Avery The Maharaja
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Tasting Notes
The nose leads with an assertive wave of citrus peel, tropical fruit, and pine resin — typical of an aggressively hopped double IPA, but Avery's version is known for pushing the hop load unusually hard. On the palate, a thick, syrupy malt backbone holds up layers of grapefruit, mango, and dank pine before a wave of bitterness takes over mid-sip. The body is full and almost chewy, with the alcohol warmth noticeable but not harsh. The finish lingers long with dry, resinous bitterness and a faint caramel sweetness that keeps it from feeling one-dimensional.
About the Brewery
Avery Brewing is based in Boulder, Colorado, and has been operating since 1993. They built their reputation on high-gravity, boldly flavored beers and have long been a fixture in the American craft scene. Their Demons of Ale series and a range of barrel-aged beers demonstrate a consistent appetite for pushing alcohol and flavor intensity well beyond mainstream expectations.
Food Pairings
Spicy Thai curry works well here because the malt sweetness tempers heat while the hops echo the dish's aromatic lemongrass and lime. A sharp, aged cheddar stands up to the bitterness and creates a satisfying fat-and-resin contrast. Slow-smoked brisket pairs naturally because the caramelized bark on the meat mirrors the beer's own malt backbone. Blue cheese is another strong match, where the funky creaminess softens the aggressive hop bite without either element overwhelming the other.
Style Guide
American Double or Imperial IPA is essentially a supersized version of the American IPA — more hops, more malt to balance them, and enough alcohol (typically 7.5–12%) to make the whole thing cohere. The style originated in the late 1990s and early 2000s among American craft brewers looking to push hop intensity and gravity beyond what a standard IPA could carry. Where a session or standard IPA aims for balance and drinkability, a double IPA leans into excess: higher bitterness units, a fuller body, and a more pronounced alcohol presence are all defining traits rather than flaws.