An Overdue Devil: Avery Mephistopheles Stout

Bottled November 2007

Sampled: Feb. 3, 2010

This sat in the Beer Cave for two years - who just breaks out a beer that tops 15 percent alcohol for any old occasion? Well, an old friend's dog died,  one I watched and grew to like a lot, so that makes it an occasion. So to Rommel, the mini Schnauzer, I salute you. You weren't the namesake of this brew, but I'll raise the glass anyway. 

The peppery nose is expected, but the roasted malt bouquet instantly asserts this strong brew's stout credentials. The malt imparts some espresso and raisin characteristics that mute the pepper well. Masking agents do wonders in strong ales. 

The body is amazingly rich, flecked with tones of toffee, more raisin, molasses, chocolate and a slight oiliness which might be due to the hop content. Mephistopheles crosses the 10 IBU barrier, but it doesn't owe any success to overhopping. The typical flavors thrown out by stout perform as well at 15 percent as they would at 5 percent ABV. 

As one of Avery's three demon brews, it comes a close second to Dogfish Head's Worldwide Stout for high-octane dark beer. The pepper does become less constrained as Mephistopheles goes onward. But don't be afraid to let this devil into your idle hands. 

Rating: 7.5/10