Avery 20th Anniversary Party – Recap W/ Pics
Our intern Andy has done a very thoughtful write up with pictures on Avery Brewing’s 20th Anniversary Party. If you are interested in contributing to The Full Pint, please follow this link. Cheers!
On August 4, 2013 Avery Brewing Company brought together an eclectic group of people to celebrate a milestone, their 20th Anniversary. Featuring some of the biggest, baddest, and most delicious brews pulled from deep in the cellar, it was to be a rager. And judging by the crowd’s reception, it was.
But this party meant more than that. As so many brewing companies are beginning to do, Avery donated all of the proceeds from this event to a man named Brit Antrim. A close brewery friend, Brit recently suffered a devastating spinal injury. While this party was of course thrown to bring together beer geeks from all locales, it was also to benefit Brit. Way to go, Avery!
Now, on to the actual party. Although Avery is packed into a small industrial park, they made perfect use of the area. I sure hope all of their neighbors received free tickets! Speaking of neighbors, The Front Range Catering Co., located directly across from Avery, provided a delicious menu of BBQ with side dishes and vegetarian options. The roasted pig with traditional BBQ sauce was fantastic, as was the smoked beef. I was told my plate was too “meaty” (is that even possible?) so I supplemented with fresh watermelon and beans that had the perfect slow burn. And a big thumbs up to whoever decorated the pigs – who says dead animals can’t accessorize?
After eating, it was time for beer. Glancing at the loaded beer list, it quickly became apparent that my six beer decisions would not be made easily. Avery split the beer into three distinct pouring stations (in addition to the tap room), each representing the beer festivals of Boulder – Sour Fest, Strong Ale Fest, and IPA Fest. Amidst these mini fests were various activities, the highlight being a dunking booth featuring Avery’s staff.
The IPA Fest tent was a little light on options, but delivered in quality. I sampled their Chinook dry-hopped IPA and the double dry-hopped Twenty, both of which were excellent choices. The IPA Fest menu also featured a special version of Hog Heaven called Uberschwein (this fit right in with the accessorizing pigs) and Summer’s Day IPA, Avery IPA with a tangerine punch.
The longest lines of the day were to be found at the Sour Fest. With offerings like Eremita II and V, Fifteen, and Dihos Dactylion, I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised. Both Eremita II and Fifteen were personal favorites, although the crowd was in love with another…the 3PM tapping of Dihos Dactylion, a sour ale aged in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, featured a line all the way out the door with raised hands all around. Deafening whooping and cheering filled the room as Avery fans expressed their love for sours.
Finally, let’s talk strong ale. I was surprised to see minimal lines at the Strong Ale Fest all day, even with offerings from the cellar as old as 11 years. As Mephistopheles’ is a little too hot for me with only one year on it, I first went for a bottle from 2007. Pure. Bitter. Dark. Chocolate. A 2008 Old Jubilation followed and did not disappoint. Both of these were great treats, as I rarely have the opportunity to try aged brews. Other treats included aged bottles of the entire Demons series and several previous anniversary beers.
All in all, Avery’s 20th Anniversary Party was a great success. Judging by the massive (and quite inebriated) crowd, I’m sure they managed to raise a significant amount of money for Brit. And of course, the rare beer offerings that were promised were delivered, as is expected of a brewery as respected as Avery. Cheers to Avery’s continued success and my anticipation of their 40th Anniversary Party!
