Joyous Jubilation

(STAFF PHOTO J.T. WAMPLER) Avery Brewing Co.'s Old Jubilation Ale is a seasonal winter warmer that comes in at 8.3 percent alcohol from Boulder Co.

Beer even better if aged

Wamp’s Wisdom

Avery Brewing Co.’s Old Jubilation Ale is a seasonal winter warmer that comes in at 8.3 percent alcohol from Boulder Co. It pours a mahogany in color with minimal head.
Aroma is wonderfully complex with hints of mocha and hazelnut bringing to mind a winter evening.
Taste is big and bold with chocolate and toffee competing for attention on the finish.
All these wonderful flavors come from the combination of malts used, not from spices or adjuncts.
I first tried this beer last year and at first I didn’t like it. I stashed the remaining four bottles in the back of the fridge thinking I’d foist them on unsuspecting holiday guests.
In March when I’d run out of beer and was rummaging I found them. I poured one and let it warm up to around 50 degrees.
It was one of the most extraordinary ales I’ve ever had. The label says it’s cellarable for more than three years. Someday I’ll be able to save some that long, but not this year.

Don’t miss this tasty seasonal treat. Enjoy on a cold night with dessert, perhaps chocolate ganache.

Rating: 4 caps

Rico’s Reaction

Of the three beers Wamp and I settled on saving to be reviewed around the holiday season — Nutcracker Ale, Old Rasputin and Old Jubiliation Ale — this was the one I enjoyed the least.
Of course that’s not saying much when I still enjoyed it enough to give it a “4 caps” rating. Lately, the reviewer’s cup has runneth over with good beer and Old Jubilation is no exception.
I’m rapidly developing a fondness for Avery’s brews, having enjoyed this selection, the beer maker’s India Pale Ale and the Hog Heaven barleywine, which was the first to be featured for Beer O’ The Week. Old Jubilation immediately hit me with a rich aroma. Tasty revealed grand chocolate overtones with a hint coffee while remaining smooth and creamy.
While it may not be spiced, the ale bears flavors echoing cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices.
If you still have a fever for some holiday cheer, Old Jubilation would be an excellent cure. It begs to be drunk fireside while looking at  — but not eating — a fruitcake.

Rating: 4 caps

Rating System

One Cap: Put it back in the horse!
Two Caps: Consume only if the other choice is Tijuana tap water or Coors Light.
Three Caps: Acceptable without standing out. The Tito Jackson of beer, if you will.
Four Caps: Nice beer that rises above most but may not deliver enough to be considered great.
Five Caps: Truly great beer that delivers on all counts. A credit to its style. Could only be better if served by scantily clad concubines.
Six Caps: Any five cap beer served by scantily clad concubines.

▲ Beer O’ The Week is a joint production of two beer enthusiasts — J.T. Wampler and Richard Davis.