Sinfully Smooth

When C.V. Howe, speaker of the brewhouse for the “beer geeks gone berserk” at Boulder’s Avery Brewing, talks about “big beer,” he’s talking about “beer with intense, bold flavor, something that is immediately at odds with the traditional notion of what the average American has been taught beer is supposed to be. It’s not light in color; it’s not 4 percent alcohol; and it’s not something you can drink eight of in one sitting.”

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More About

• C.V. Howe
• Chris Blackwood
• Food and Cooking
• Eating Out

The Reverend Belgian Quadrupel Ale, a kick in the liver at 10 percent ABV, is one such big beer. For ten years, the Rev’s been one of Avery’s top national sellers in 22-ounce bomber form because, while “big,” it doesn’t require a specialized palette or niche appreciation of beer flavors and styles. “It’s very nuanced, very layered, and full of interesting, delicate flavors,” explains Howe, but also “incredibly approachable to the average person.”

Tonight’s A Decade of Decadence: Ten Years of the Reverend Belgian Quadrupel features a ten-year vertical tasting; a Belgian-inspired five-course meal prepared by Chris Blackwood, executive chef at West End Tavern; and a number of surprise, special-edition brews from Avery’s Barrel-Aged Series. It starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Avery Tap Room, 5757 Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder. Tickets are $60 and must be purchased in advance at www.averybrewing.com or by calling 303-440-4324.
Fri., Nov. 20, 7 p.m., 2009