Old Jubilation - Avery Brewing Company

rajendra82

Georgia

3.95/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

One of the latest effects of the change in the ABV limit law in Georgia in 2004 is the major increase in availability of good domestic micro brewed beers, one of which I poured in my oversized wine glass tonight. Avery Old Jubilation came is a longneck brown bottle with a wintry scene on the label. The poured beer looked clear, chestnut brown, with a tinge of red. The head was dark beige, and formed quite nicely to a one finger thick foamy consistency before fading away to a covering of bubbles. The aroma was accentuating the malts in a big way with a sweet, musty, roasty smell. The hops were there as well, but provided more of a floral background smell. The taste was much more of a balance between hops and malt, with a stronger than anticipated leafy bitterness reminiscent of tobacco juice. The malt was a mix of brown sugar, toffee, chocolate, nuts, peat smoke, and dates. The mouthfeel was silky smooth and rich with a sticky quality to it. The aftertaste was like a lingering peat flavored candy. The alcohol content was well hidden behind the subterfuge of all this complex layering, with no noticeable burn. A good seasonal offering from the Colorado brewery who can do big beer right most of the time, and this is one of those times.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2005 02:51:59 | More by rajendra82

walleye

Michigan

4.03/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

found this bottle in the single section. from the bottle. poured a mahogany with a off white head that left a small amount of lacing. aroma, caramel, apples, brown sugar, with just a hint of alcohol. flavor there is the hazelnuts, toffee, malts, chocolate, alcohol. this was a good beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2005 23:56:17 | More by walleye

Quaffer

Nevada

3.75/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Picked this up in Boulder, CO. Not available here in Wichita.

Appearance: This was a deep brown beer that showed its true ruby highlights when held up to the light. The almost-white head rose up to under one finger. It thinned out quickly leaving a thin layer of bubbles on top of the brew for quite awhile. There was some nice lacing left behind on the side of the glass.

Smell: A thick, doughy malt aroma with hints of roasted crackers made up the bulk of the nose. Not too sweet smelling, which is good. Hints of hops, alcohol, and cherries bit at the nose. Light vegetal overtones detracted somewhat from the smell, but they weren't too strong. As the beer really started to warm up, the cherries and alcohol became the strongest aromas.

Mouthfeel: Fairly light-bodied for the style, though it did have some chewiness to it. Smooth upfront, picking up some carbonation on the back of the tongue. It had a light numbing effect from the alcohol.

Taste: A nutty, husky malt flavor emerged upfront. Like the aroma, there wasn't much sweetness to it. The nuttiness lingered and mixed with some vanilla in the middle. The finish saw the rise of a cherry flavor that was medicinal and reminded me of cough syrup, especially late in the aftertaste. A light, spirit-like alcohol flavor was evident on the finish, but it wasn't overpowering.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2005 22:53:50 | More by Quaffer

TripelJ

Florida

4.28/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Now Quaffing: Avery Old Jubliation

A careful pour yields a healthy white head atop the sea of deep, clear crimson. Aroma is full of malt and I kept getting hits of gingerbread. Taste is surprisingly and pleasingly balanced coming from Avery. Starts sweet and finishes with slight tartness. Mouthfeel is fairly full and slightly creamy. The carbonation is soft and the alcohol is barely noticable in the taste. Good drinkability for an 8% brew. I could enjoy a few of these without too much protest on a chilly winter night.

Serving type: bottle

10-16-2005 01:31:38 | More by TripelJ

silver0rlead

North Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a transluscent cola color with a thick, frothy beige head that retains well, nice looking beer. The aroma is very hoppy (citrus and some pine resin), slightly spicy (nutmeg and allspice) and a light toasted bread scent. The flavor is initially quite hoppy like their IPA (citrus, floral and some pine) followed by a spiced character (nutmeg and allspice), some chocolate, toasted bread and some warming alcohol notes. The mouthfeel is a little thin, but smooth and the drinkability is pretty good. A very tasty winter warmer, definately a new school craft beer interpretation of a traditional english style but interesting and delicious all the same.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2005 01:40:05 | More by silver0rlead

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Georgious dark and auburn colours, lasting head. Moderate spicey aroma. Intense taste, well carbonated. Well to drink with spicey food. Good malts throughout to balance out the flavour, and noticeable hops. Dry finish. Citrus and cherry and vegetable aftertaste.

