Avery Anniversary Ale - Sixteen - Avery Brewing Company

merlin48

Kentucky

3.93/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle pours a hazy, pale yellow body with a small white head that quickly drops into a bubbly collar. Some spotty lace is left behind.

Aroma is lemony and musty, with bready hints. Some vague fruit, honeydew melon perhaps, underneath.

Light medium body has a sparkly carbonation.

Taste starts off dry, with a herbal hoppiness. Lime zest and coriander are present throughout. A bit musty and chalky at times. Finishes dry with a coriander aftertaste.

Pretty decent and very drinkable but not on a par with Avery 10 or 11 which were magnificent DIPA's.

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2010 13:25:10 | More by merlin48

Daniellobo

District of Columbia

3.98/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Nice saison, pretty well rounded and pleasing, although short of much complexity.

Presentation: 22 oz bottle. Old fashion illustration of three cabaret-like women carrying the names of some of the intended flavors present in the brew. Side narrative has a tongue in cheek note about reaching the 16th anniversary, main ingredients, and brew intent. Displays date of bottling (May 9 2009), Original Gravity at 1.069, and Alc. by Vol. (7.69%). Served on a tulip glass.

A - Hazy pale gold pour, good frothy head, somewhat short retention, small surface memory and some lacing.

S - Light aroma, pleasing, a bit fruity, lemony with sweet touches.

T - The taste has a nicely rounded range pivoting on a Belgium yeasty note, not much funk (unfortunately) but a nice tangy sense. Fruity, lemon, fresh acidic and spicy touches.

M - Medium body with medium and adequate carbonation. Dry finish without much earthiness...

D - It is rather quaffable without any remarkable complexity, but nicely rounded.

Notes: Interestingly I had seen a lot of close comments about this brew going in both direction. For me actually it's´ neither, it´s not an extraordinary saison, and it is not awful either. In fact it a pretty pleasing offering.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2010 14:28:00 | More by Daniellobo

trygger87

California

4.22/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Picked up a 22 oz at plump jacks in SF CA. Bottled on May of 2009, consumed on June 2010.
Beer pours a super light apricot color with very little head to speak of. Also very little carbonation but it is present.The smell of this beer reminds me of a fruity dry white wine, though i hardly ever drink wine at all thats what this beer immediately brought to mind when i smelled it. Serious caramel sugar smell in there as well.
Upon first taste i get fermented peaches(not a bad thing) and a bread quality. Very tasty beer that really out did its self in the taste department. Mouth feel is smooth and refreshing, this is some thing you would drink on a hot day in the sun. Drinkability is insane on this one. I taste no alcohol what so ever in this beer and its scraping in at just below 8% ABV, be careful if you got a few of these to your self. Over all i would recommend this beer to lovers of Belgian triples because thats what it reminded me of the most.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2010 06:04:06 | More by trygger87

morimech

Minnesota

3.25/5  rDev -14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I almost think that someone dumped out the Saison and filled the bottle back up with an average strong golden ale. There is nothing here that screams Saison. Pours a hazy, golden color with one inch of head that slowly settled to a thin cap. Moderate amount of spotty lacing is left on the glass. Slight fruity aroma and sweet malt. Also has that distinct smell of fermented honey. The flavor also has some fruit elements, faint spice, and a honey sweetness in the finish. Definately too much honey in this beer. A nice body for a beer and carbonation. Light and slightly bubbly. I missed the funk and tartness that I was expecting. Decent flavor so it is drinkable but not that special.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2010 22:40:06 | More by morimech

JoEBoBpr

Missouri

4.33/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a snifter from a 22oz bomber.

A - Pours a gorgeous pal straw golden color with a great 1.5 inch white head that is very dense and active. The head recedes ever so slowly.

S - Very flowery nose in this saision. Nice spice profile with pepper and some coriander as well as nice sweet fruit aromas. Some yeast in the nose as well.

T - The taste is where this beer shines. Starts of with some mild fruit sweetness from the malt that is well balanced with some hop dryness and nice citrus fruit hints as well. Spices like clove and coriander are present as well as some peppery hints. Very smooth transition between all the flavors. Great beer.

M & D - Fluffy CO2 mouthfeel with a nice medium body. Refreshing and delicious with great drinkability for the style and ABV.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2010 21:49:07 | More by JoEBoBpr

bobsy

Ontario (Canada)

2.7/5  rDev -29.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Bomber from Buffalo.

