Tag Archives: stone

3 - Indifferent (might buy, probably drink), Beer Reviews, English IPA, Stone Brewing Co., USA

Stone 20th Anniversary Encore Series: 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA

Tuesday, 24 January 2017 kitch Leave a comment

Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Country: USA
ABV: 8.9%
Style: English IPA
Other Notes: 2010 label, 2016 re-release. 100 IBUs. Hops – UK Target, Boadicea and East Kent Golding

Brewer Description: (from bottle) We went to England this past spring as self-styled “IPA Hunters” on a mission to learn more about the confusing and often contradictory history or India pale ale – to look for some certainty where those before us have found mostly mystery and mercantilism. While our success in this pursuit is open to debate, there can be no question that we returned home inspired by the ghosts of Burton and by the experience of poring over 150-year-old brewers’ logs handwritten in (India?) ink. Stone Brewing Co., after all, traces its lineage back to the British Empire’s brewing history: We make ales, and all of our original offerings used traditional British styles as a jumping-off point. If this seems a roundabout way of letting you know that, yes, we are in fact brewing another IPA to mark our Anniversary, well, so be it.

This one, however, promises to be different! From the imported white malt to the “Burtonised” water to the rare yeast strain to the most pungent hops Kent has to offer, we used all-British ingredients to brew our “Emperial” IPA. While we may have brewed Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA with our own distinctively modern, San Diego-style touch, what good is history if you can’t rewrite it to suit your tastes?

In this case, our tastes called for highly intemperate quantities of Target, East Kent Golding and Boadicea hops, bestowing upon this dry-bodied ale a powerfully spicy, earthy aroma. On the palate, peppery hops assert themselves early and often, with malt sweetness making a brief appearance before being beaten back by a long, complex and decisively bitter finish. What better way to contemplate the fate of empires past, present and future?

My rating: 3
My beeradvocate.com rating: 3.86
My ratebeer.com rating: 3.7

Intro: A 22 oz bomber, bottled on 22nd October 2016, and poured into a Spiegelau IPA glass.
Appearance: A slightly hazy pale golden orange colour with a one finger white head that had good retention and left nice lacing.
Aroma: Caramel and pine with fruity apricot jam, orange and perhaps a touch herbal.
Taste: Caramel malt, biscuit sweetness, light lemon tea, followed by pine, herbal and lingering citrus bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Dry-ish, medium to light bodied with moderate to light carbonation.
Overall: This was an interesting English DIPA with nice maltiness and hops.

4 - Good (buy), Beer Reviews, Stone Brewing Co., Stout - Milk / Sweet, USA

Stone Xocoveza

Sunday, 1 January 2017 kitch Leave a comment

Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Country: USA
ABV: 8.1%
Style: Milk / Sweet Stout
Other Notes: 50 IBUs. Hops – English Challenger and East Kent Golding. Brewed with cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg

Brewer Description: (from bottle) There’s nothing like making a beer so beloved that people feel compelled to campaign for its return. So, in the spirit of the holiday season, we are very pleased to give our fans the number one item on their wish lists. That, as illustrated by the avalanche of social media requests, is Stone Xocoveza, an insanely delicious take on Mexican hot chocolate brewed with cocoa, coffee, pasilla peppers, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. First brewed in 2014 with San Diego homebrewer Chris Banker after his recipe was named the winner of our annual homebrew competition, this beer is layered with smooth roastiness, chocolate and a touch of spice. This creamy, semisweet mocha stout has gone from initially being a one-time offering to a yearly tradition thanks entirely to you. Happy holidays from all of us to all of you… and feel free to continue enjoying it long into the winter months, as this gem will age beautifully and is definitely not exclusive to the holidays!

My rating: 4
My beeradvocate.com rating: 4.08
My ratebeer.com rating: 4

Intro: A 330ml bottle, bottled on 2nd October 2016, and poured into a snifter glass.
Appearance: Dark brown in colour with a one finger brown head that dissipated fairly quickly but left nice lacing.
Aroma: Milk chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, nuttiness and peppers.
Taste: Lots of cinnamon upfront with nutmeg and mild chili pepper spiciness. Chocolate, coffee and vanilla follow.
Mouthfeel: Full bodied with low carbonation.
Overall: I was worried that this would be too sweet, but that turned out to be unfounded. The adjuncts were nice and gave it a nice winter/holiday feel to the beer. I would get this every winter and perhaps even age a few to see what happens.

2 - Maybe (likely wouldn't buy, might drink), American Strong Ale, Beer Reviews, Stone Brewing Co. (Arrogant Consortia), USA

Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale Bourbon Barrel Aged

Thursday, 15 December 2016 kitch Leave a comment

Brewery: Stone Brewing Co. (Arrogant Consortia)
Country: USA
ABV: 8.1%
Style: American Strong Ale
Other Notes: Aged in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels

Brewer Description: (from bottle) I didn’t give you permission to pick me up, let alone drink me. Being groped as you mutter to yourself taxes my patience. While I am a master of social complexities and articulate thought, clearly you are not. I embody the pinnacle of intellectual artistic fulfilment, while you bring the baggage of preconceived notions, which only distract. Yet, I’ll give you one chance: Aspire to free your mind. Use a crowbar if you must. Approach me with openness, unsullied by your irrelevant “life experience,” or leave me alone. No, you don’t have to put up with this. Go tweet your precious insights about me. Thrill yourself by imagining your three or 30,000 followers hanging on your every word. OMG, they’re waiting to read the thought you just had. Now close your mouth and either set me down or do your worst. What’s that? You’re going to drink a fizzy yellow beer out of spite? Self-flagellate all you like, tiger. Proclaim your unworthiness to whoever will listen.