Serving type: bottle

09-27-2005 23:01:26 | More by northyorksammy

cubedbee

Maryland

4.28/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a dark brown with hues of red, two fingers of a beige head that quickly subsides to a small cap,and some great lacing. Aroma was sweet molasses, caramel, plums, and other dark fruits with a nice dose of grapefruit hops coming through, an indication of what is to come. Taste has a nice sweet complexity upfront, with hints of figs, prunes, roasted malt, nuts, and toffee followed by a big dose of piney resinous hops and a slight alcohol taste on the finish. This is a lot more hopped than most Winter Warmers I've had, and in this case it really turns out well, since the balance is right on. Medium bodied and very drinkable for it's alcohol level. I'll have to pick one up in season to compare against this one.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2005 17:55:45 | More by cubedbee

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.05/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

GABF Weekend '08
This is the cask version offered up at the Falling Rock Taproom. For me this beer has always been a hit or miss, but on cask the flavors round out extremely well and the hops take on a fragrant, herbal character and blend well with the malt forward beer. The softer carbonation makes the beer a touch heavier, creamier, and very smooth. The cask is where this beer belongs.

08-05-05
Tried this one before, I didn't remember it tasting so well. It has a full body evident in the toasty aroma and sweet body. Very malty and complex with dates, nuts, barley, caramel, toffee, and slight roastedness. The higher amounts of hop flavoring and sweet alcohol get your attention toward the finish. A little bready and tartness shows in the aftertaste although remaining quited sweet. This is a good beer.

Serving type: cask

08-05-2005 12:50:25 | More by BEERchitect

SkeeterHawk

Texas

4.25/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: It pours an invitingly clear deep mahogany color with a thick 1/2 inch head made up of mixed size bubbles. This head fell within about 5 minutes to leave a small ring around the edge of the glass. There are some bubbles rising to maintain the head. It leaves a thick lace on the glass after drinking.

Aroma: Lots of toast and caramel going on in the aroma. There is a bit of alcohol noticeable in the aroma, adding a rich plum character to it.

Taste: Some darker caramel notes are noticeable at first...then some roast grains hit you pretty hard a few seconds into the profile (most likely Special B). There are some assertive bittering hops that mix with these intense roast grains to finally take over the malt and finish balanced pretty subtly toward the bitter. This is a medium bodied beer that crosses the palate pretty boldly. There is some noticeable alcoholic warming that you get from this beer, and this makes it seem a bit lighter bodied than it is.

Opinion: I think that this is a very enjoyable beer, and I like to keep some around to sample throughout the year. It is one that keeps well, so that's why I am reviewing a winter seasonal near the first of August. This beer is big and bold with a whole bunch of flavor. It is very close to a British Stock Ale in flavor and strength, though with a bit much hops for both styles. It is a really tasty brew, and one that I will be getting as regularly as it is released.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2005 23:05:47 | More by SkeeterHawk

paterlodie

Belgium

4.22/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Head is brown, thick and strong as concrete, straw colored. Good nose with lots of C(itrussy)-hops that do their work fine as making this a very fresh and fruity brew, are there further orange peals used? Certainly tastes like it. Underneath this wall of citrus there is some maltarome mostly chocolate/roast and some caramellic notes. Impressive and wel dosed arome's with maybe litle overdone dryhopping but alltogether a wonderfull adchiefment. Tasting this is also something, roasted nuts in orangejuice with wodka is a way to discripe this warming, fresh & fruity and bitter barleybrew. Woww maybe litle to much for time and wheather( sunny and round 85-90 outside at 1:30 pm) but most welcome to my tasting buds! Maybe litle overdone( on roasty and alcoholic side) so drinking gets tougher but well done Avery!

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2005 11:17:39 | More by paterlodie

HappyHourHero

Indiana

4.2/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thin, light brown colored head looks dead. Deep mahogany colored beer with a ruby hue. My nose clogged up and all I can smell is a vinuous malty sweetness. I was thinking big malty sweet beer, and it is a bit sweet up front, but oh look out for them hops. The flavor kicks in midway through, and by the end you've got a big ball of chewy piney hops in your mouth. It's pretty bitter towards the end, but not overwhelmingly so. After a few sips my stomach is nice and warm. A tasty, interesting brew that redeemed itself after the pour.

