NOTE: The Avery Dictator Series features beers that were meant to be aged before being enjoyed. The author was fortunate enough to have found a bottle of The Czar bottled in 2008. The reviews for this vintage beer would be very different had the beer been bottled in 2011.
Many people consider Boulder to be the quintessential liberal, free-minded community what with its social activists, lax marijuana laws, and herds of hippies lounging in every city park. There is, however, an iron fist ruling over this seemingly peaceful town. Boulder is not run by a mayor or a city council as one might assume. Instead, it is under the authority of a triumvirate of dictators known as The Kaiser, The Maharaja, and The Czar Russian Imperial Stout (10.77% ABV) all hailing from the kingdom of Avery Brewing.
Color: The color of Czar is as pitch black as his ruthless soul save for a glimmer of lighter, brown highlights: the only indication that he has a shred of humanity left. Even so, these brown highlights are pushed down and are only visible at the bottom of the glass. The Czar wears a crown of tan foam upon his head.
Aroma: Pleasant milk chocolate aromas mixed with burnt cocoa abound. These aromas are noticeable but not overpowering.
Taste: The Czar tastes very much like Kahlúa with its creamy, chocolate flavor. There is also a caramel taste that makes an appearance. The finish of this beer leaves a little bit of bitterness in the back of the throat: the Czar’s way of reminding the drinker of his power.
Mouthfeel: This beer is velvety like the glove that hides its iron fist in. The Czar is thick and creamy and like a melted milkshake in consistency.
If one accepts the Czar as sovereign ruler of one’s palate, the Czar will treat the drinker kindly. One must be cautioned not to challenge the Czar or attempt any sort of revolution for any resistance would surely be crushed. One should simply relax into the glorious leader’s soothing embrace.
The Czar is available in most Denver-area liquor stores.
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