Friday Beer O'clock Selections

 

Stone Brewer's 10 10 10 Vertical Epic Ale – Ninth Edition - Friday Beer O'Clock Selection 11-12-2010

2010-11-12_18-50-37_216

This weeks Beer O'Clock Selection is EPIC!!

No, seriously, thats the name - Stone 10 10 10 Vertical Epic. This is a limited release brew from Stone Brewing Co. with a pretty neat idea behind it. The idea goes something like this - Each year, Stone designs a new brew designed to be aged and served after Dec 2012. (i obviously couldn't wait). In addition, each brew is released exactly one month and one day after the previous. The first was released on 02/02/02, the second on 03/03/03, the third on 04/04/04 and so on until the last release scheduled for 12/12/12. I told you it was EPIC! Now on to the good stuff...

ABV:

9.50%

Appearance:

This poured into my glass with a beautiful rich golden amber color with slight hazing forming a 1 - 2 finger dense head. The head lingered for a bit, but eventually gave out. Lacing is spotty and carbonated action is very low.

Aroma:

Delicious aroma throughout. On top, I pick out Fruit, Grapes, Belgian Malts, Bread. Underneath that I get a soothing Chamomile and Vanilla. Love it!

Taste:

This is quickly becoming a top pick. On the front is a sweetness of malts, grapes and fruity, floral essence giving way to a clean finish that is characteristic of white wine with subtle hoppyness. Again..Delicious!

Feel:

Medium body but on the lighter end with a smooth dry finish. A bit of sting, but more from the alcohol than any carbonation, but the alcohol is still pretty well on par here, fitting in well and not over powering. Maybe a little acidic for some.

Drinkability:

This is definitely something to enjoy. Each mouthful cries for another and with the interesting flavors found here, I have no problem answering. However, at 9.50% ABV, I might have second thoughts in the morning.

Overall:

A lot of the characters in this brew scream Tripel, but with an "epic" twist. Certainly loaded with a good mix of character and I've learned that I do like some of the sweeter, less bitter, brews (though I have made exceptions). This brew provides a great experience outside the norm - at least for me. I would absolutely stock a few of these for future "special" occasions. My only real complaint is that I didn't get to sample the previous releases. I'll be adding this to my top picks.

Have you tried this Epic Verticle Ale? What do you think?

Filed under  //   Ale   Stone Brewing   flavored   limited  
Posted November 12, 2010 by Ed Stafford 
 

Arrogant Bastard Ale - Friday Beer O'Clock Selection 7/30/2010

Arrogantbastard

Arrogant Bastard Ale: Stone Brewing Company.

From the Bottle: This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or the sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this. 

ABV: 7.20%
Appearance:
Arrogant Bastard poured with a nice dark amber color forming a thick frothy head 2-3 fingers and settled to a 1 finger head leaving good lacing around the glass. Turbidity is slightly hazy.

Aroma:
The brew has a strong and super fresh aroma dominated by wet grassy hops with citrus and spices underneath.

Taste:
The mouthful has some really great balance and strong flavors hitting every bud across the tongue. Lots of bitter hop, pine and grapefruit, but balanced (dare is say) perfectly with sweet malt flavors that round it all out.

The finish on the other hand, contrary to the mouthful, is all bitter and leaves a lingering bitter resin behind. A little too bitter for my taste and I found myself going back to lingering mouthfuls to kill the bitterness of the finish.

Feel:
This is on the heavier side with some noticeable body. Carbonation is there, but on the low side (or outdone by the bitter bite).

Overall:
I loved the mouthful and flavors but felt the finish was much too bitter for my taste. Apparently, I don't "have the taste or the sophistication" to put this one at the top of my list, but in time, some day, maybe I'll be worthy.

Filed under  //   Ale   Stone Brewing  
Posted July 30, 2010 by Ed Stafford 
 

Stone IPA - Friday's Beer O'clock Selection for 5-7-2010

Stonebreweryipa

This week's Friday Beer O'Clock Selection is Stone IPA

I've been meaning to try some of Stone Brewery's beers for a while, not only because I've heard good things about their brews, but also because their bottles are designed with Gargoyles on them. Yes, I have a thing for Gargoyles and even have a bit of a collection of the little guys myself.

Anyway, back to the beer.

From the bottle:
Gar*goyle (gar'goil') n.
A fearsome stone figure that has powers to ward off evil spirits. Our Stone Brewing Co. gargoyle wards off modern day evil spirits such as chemical preservatives, additives & adjuncts

Nice!! 

Appearance:
This brew poured into a pilsner glass (yes, I know, technically I should have used a mug) with a nice golden yellow color with just a hint of copper and produced a beautiful fluffy head with great retention and lacing. Carbonation is on the lower side.

Aroma:
Lots of strong hops and citrus (grapefruit) with a bit sweetness in the aroma

Taste:
As the aromas indicate, definitely big hop flavors but blended nice with the malts to take some of the bite out of it allowing a lot of the citrus to come through. Still very hoppy, but pleasant. Good balance across the tounge. Finish is a little on the dry side with a slight bitterness lingering. Again the malts do a nice job of keeping it in check.

Feel:
Medium body with good carbonation. Has an unexpected chewiness to it for an IPA.

Drinkability:
Yup! This is drinkable. Good refreshing IPA well suited for some back yard grilling. Best served chilled.

Filed under  //   IPA   Stone Brewing  
Posted May 7, 2010 by Ed Stafford