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2005 01:43:05 | More by HappyHourHero

babydoc

Kansas

3.8/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle with no date. Pours a gorgeous clear, dark mahogany with ruby overtones. Generous two-finger bubbly head that slowly fades, leaving sticky lace. Nose is sweet, sweet, with fruity tones (grape?) as well as malt and molasses. The nose definitely lets you know there will be hops in the tasting that follows. Taste is sweet, dark fruits and malt. Hops prominent, moreso than I usually expect in a winter warmer, but not overpowering. Alcohol is evident throughout. Velvety mouthfeel, moderate carbonation. Certainly not a session beer, but for the style I find it drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2005 05:37:32 | More by babydoc

KroMagnon

Tennessee

3.85/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Nice brown-amber color but the head was virtually non-existent. The aroma was dominated by sweet caramel and molasses along with some slight piney hops - rather nice, though perhaps a bit subdued. The flavor was definitely spicy overall - a nice blending of the sweet complex malt flavors suggested by the aroma along with maybe a hint of a roasted character, overlaid with spicy hops that finished with a slightly harsh character. Overall, strikes me as more of an IPA than a winter warmer - but delightful anyway! thanks to my Secret Santa for this one.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2005 03:02:25 | More by KroMagnon

granger10

Wisconsin

4.35/5  rDev +12.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Got this bottle thanks to CRJMellor's cooler of goodies at the West Mich. BA Gathering!

Pours a deep burgundy color then looks almost purple in a different light. Very unusualy color. Medium frothy yellow head leaves a bit quickly. Moderate lacing. Almost looks like a dark wine in the end.

Lots of toffee, plums in the aroma but they're matched by a grapefruit citrus hoppiness, as this one warms I start getting more alcohol.

The taste in this beer is awesome, esp as it warms. When it's a bit colder its a little too sweet and rough but when it gets to around room temp the flavors really come out and combine together. Very thick bodied beer. Sherry notes at first (maybe from some oxidation?). Malts are chocolate in sweetness and nutty underneath. Alcohol warmth is apparent but there aren't really any fusels in here. Finish brings a hoppy acidity that lingers.

Great mouthfeel in here, good lively beer with a nice thick body. The alcohol seems just right here. Unlike most Avery beers that show much more alcohol than they really have this one packs the perfect punch for what a Winter Warmer should be. I was actually kind of hoping for some fusel alcohol's since its so damn cold up here in Michigan and I thought I'd get that with an Avery, but this one surprised me. Very good. Thanks Craig!

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2005 14:41:04 | More by granger10

blitheringidiot

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Dim prune mahogany hued with a 1/4" dark khaki head, peppered with bubbles rising. Despite being dark, some light wisps through the pour, with lace 'o plenty scattered across the surface.

Some non-descript scents of malty candi fruit that, with a few swirls evoked a Vodka like aroma.

First Swigs: Dark fruit. BArk woody & some dry sort of hop flavor balance. This strong ABV leads to awl-kee-hawl detectable taste. Marascino cherry and fig fruit. Malty dry Fig Newton aftertaste. Brown sugar and rum cake with maltiness.

Medium feel and body at best. Sugary, and a buttery coating of tacky lolipop.

Last swigs: Sherry awl-kee-hawl with maybe whiskey malt? This would be good by the fireplace going. Vodka in a carrot cake.

Beer is good. Happy beering.

Serving type: on-tap

02-12-2005 20:05:44 | More by blitheringidiot

karst

Missouri

4.22/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours clear mahogany brown color- ruby if held to a bright winter sun, the head rose 2 fingers or more of good light tan foam, the lace a filmy sheet persisted and finally receeded to the edge in a ring. The floral-citrus aroma of the hops and sweet malt blend with a hint of alcohol. I reminesse of brandy like on tap brews tasted at Schlafly's 2005 Winter Beer Fest that I found thickly malted and tangy with great mouthfeel and returned to again and again. Jubilation finishes with a big acidic feeland the hop spiciness, dry and lingering goodbye.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2005 14:43:20 | More by karst

apintofknowledge

New Jersey

2.48/5  rDev -35.9%
look: 4 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

The beer poured a deep brown, with a thin tan head. The aroma reminded me of sour milk, with mild fumes of alcohol coming through.

The taste overall was overpowered by the very bitter hops, which were extremely present in the finish. The alcohol came through as well. Some notes of toasted nuts, malt and unsweetened chocolate were somewhere in there, but at times muddled in the hops and alcohol. I couldn't taste any spices often associated with winter warmers.

