Like this:

AK & I had plans to head to S’s for a personalized Beer Week event, Some Bottle Sharing. But anyone who was in Philly yesterday knows how steamy the air was. So, the wait outside for her was a little too long – within two minutes, I retreated to Belgian Cafe for some air conditioning.  Lisa can make that place very welcoming and I knew she’d be cool if I just…cooled off for a bit.  I scoped out the beer list without any intention of staying, but we delayed our departure once I told AK they had Mephistopheles on tap.

With grand plans of 750mL bottles in the near future, we had a few tastes and I ultimately committed to the Avery Karma (5.2% ABV).  The Rumpkin (13.2% ABV) caught my eye – a pumpkin beer in June?  Yes, yes, please.  Being aged in rum barrels, however, gave it a bit of a sour finish.  I also tasted the Maharaja Imperial IPA (10.54% ABV).  It was a bit too hoppy for the afternoon.  The Karma was smooth and clean.

Avery Karma

We were happy in our seats at Belgian and pushed off heading out into the heat and onto Septa with another glass of beer.  We went for it:

Avery Mephistopheles

At 16.83% ABV, I took my sweet time with this one.  Quite possibly the smallest sips I’ve taken of a beer.  It had a familiar aroma.  Wood chips, an old fireplace, memories of my backyard in Delaware, cigars.  I swirled every sip in my mouth.  I would not have pegged this at more than 16% simply because I’ve never had a beer that strong, I wouldn’t think they existed.  

Last year around this time, I had a hell of a fun day with Duvel.  So, I was pleasantly surprised to see the two reps come in.  I said hello, inquired about their Beer Week plans.  They have scaled back to two events per day this year… Considering they were supposed to be on to another event when we were hanging at Belgian last year, I applaud this change.  Especially because thie Beer Weekness is getting non-sustainable. Apparently, the photo of me and three friends enjoying Duvel was passed on to the higher ups. Just a pleasant Beer Week mini-reunion.

About three quarters of the way through the glass of Mephistopheles, I finally loosened up enough to go talk to Mr. Avery himself.  I made my way to the awkward corner and we talked beer, the heat and Beer Week.  I talked 9%ers while they (Avery & his friendly team) were drinking a 3.2%.  Ever since meeting Voodoo, I’ve been curious about scale; Avery has under 50 employees apparently.  The Avery beer event was wrapping up and they wanted to head to Bishop’s Collar to meet up with Rob Tod.  And so on we went.

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