Avery Brewing Tweak
Man, Avery Brewing has been on a tear as of late with these barrel-aged monsters they’ve been releasing. Between the seasonal one-two punch of Rumpkin and Pumpkyn, the incredibly wonderful and tart Rufus Corvus and the damn-near perfect Uncle Jacob’s Stout, the company has proven they know how to handle a barrel or two.
Well, now you can add Tweak, a 17.81% ABV imperial stout brewed with coffee and aged in bourbon barrels, to that impressive list. The beer is just outstanding. With a solid stout base and wonderful coffee notes, the addition of bourbon and wood on the brew does more than complete it — it creates a layer of flavors that you just don’t want to end.
Appearance
Tweak pours like old motor oil, but with a rocky cap of dark brown foam.
Aroma
Coffee, molasses, soft bourbon notes, distant wood, a decent roast and peppery alcohol all combine smoothly for an amazing and decadent aroma.
Taste
Simply, wow. This is a massive beer both in terms of flavor and alcohol presence. Big coffee notes, molasses, bourbon, woody notes, roast malt and a solid bit of sweetness persist throughout as hints of anise and cocoa come and go as they please. There is tremendous depth within this brew as it slides fully over the tongue to a long lasting and warming finish.
Overall
I’ve had more than my fair share of barrel-aged stouts (and even those brewed with coffee), but Tweak is head and shoulders above them all. It’s boastful in its flavor yet refined in its application — a big beer with equally big flavors. This is one of those beers that I should have bought more of when I had the opportunity.
Rating: 4.5/5