I can see why some might enjoy this, but for one who enjoys more malty & spiced winter warmers, this isn't my beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2005 18:31:40 | More by apintofknowledge

Maestro

Pennsylvania

4.28/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This was a nice suprise. The big, bubbly head turns into a thick, whipped lacing. The color is dark red/brown and only allows a small bit of light to shine through. The nose is a sweet, malty sensation that lets the slightest breath of hops come through. The first taste reveals all sorts of flavors...chocolate, raisin, fig and apple come to mind. The "Jubilation" is evident as the alcohol makes itself known rather quickly. Definitely a sipper. The flavors become more pronounced as the beer warms. This is a great winter warmer!

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2005 00:56:46 | More by Maestro

BeerAngel

Texas

4.2/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Pours a dark brown yet clear color with a very modest, but dense light tan head. The aroma is of roasted malts, chocolate, and buttery diacetyl. At first the diacetyl was overwhelming, but after sitting for a bit, the smell improved. The taste is a very creamy smooth repeat of the aroma (although a better balance of the buttery flavor) along with a nice blend of hops taking a backseat to the malts. This smooth beer is a medium to heavy bodied beer that drinks down really well for the ABV. Very likeable beer! Thanks to pineywoodsrooter for this one! Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2005 04:47:44 | More by BeerAngel

sweethome

Illinois

4.18/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

2004 version. Pour is dark with a crimson hue to light. Very big piney nose. SIgnificant malts too - plumy.

The maltiness is there upfront, but the hops come on (this is Avery!) big midmouth. A great roastiness dances in and out with a fruity sweetness. A huge hoppy finish of pine, grapefruit - and more of the plum.

This beer is big. Alcohol warmth is there - but not burning. It pushes me just to endge - slightly harsh, but enough complex flavors to get me. I thought the 2003 version went just over that edge. This year, it does not. A fine version of an americanized style. My favorite Strong Ale of this season (so far).

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2005 03:05:35 | More by sweethome

clvand0

Kentucky

4.28/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at Rich O's Public House. Pours a medium brown color with a tall head and doesn't leave much lacing on the glass. The aroma has lots of citrus hops but also has a nice malty backbone. The flavor has a great caramel malt character, but is joined by the citrus hop flavors. More hoppy than expected, but very well balanced. Very enjoyable. Drinkability is great for an 8% brew.

Serving type: on-tap

01-16-2005 23:28:34 | More by clvand0

SheepNutz

Kentucky

4.2/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On-tap poured into a pint glass. It pours a deep brown-red color with two fingers of head. There is no lacing on the glass. The smell is sweet and malty, with a touch of chocolate and some candied plums. The taste is fairly light. Nice and sweet with more dark fruit and just a hint of caramel as well. The mouthfeel was fairly nice and strong. The drinkability was unlike anything I've ever seen from Avery. This is an 8% beer, and it drinks like it's under 4%. I could easily have a few of these.

Serving type: on-tap

01-11-2005 06:01:15 | More by SheepNutz

gbontrag

Colorado

3.65/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Just brown, dark brown. Fluffy toasted froth. Holds well. Beautiful lace. Toasted whole wheat bread burnt on the edges, made with a touch of molasses, spread with homemade syrup; good hop funk steps through, and boogies on down the palate. Jazzy mouthfeel. Warming. Creamy. Mocha cappuccino made with Italian roast.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2005 22:58:48 | More by gbontrag

shapudding

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

No dating. Poured out a clear and dark, rubied at the edge with just a dusting of light, white cloudiness floating across the top and edges. Dark scents of coffee, chocolate, and hoppiness. Perfect amount of carbination IMHO, just a bit of it in there. Tastes of burnt toast, black coffee, dark chocolate. Nice hoppiness to it. Darkness, dark caramelly sweetness... .very good. Leaves tons of flavor in your mouth after each sip. Nicely drinkable for those who head to the beers with alot of flavor, stout/porter lovers. Very enjoyable one.

Chosen from the list of "beers for men" at the FlatRock in Manyunk, how freakin' funny!

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2005 20:46:33 | More by shapudding

kmpitz2

Tennessee

4.33/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer poured a deep ruby brown color with a small head that didn't have much retention at all. Citrusy and spicey hops dominated the aroma, with a sweet caramel background in there as well. The flavor was much the same as the aroma, wtih sweet citrusy hop and nice spicey hop laying over a nice caramel backdrop. The feel was moderate to thick. Overall, I enjoyed this beer. IT was very smooth and I could easily have had a full 20 oz pint.

Serving type: on-tap

01-08-2005 16:44:02 | More by kmpitz2