Pours a rich and deep gold with a soapy cream head that soon fizzes away to nothing. Only a few lace spots remain. The aroma is big, fruity sweet malts, and really lacks the complexity of a true saison. There's not really any detectable funk, and only the slightest note of barnyard. What I do get though is the peach that this was brewed with, as well as the occasional tea note. The flavour follows suit, and while its still decent, this isn't my kind of saison, and not a direction I would want the style to go in. Sweet peachy notes dominate throughout, mixing with a touch of pepper and clove, and a slight wheat tanginess. Its way too estery, overly sweet and devoid of complexity for me to say this is anything more than mediocre. Medium, sticky body has me a bit meh. Certainly not refreshing.

I hate giving a bad score to my favourite style, and this isn't all that bad a beer, but as a saison this is crap.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2010 14:16:34 | More by bobsy

aubuc1

Florida

4.22/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle from May 2009 poured in to a goblet.

Pours a hazy yellow with big white head.

Smell is a musty, floral, spicy bowl of soup.

Taste is smooth, spicy, round, slightly citrusy , floral, balanced delight. A year has been good for this.

Mouthfeel is good, and drinkability right on.

This is better than when I had it originally.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2010 00:00:11 | More by aubuc1

Tone

Missouri

3.68/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear, pale golden color. 3/4 inch head of a white color. Good retention and good lacing. Smells of tart malt, yeast, citrus (lemon), and slight pale hop. Fits the style of a Saison/ Farmhouse Ale. Mouth feel is sharp and crisp with an average carbonation level. There is also a noticeable tartness. Tastes of tart malt, lemon, slight hop, honey, and slight wheat. Overall, a little weak in body, but good blend, and aroma.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2010 21:39:52 | More by Tone

arizcards

Arizona

3.7/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Picked up a bomber in early January from Total Wine for $8.49. Bottled in May 2009.

Beer poured a straw golden color with a nice long lasting white head. Clarity is very good. Nose is pretty good, musty with hints of lemon. Taste is pretty good, hints of lemon and honey, slight must, dry finish. Mouthfeel is good, belgian yeast and high carbonation make this quite refreshing. Overall drinkability is good, abv is well hidden. This brew is pretty close to the style as I know it and comes off lighter and more refreshing than anticipated. Glad to have had the opportunity!

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2010 22:36:38 | More by arizcards

mntlover

Tennessee

3.78/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a nice golden yellow color with a ice fluffy white head.

Aroma is nice wheaty, grassy light fruits with yeast notes through out. Some light musty notes not wet horse blanket in strength more on the lighter side.

Taste is like the smell but more musty in flavor wheat, fruit banana tart lemons maybe light peach think it would be more prevalent since its on the label. Finish is nice tart fruits fresh cut grass but some honey sweetness underneath the tartness. Earthy yeast notes through out. Enjoyable brew might could use a touch less tartness but enjoyable non the less.

Mouthfeel is crisp light with fairly active carbonation.

Drinkability is good an enjoyable brew as is might could use a touch of something but then again might just be me.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2010 21:45:46 | More by mntlover

emmasdad

Colorado

3.58/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours from the bottle a golden straw color, with a big, rocky pillow of white head. Aromas of funk, peaches, yeast. On the palate, I get some honey sweetness, some citrus, some funk, and a bit of hops. A well made saision equals another nice effort from Avery.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2010 00:03:00 | More by emmasdad

Krevee

California

3.9/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a 1p 6oz bottle into a Bruery tulip

A - Pours with a fair sized head of about one inch. Color is like a hazy light yellow straw. Lacing disappears quickly.

S - Smell is of stray and hay, along with spices and a light fruit smell including orange. Along with a Belgian yeast profile.

T - Taste similar to smell. Very crisp along with some banana notes. Has finish of wheat and other grains. Fruit tastes become more apparent over time.

M - Good amounts of light carbonation. Has a light silky layer that sits in the mouth after. Somewhat think in the mouth for the style.

D - Easy to drink with the ABV being almost unnoticeable. A pretty good representation of the style. Could have a few glasses of it. Pretty good overall not my favorite of the style but very capable.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2010 07:10:19 | More by Krevee

prototypic

Ohio

3.78/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Avery Sixteen pours a light straw color. It's hazy and definitely looks bright yellow with light behind it. A soft, white head crowns the top. It's about a finger and a half deep, and recedes to a surface covering quickly. Lacing was very, very light.

