With a name like “The Beast,” you know that this Belgian Strong Ale from Avery isn’t going to take any prisoners. The Beast comes in at a whopping 14.6% ABV, for the 2006 variety (other years differ). I don’t know what made me pull this beer from the case, so I’m going into this flying completely blind with little idea of what to expect.

The Beast pours a dark brown with hints of red and has about one finger of light caramel, almost off-white, colored head. There is not much lacing to speak of and the head goes into a thin disc before you are half way done the beer. The aromas consist of dark fruits, hints of plum, raisins and alcohol. There are also some chocolate hints coming through on the nose as well.

This beer has one intense flavor and you will probably have a one-and-done relationship with The Beast from here on out. The flavors are sweet, almost overwhelmingly so, and very sticky. At first you get the fruit, the plums and raisins come through prominently. There is also a great amount of alcohol as well, but it is somehow masked and hidden, like somebody is tricking you into drinking whiskey. There are also caramel flavors and a touch of honey at the very end. For being so strong The Beast is very smooth, but after a while the sweetness (and the alcohol) may get to you.

Avery has produced a solid Belgian Strong Ale. For coming into this review blind, not knowing Avery’s other brews and not having much experience with Belgian Strong Ales, I am very pleased. While I enjoyed The Beast, the sweetness could be pulled back a bit and balanced out some more. It would greatly improve the drinkability of the beer. Give it a shot if you can find it, but beware of The Beast.

Overall: 7.5/10