From the Bottle: 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 Salvations. 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. This was blended with Avery's Salvation on December 11, 2006 creating Batch #1 - here is Batch #2. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed brewing and blending it. All profits from this joint venture will fund a return educational trip to Belgium with our bros Tomme (Port Brewing), Sam (Dogfish Head Brewing) and Rob (Allagash Brewing). This pilgrimage will enable us to learn even more about traditional brewing techniques to combine with our deadly strange and unique style here in America. Gezondheid!

Pours a clear brown color with a thin off white head. Poor retention and no lacing.

Aroma is nice. Banana and clove, yeast and caramel. Really delicious.

Taste is quite nice. Caramel, banana, candy sugar, and yeast. Pretty good.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with ample carbonation.

Drinkability is fairly high. Good flavor, and alcohol is well hidden.