. Big toastiness, dry caramel, light tobacco, and a pleasant spiciness. Dry overall, but balanced. Not a ton of complexity, but that tends to happen when a beer is aged so long. Despite this, it smells amazing.

4.5 T: Like the nose, it's hard to find any problem in the taste. Lots of toastiness, caramel, and dry graininess. No hints of booze at all. Fairly dry, but again, balanced.

4.25 M: Medium body. A little undercarbonated compared to what I'd expect fresh, but easily enough for a beer this age. Goes down super easy, but a bit more body and creaminess would be nice.

4.5 D: This drinks like a session beer. So easy to drink. I'm furious that I don't have another. Tons of flavor, great balance, and no problems.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2013 01:29:38 | More by DavoleBomb

Mebuzzard

Colorado

3.75/5  rDev -2.8%

04-23-2013 08:32:51 | More by Mebuzzard

BlurryVisi0n

New York

4/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in an over-sized wine glass. (Grabbed the first thing I saw in my cabinet...Chimay signature glass).

Appearance: A very dark copper, body is still transparent creating a 1/4" off white head with little bubbles and sediments on the body.

Smell: Right from the pour you are smell this and from strength alone you feel

Taste: Light cinnamon with an easy alcohol feel and I can't be the only feeling the dark fruits, berries and plum all over the body subtle but evident.

Mouth: Medium and crazy smooth feel, not bad at all.

Overall:Saw a six-pack of this asking for me to buy it just a week ago at my local beer shop and though I can't say too much about this beer but then again I can't say too little...it's subtle and hit's you in the end. That is definitely when you appreciate this "winter warmer". This beer plus your favorite glass equals one pretty good time. Salud!

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2013 06:35:54 | More by BlurryVisi0n

Moose90

Colorado

3.75/5  rDev -2.8%

04-22-2013 03:34:40 | More by Moose90

drgonzo2k2

California

4/5  rDev +3.6%

04-20-2013 14:02:07 | More by drgonzo2k2

prlykens

Colorado

3.5/5  rDev -9.3%

04-16-2013 03:35:13 | More by prlykens

WoodBrew

Illinois

3.7/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75

The Old Jubilation is a big strong beer and I probably did not try it at the best time. I was having lunch at our local watering hole and it was a warmer day , which I think plays against strong ales. The beer poured a rich deep amber color with thick foamy head that laced. The smell was like a dark malt and alcohol. The taste was malty mix that seemed to give the presence of subtle spices like a cinnamon, ginger, etc. along with big alcohol. The mouthfeel was full body with smooth carbonation. Overall it was ok....not a huge fan of strong ales.

Serving type: on-tap

04-16-2013 03:08:45 | More by WoodBrew