The nose is alright. It's primarily yeasty. It smells like Belgian yeast, but it's not a thunderous Belgian yeast presence. It's very earthy and grainy throughout. I'm definitely getting musk, but not necessarily funk. I'm not sure whether Brett is here not. Doesn't smell like it. There are some light fruit notes. The label indicates peach is here. I get a little of that, but I'm getting more lemon. Alcohol isn't noticeable at all.

The flavor is good. It's definitely earthy and grainy, for starters. It has a nice musky flavor going on, but I'm still not getting any funk. My guess is...no Brett. Not necessarily a bad thing. It is a little yeasty. It tastes Belgian to me, but it's not a very strong flavor in the mix. It's a little fruity. I'm picking up lemon, but not much peach. Go figure. Honey certainly makes an appearance. I didn't catch that in the nose, but it's definitely here. Alcohol is blended well and is lost in the shuffle. It finishes dry and musky. Perhaps the best news is that it isn't vegetal at all.

Sixteen has a medium body. Carbonation is light, and it is smooth. Goes down nice and easy. Drinkability is above average. The flavor's good, but it isn't among my favorite Saisons. It goes down easy enough, and isn't too scary in terms of abv. Nonetheless, a bomber is enough.

Avery generally does a really impressive job with these anniversary releases. This one's definitely pretty impressive, but doesn't quite live up to some of the other releases. All in all, I like it. I think I'd like it more with a stronger Belgian yeast flavor and perhaps a spicy edge. As it is, it's a solid Saison, but needs something extra to really challenge the best Saisons. Honey is interesting and tasty, but isn't enough to propel it to the top. Nonetheless, it's definitely worth checking out.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2010 04:23:05 | More by prototypic

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Split a bottle at Little Ortino's. The label says it was bottled in May 2009. This is easily one of Avery's better and more authentic Belgian brews, but it tastes like it needs more time for the yeast character to develop. There's a herbal spicyness up front (like in a good, dry saison) that's followed by a mildly tangy earth flavor that reminds me of a young brett beer. I wonder if another couple years could turn this into a real beast. While the flavor doesn't seem fully developed, it's still quite drinkable and the light body is spot on. Not bad, not bad at all.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2010 23:41:19 | More by tempest

TonyBrew

Ohio

3.83/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours yellow like straw but an unusual crystal like color that gives it something more to its look when compared to other beers this yellow. Aroma is strong at first with the grains and tartness (like the start of a funky sour) but adds a spicy herbalness to the nose. Taste is dry but a bit of zest I belive is from the jasmine and herbs. Some what a bit much going on at first taste but the fruitiness I was expecting does not come out until about the middle/end of the beer. The peaches are there but more like an after-taste rather then the first part of the taste. The finish is actually quite nice, especially after how big the first few sips were. Pretty good brew all and all. Kind of big and resin like for this style with a great zest.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2010 17:36:48 | More by TonyBrew

Xul

California

4.15/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a slightly murky straw color, topped by a rocky, two finger white head. Head subsides to a smaller size but remains for quite a while.

S: Lots of aromas melding together here - some fruitiness anchored by peach and a bit of green apple, some spice from the jasmine, some floral and earthy notes, a wheaty base, and a bit of funk lingering around.

T: A stronger peach character than in the aroma with a bit less of the jasmine. Malty base in the middle, which gaves way to a somewhat spicy finish with pepper and some Belgian yeastiness. Has a bit of a white wine characteristic to it.

M: Medium body with fairly high carbonation, glides across the tongue leaving a slight coating that increases the desire to take another sip.

D: Goes down very easily and is very refreshing. Could have several glasses over the span of an afternoon, especially while enjoying some cheese.

This has aged very gracefully and might even be better than when it was fresh. The honey doesn't seem to show through anymore but the flavors have integrated better than I recall when I had it upon release.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2010 00:23:50 | More by Xul

Gueuzedude

Arizona

3.98/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Sampled February 27th, 2010
A solid pour into my large Tripel Karmelite tulip produces a voluminous, four-finger thickness of pale, off-white colored head. The head slowly subsides with a pillowy texture all the while leaving some light lacing on the sides of my glass. The beer shows a yellow gold color and a hazed, bright gold color when held up to the light. The aroma smells tart and floral with lots of peach-derived fruitiness, a flint-like white wine note, dry mead like notes and some herbal grassy notes. I am definitely enjoying the fruit leaning aromatics tempered by floral character and a touch of spice.

