Beer drinkers give thanks. Your Salvation is at hand. Of course, I’m not referring to your eternal redemption here, I’m just talking about being saved from an evening of boring beer drinking. And Avery Brewing has just the beer for that purpose: Salvation. Let’s let them talk about it briefly, shall we? From the label:

Seek and ye shall find! Salvation is a drinkable golden treasure, full of fruity aroma and hoppy complexity with a soft light palate.

Bear in mind that the name “Salvation” is a play on the Belgian monastic brewing tradition. Teetotalers in this country who think drink is bad on religious grounds should study their history: Monks have been brewing beer in monasteries in Belgium (and many other European countries) for centuries. The key is moderation, as it is in all things.

Of course, moderation is a challenge with Salvation. Sold in 750ml bottles, one package of this strong ale equates to about three and a half to four beers of normal strength. Best to drink it when you’re not leaving home for the night, or share it with a friend. And this is a wonderfully tasty brew that you’ll certainly want another glass of, too.

Avery Salvation pours to a bright rich golden color with a very light creamy head and a fruity, candyish malt nose. The palate is rather rich with a soft, subtle biscuity character, some toasty notes, and lots of fruit. There’s a bit of pineapple, apricot and pear to my taste here and crisp, candyish malt that reminds me of the rock candy treats I enjoyed as a child. Spicy notes also are apparent, with nutmeg coming to mind.

There are very subtle hints of musty Belgian yeast, but they’re a bit too faint in my opinion. Salvation finishes with a bit of alcohol warmth and a gentle but noticeable kiss of bitter hops.

Surprisingly, this is a beer that might appeal to the novice beer drinker with at least a few budding signs of an adventurous palate. That’s because though it has good flavor, it doesn’t overpower.

Salvation tries to be a Belgian golden ale like Duvel , and it comes close, though it doesn’t exactly hit the target. They use the same Styrian hops here as Moortgat does with Duvel. This is a nice beer and I enjoy it, but it just isn’t as complex as the real stuff.

Does that mean you shouldn’t try it? Absolutely not. I highly recommend Salvation. I just happen to prefer a glass of Duvel over a glass of Salvation. Either way, though, your beer drinking experience has been saved from the doldrums.

Update 11/30/2014: After a lazy afternoon spent watching football and drinking beer at Taco Mac, a glass of Avery Salvation seemed just the thing to lift my spirits after a disappointing Patriots loss. The beer was very tasty indeed, rich and soft malty, lightly yeasty, fruity and spicy. The warming alcohol in the finish was welcome on a brisk day, too. Served in an 11-ounce glass because of the alcohol content, but at just $5.75 (other beers go for $9 for the same size glass at this strength) I was not complaining. I'm glad I chose Salvation.

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