Boulder, Colorado
Collaboration Not Litigation (Batch #4)
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Availability: Limited
Format: 22oz
ABV: 8.91%
Batch: #4
Bottle text & Info:
"Salvation. The name of two intricate Belgian-style ales, created by us, Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing and Adam Avery of Avery Brewing. After becoming friends a few years ago, we realized we both had a Salvation in our lineups. Was it going to be a problem? Should one of us relinquish the name rights? “Hell, no!” we said. In fact, it was quickly decided that we should blend the brews to catch the best qualities of each and create an even more complex and rich libation. In April 2004, in a top secret meeting at Russian River Brewing (well, actually it was packed in the pub and many were looking over our shoulders wondering what the hell was going on), we came up with the perfect blend of the two Salvation's. Natalie, Vinnie’s much more significant other, exclaimed, “We should call this Collaboration, not Litigation Ale!” “Perfect,” we shouted! We celebrated deep into the night (or is that morning?). Fast forward to November 14, 2006. After talking about it for over two years, we finally decided to pull the trigger and Vinnie made the journey to Avery Brewing to brew his Salvation exactly as he does in his brewery."
Tasting Notes:
This is as close to Russian River as we're gonna get here on the east coast so there's plenty to be excited about here. Let's get to it. Pours a rusty, copper color with a two inch off white head that slowly recedes and clings to the sides. Smells lightly of belgian yeast and esters with some familiar dark fruits as well. A smooth, creamy light to medium mouthfeel with spot on medium to low level carbonation. Great velvety mouthfeel encapsulating lots of layers here. This is really well blended. How did they do this? You can actually taste the two ales separately yet blended as well. An existential experience to say the least! Plenty of fruits with some tartness. Think tripel with a touch of the dark fruits you expect in a quad. Some drying tartness on the finish with little to no perceived alcohol. An awesome, awesome brew that should lay nicely if you keen on cellaring. Well done boys. Now if we could just get Russian River to the east coast... i'd die happy.
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