Light feeling on the tongue, but it still has some sweetness to it. The flavor is also fairly floral tasting, both from the peach notes and the hint of jasmine flavors, and likely the honey too, but this last is perhaps a bit more subtle contribution. This is well carbonated as it fizzes up nicely as it rolls across the tongue; this is perhaps not as light, or dry for that matter, as I might prefer a Saison, but this is eminently quaffable and refreshing The finish has an almost bitter herbal note from the jasmine, plus a peppery, slightly phenolic spiciness from the fermentation character. Somehow the fruit, floral aspects, and flint like notes remind me of a Sauvignon Blanc; the light tartness helps with that too.

This is probably the best Saison that I have had from Avery. My only complaint is that the yeast character could be a bit more "rustic"; earthy, musty & even funky notes would be a welcome addition for me, but I have a feeling they might lose some people if they did that, and I am still perfectly happy with how this beer is.

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2010 22:53:18 | More by Gueuzedude

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle: Poured a deep golden color ale with a large pure white frothy head with good retention and some pretty good lacing. Aroma of light jasmine and peach notes with some attenuated sweet Belgian malt. Taste is quite enjoyable with good notes of jasmine scent and light sweet peach ester with some well balanced sweet Belgian malt. Body is quite full with nice bottle conditioning and great carbonation with no apparent alcohol. Very well done is maybe lacking some funky notes, which I usually appreciate for the style.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2010 03:46:42 | More by Phyl21ca

bamadog

Kentucky

4.1/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Picked up a growler of this at Party Town in Florence, KY. Poured from the growler to a tulip and the review is from notes taken on 3/9/2010.

Appearance: Pours a hazy straw color that has some hints of a honey color in it (I could mistake this beer for a Nantucket Nectar peach drink); starts with a huge 3 1/2 finger fluffy white head that slowly fades to a firm and full skim; body is very cloudy but shows strong carbonation on the sides; nice rings and washes of lacing are left behind.

Smell: Floral hop presence; slightly toasted grains; honey sweetness mixed in... Overall, it's a bit perfumey with a light sweet and slightly tart fruitiness (green grapes?) with a bit of corinader spice to it.

Taste: Very nice flavors throughout -- the sweet and slightly tart grape-like flavors are complimented by the light and toasty graininess and honey-like maltiness; a lightly floral hoppy aspect in the back and there is a nice warming spicy coriander presence as well.

Mouthfeel: Body is fairly light and the tiny, yet strong, carbonation is pretty prickly and bubbles the nice flavors throughout the mouth; feel is crisp and quite refreshing; a nice dry stickiness is left on the palate.

Drinkability: Would be great in the warmer spring and summer days as it's quite crisp and refreshing with bit of sweet and tartness in the flavors; doesn't feel too heavy either so I don't feel like it would weigh me down; however, with the 7.69% ABV, there may be a need for a designated driver.

Serving type: growler

03-11-2010 04:30:01 | More by bamadog

sweemzander

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22oz. bottle poured into a tulip. Bottled in May 2009.

(A)- Pours a hazed straw yellow color that produced an amazing fluffy pure white head that just clung to the sides of the glass as it didnt want to dissipate; slowly but surely it did.

(S)- Lots of straw, hay, wheat-like biscuits in this with a grass-like yeast. Bits of clay & lemon with a light coriander-like spice.

(T)- The lemon really shines in the flavor. Very biscuit-like that gives it a nice crispness somehow & becomes almost creamy when combined with the yeast that has a banana character within its dryness. This is bitter too, but very minimally. That dry straw/hay/wheat is nice on the finish of this. The more I drink of this, I begin to taste a fantastic peach & nectarine fruitiness that gradually becomes more & more present.

(M)- A great carbonation level in this. A great balance of fruits, barnyard-like grains, & yeast. The near year of age really softened this out and made it silky smooth. A nice crispness that makes this rather refreshing; particularly good for the spring & summertime.

