It’s Fall and that means Island Brewing has released their seasonal 2012 Avocado Honey Ale. I love this beer because it’s such a contrast to most of the Fall seasonals out there. When you think fall beer, I’m sure your thoughts are inundated with pumpkin, spice, and dark malty beers but Island Brewing continually offers a totally different Fall choice. That’s important here in California and at Island Brewing which is essentially squished between train tracks and the beach in Carpinteria, CA. With our weather still reaching well into the 90′s here even in November, always drinking traditional fall brews may make us wistful for a season we never get to experience without travelling to it, but doesn’t necessarily always hit the spot. On a hot day, I want something lighter, more crisp, and this beer is a nice option for that.
People tend to be confused by the moniker but there’s no avocado used in this brew, just avocado honey – one thing there, not two. This special honey is collected from bees in avocado orchards and has a different flavor to it as a result. When added to the brewing process, it means a light, amber ale with a slightly sweet and excessively smooth flavor. I think I like this year’s batch even better than last year’s as it has a mild hoppy undertone to it that was not previously there but don’t worry hopp-aphobes, it’s a far cry from anything IPA-like. The sweet honey finish and crisp flavor makes it incredibly drinkable and refreshing. This is a beer well worth trying if you can get your hands on a bomber or three. We may actually have a pony keg of it on tap at my house right now but I can’t say it will last much longer.
ABV: 5.6%
IBU: 21
Where to buy: Limited quantities are available each year at the Carpinteria Avocado Festival and Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria.