What does AVL stand for? Anvil? Advil? Adversarial? I'm going to stretch and say this is named after the
North Carolina town that these guys call home - Asheville. Is it possible it's one of the others? Yes. Is it possible it's something I didn't think of? Quite probably, honestly. Either way, I hope it is a reference to something that has to do with the tropics for this juicy
IPA.
The relatively clear beverage is a very pretty gold color with a white head that sticks to the sides of the glass admirably and the beer retains an uneven pillow of rocky bubbles on top of the beer with, inevitably, the thick ring around the sides. Honestly, I think I should start only commenting when there isn't a ring. I mean, that's how surface tension works, isn't it?
First sip is dry and bitter. Why is this called a juicy IPA when it is so dry and bitter? I'm not saying it's bad, but it isn't what is claiming on the tin. There are fruits involved, but the sensations I'm left with from a sip are not those of a glass of fruit juice or anything of the kind. It's very odd.
Tip-in is nearing tartness as the fruit pits of mango, lemons, and grapefruit join only a hint of carbonation tingle. The middle falls in line with bitterness riding a wave of fruits with pine nestled in amongst the rinds. The finish is dry with a bitter haze.
Bottom Line: Don't call it juicy, and it's worth a second beer.
3.0/5