(D)- A solid, if not great saison that really benefitted from its age in the bottle in my opinion. Great crisp taste & a smooth feel. Rather belgain-like in nuance & character, but still has some good dry barnyard-like grains. Definitely a good job by Avery! I would also be curious how well this would age further.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2010 22:32:10 | More by sweemzander

bmwgirl9606

Indiana

3.95/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Light refreshing saison in a 22oz bottle. Straw-gold color with haze and a medium white head. Medium carbonated, but good effervescent mouthfeel. Crisp flavor, somewhat fruity and lightly sweet without being cloying. We thought it was best when it was cold - became less enjoyable as it warmed up.

Good for an American saison in a bottle. Would buy/drink again.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2010 05:09:50 | More by bmwgirl9606

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.68/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A decent saison, a serviceable saison. A style I like. Pours light body with lots of bubbly foam. Pleasant aromas, fruity and a bit of yeast. Above average mouthfeel,honeyish, a somewhat pleasant spiciness and bitterness. Most drinkable. A tad complex.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2010 03:10:09 | More by northyorksammy

lightindarkness

Indiana

3.93/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a slightly hazy straw yellow, very yellow in fact, with the mild opacity giving it something to stand out in appearance against the myriad of lifeless beers with similar appearance. Larger bubbles give way to fizzy streams, with a white cap that settles to patchy bubbly dense wisps.

Nose is dry and almost harsh. Raspy combination of tart yeast and strong bright grains. Slight funk and a little phenolic yeast character. A little herbal with faint hints at floral, but not much.

Mild tingle on the tongue of flavor. Firm dry biscuity grain and hay. Subtle on the jasmine with very faint herbal flavor filling in. Forceful up front, but becoming slightly more delicate toward the finish, with an estery hint toward banana in the middle. Leaves a hearty aftertaste, which may be the best showing of the peach. Seems to lack subtlety up front, but finishes more pleasantly. Floral notes resound afterward and are really quite attractive for the beer.

Feel is in line with what's expected, though slightly dense for the style. Nice full tingly carbonation enhances the feel, cutting the body, but mildly filling. Almost numbing to the tongue, then becoming a little slick and thick toward the end.

Flavor is pleasant and interesting, a rather drinkable beer, though carbonation fills it a bit too much to consume extensively. A considerably high ABV and surprisingly full to be a self-declared 'session' ale. Kind of a lumbering version of a saison, honestly very tasty, but seeming to lack the subtlety and balance of some outstanding versions of this style of beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2010 19:29:52 | More by lightindarkness

ktrillionaire

Florida

4.58/5  rDev +19.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

G – Tulip

A – Bright golden-orange hue, hazy but not cloudy, and with a big head that recedes to clingy lace.

S – Big lemon-lime funkiness, subtle peaches and clean jasmine breeze come together to paint the olfactory picture of perfect weather and summer afternoons. Avery has nailed it again. The flavorings are so clearly, yet subtly, expressed in this brew.

T – Tastes very good; nicely sour, and very pleasant overall, with a nice effervescence and notes of sour apple, pear, peach, even hints of un-oaked Chardonnay. I was pessimistic about this brew, I loved Fifteen so much, and I didn’t think Sixteen could possibly hang with it. I am pleasantly surprised. While not as delicious as the former, the latter certainly holds its own. I am headed to the store tomorrow to buy a case, before it disappears forever.

M – Nice and light, with a refreshing tartness, and a lingering sour tinge on the dry finish.

D – Very drinkable, pairs well, stands alone, all-season brew, off the hook.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2010 00:52:11 | More by ktrillionaire

twiggamortis420

Texas

3.25/5  rDev -14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

22 oz bomber bottled in May 2009. Initial pour without sediment is fairly clear with a huge white layer of foam that displays good retention and lacing. On par for a nice saison. Color is a pretty light gold.

Nose has some farmhouse yeast esters with some vinous, wheat and floral characteristics. The peaches I can get but probably would not have guessed at, and the honey aroma is lost to me. Pretty good smelling saison, but I can almost always use a bit more funk.

Not quite as refreshing and crisp as many of the great examples of a saison, Sixteen has a bit more sweetness and body with the alcohol sticking out prominently. The peach/hop/jasmine combination clashes a little bit and is mildly similar to orange juice after teeth-brushing. A bottle-swirl does not yield any more sediment as I was hoping to add more bready, balancing yeast flavor. As is, the farmhouse yeast flavors are pretty muted. I had a bottle of this fresh in 09 and remember liking it a little bit better, but not much. After some stellar Anniversary beers of late, this one is a bit of a letdown.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2010 20:48:57 | More by twiggamortis420