Thirsty Thursday knows that the weekend is almost here, and that the classy members of the Destructoid community may want some tasty beverages that don't come from the “big three” brewers. Here's your weekly look at the world of craft beer.
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Schneider Aventinus
Private Weissbierbrauerei G. Schneider & Sohn GmbH

Style: Weizenbock
IBUs: 11
Color: Brown / Deep Red
Alcohol by Volume: 8 %

From the Brewers:
Aventinus, the world's oldest top-fermenting wheat doppelbock, was created in 1907 at the Weisse Brauhaus in Munich using "bottle-conditioning" where fresh yeast and malt are added to the bottle to induce secondary fermentation. Pale, crystal and dark malts are employed for this double-fermented wheat beer ... Aventinus has received topmost commendations for its perfect balance of two complex layers of flavors - the fruity spiciness brought in by the top-fermenting yeast and the notes of chocolate created by the use of crystal and dark malts.

The Experts:
At 8 percent, this beer carries its strength with remarkable grace. The beer is deep russet-brown and has a portlike aroma of raisins, dates, prunes, bananas, and cloves. The palate shows some sweetness,, but it's remarkably dry for a beer of this weight. This allows it to remain light on the palate and almost dangerously refreshing. - Garrett Oliver, The Brewmaster's Table

As if there was ever going to be any doubt, Aventinus is solidly in the five-star category. This is one of those beers that defines the style. You can't say it raises the bar though, since with Aventinus, the bar was initially set almost impossibly high. I can't think of any other weizenbock that seriously works as well as Aventinus. It's got a hugely complex aroma, a wonderfully soft sweet flavor profile, and an almost deceptively soft body for a beer of such weight and power (8 percent alcohol). Aventinus is an undisputed masterpiece!. - BriansBelly.com

My Take:
Just a real quick primer in case you've never had a weizenbock. A weizenbock is a dark version of a German wheat beer, with either a level of alcohol or flavor that makes it “bock” strength. If you've ever had a hefeweizen or a doppelbock, this is a cross between the two. OK, now that that's out of the way...

Aventinus is easily my favorite beer, bar none. In terms of smell, taste, appearance and flavor the beer is really perfect, and a benchmark for both the style and German beer. Pours a dark ruby red, slightly cloudy because of the yeast. The smell is dominated by the alcohol, and laced with clove, banana and fruit scents. Taste starts off sweet with a little bit of fruity tang, plus some slight caramel flavors. Finishes more with clove and an alcoholic taste. Nice and full in the mouth, along with an excellent warming sensation. Hugely drinkable – I've heard Aventinus referred to as “The Nectar of the Gods”, and I can't say I disagree.

Recommended if you like: Wheat beer. If you're a fan of German or Bavarian beers (especially weizenbeers and bocks) this is worth a shot. Fans of darker or “fuller” beers might also want to try Aventinus. But as I said, this is my favorite beer, so I heartily recommend it to everyone to at least try.

Availability: Pretty easy to find all around the US and abroad. Any halfway-decent beer, wine or specialty store should have Aventinus in stock (or easily order it). Ever reliable, Liquid Solutions also has it for order by the bottle.

Enjoy While Playing: The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time. One of the best beers brewed out there deserves to be paired with the greatest [reviewed] game of all time, OoT. As a bonus, the high-ish alcohol content helps to blot out the cries of Navi.

Previously:
Founder's Kentucky Breakfast Stout
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Alaskan Smoked Porter

[If cocktails are more your speed, check out Excremento's C-Blog and his excellent “Look, I drink” series]