My rating: 2
My beeradvocate.com rating: 3.42
My ratebeer.com rating: 3.2

Intro: A 12 fl oz bottle with a bottled on date of 26th July 2016. Poured into a snifter glass.
Appearance: A clear dark copper amber colour with a one finger tanned head that had decent retention and left nice spotty lacing.
Aroma: Amazing aromas of coconut, pineapple, toffee sweetness, vanilla and wood with only subtle bourbon notes.
Taste: Vanilla, woody, coconut and caramel sweetness with a hint of pine and light bourbon notes.
Mouthfeel: Almost creamy, medium bodied with mild carbonation.
Overall: Despite the stunning aromas, this did not quite work for me as I felt the taste was quite muddled. I actually preferred the regular Arrogant Bastard Ale a lot more than this Bourbon Barrel Aged version.

3 - Indifferent (might buy, probably drink), American Double IPA, Beer Reviews, Stone Brewing Co., USA

Stone 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA

Tuesday, 29 November 2016 kitch Leave a comment

Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Country: USA
ABV: 9%
Style: American Double IPA
Other Notes: 80 IBUs. Hops – Nugget, El Dorado, Centennial and Citra

Brewer Description: (from bottle) For 20 years our passion for brewing and our obsession with hops have challenged traditional styles and expectations for beer. So it’s only fitting we commemorate this momentous occasion by crafting a liquid ode to bold brewing that satisfies your hop thirst and pays homage to our flagship San Diego brewery, located on Citracado Parkway (which itself pays homage to the citrus and avocado agricultural history of the region).

“Citracado” also teases the two key ingredients of this beer. “Citra” refers both to the juicy gem of a hop and its citrusy (and tropical) aromas and flavors. “Cado” inspired us to utilize wonderful, native avocado flower honey. Combine the two and the result pours like silk abounds with enough hops to match our excitement for reaching this 20-year milestone. We thank you sincerely for the years of support and pledge that we will, as always, strive to live up to the reasons for your loyalty!

My rating: 3
My beeradvocate.com rating: 3.86
My ratebeer.com rating: 3.7

Intro: A 22 oz bomber, bottled on 28th August 2016, poured into a Spiegelau IPA glass.
Appearance: It poured a clear copper amber colour with a huge four finger off white head that had excellent retention and left great lacing.
Aroma: Dank pine, caramel malt with citrusy mandarin, grapefruit and orange zest. Some tropical mango and peaches appear as it warms.
Taste: Citrus grapefruit bitterness, orange zest, lemon and pine with some light malt caramel and breadiness in the background.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with moderate to low carbonation.
Overall: It’s not bad, but I tried Stone’s 5th and 10th Anniversary IPAs over the past week and enjoyed them both slightly more than this 20th Anniversary Citracado IPA.

4 - Good (buy), American Double IPA, Beer Reviews, Stone Brewing Co., USA

Stone 20th Anniversary Encore Series: 10th Anniversary IPA

Monday, 28 November 2016 kitch Leave a comment

Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Country: USA
ABV: 10%
Style: American Double IPA
Other Notes: 2006 label, 2016 re-release. Hops – Summit, Chinook, Crystal and Simcoe

Brewer Description: (from bottle) Every one of you who spread the word has built up this brewery to what it is today. We can give no credit to a radio ad, to a TV ad or to a billboard – and I’m glad. MIKE PALMER // Team Stone since December 1998.

None of this would be possible if it weren’t for two visionaries. Greg Koch and Steve Wagner. Thanks for having the guts to go out and take a major risk and performing the near impossible. DAVE DYER // Team Stone since July 1998.

I came to the brewery almost seven years ago in response to a help wanted ad that read “if you like accounting and beer, send us your resume.” That’s for me, I thought. What the job really is, is much more than just accounting and much, much more than just beer. CONNIE GREEN // Team Stone since December 1999.

Stone is just not the company I work for, it is something I truly believe in. The culture, vision, attitude, and bragging rights over my friends and family make this company a passion for me. I appreciate all the Stone fans for their support over the years. JAKE RATZKE // Team Stone since January 2000.

My love to my family at home and to my Stone brothers and sisters and, of course, most of all to all the great Stone fans out there who make it all worth it. Cheers! MIKE LOPEZ // Team Stone since March 2000.

“Does Stone make a light beer?” NO! And stop asking, you wussies! KAREN WESTFALL // Team Stone since March 2000.

With the Stone 10th Anniversary IPA our love affair with the hop continues. My compliments and thanks to everyone who’s been a part of our history. We have an incredible Team here at Stone, and we’ve really enjoyed sharing our beers. GREG KOCH // Team Stone since October 1995.

Perhaps the most amazing thing is that after ten years there’s still so much I’d like to do with beer – more recipes to brew, experiments to try, other beers to sample and enjoy – that the next ten years won’t be nearly enough. STEVE WAGNER // Team Stone since October 1995.

My rating: 4
My beeradvocate.com rating: 3.92
My ratebeer.com rating: 3.8

Intro: A 22 oz bomber, bottled on 25th August 2016, to be enjoyed by 23rd November 2016 (drank on the 27th, so I’m four days late). Poured into a Spiegelau IPA glass.
Appearance: It poured a clear copper amber colour with a big three finger slightly off white colour with great retention and nice lacing.
Aroma: Tropical pineapple with touches of mango followed by citrusy grapefruit and mandarin, pine and a hint of caramel.
Taste: Caramel biscuit malt with a blast of tropical stone fruits, bitter citrusy mandarin and its zest with notes of pine and citrus pith.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation and boozy on the finish.
Overall: This was nice, with my only minor complaint being that I’m not too fond of a boozy feel on IPAs or Double IPAs in this case. Other than that, I found it enjoyable.

words of another dreamy traveller