Now this is a treat I look forward to each year, the Stone Vertical Epic release. This year is the 07/07/07 which they bring to us as a Belgian Strong Pale Ale. Instead of explaining the history, I will let the label speak for itself...
Summer Beer Review Series: Part 3
Beer: Stone Vertical Epic 07/07/07
Type: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Origin: Stone Brewing Company, Escondido, CA
ABV: 8.40%
Price: $6.00 - Bomber
Rarity: 5/10 – Brewed once (limited)
Setting/Pairing: I got a call from a buddy while I was in Vegas letting me know that the 07 Vertical Epic had hit the shelves in Denver and last night I had a chance to visit my shop and snag a few. I poured it into my Riedel snifter and enjoyed the first half on the patio with nothing but a cool breeze and the second half on the couch with my wife watching a movie.
Appearance: This is presented in the classic Stone bottle and print. It pours a cloudy orange/bronze hue with a creamy 2 finger head and moderate retention and lacing.
Smell: Big Belgian yeast, spices, Fruit and lots of it - apricot, peach and citrus. Sweet bubblegum and grapefruit are here as well.
Taste: Very complex, mild citrus hops hit the tongue first and then some spices - dates and figs, fruit and funky Belgian yeast. Tons of malt characteristics, you can tell they used several different varieties here. The minty Belgian flavor is there but it fades a bit to the background as the beer warms, wonderful sweet flavors on the finish.
Mouthfeel: Very round and smooth, nice big body.
Drinkability: I had no problem hammering this bomber in a sitting. It is bottle conditioned so it has only light carbonation but it has so many flavors that the alcohol fades into the distance and is soon forgotten.
Final Comments: I will try to keep the fact that I am a Stone whore out of equation and just say that this is a wonderful beer. It is distinct in its Belgian characteristics so if these are things you do not enjoy you may not care for this beer. I was highly anticipating its release and I was not disappointed. I plan to enjoy many more as it is a perfect beer to share with friends on a summer evening. My advice is to buy 3 or 4, enjoy a couple over the summer and lay at least one down until 2012 for the vertical tasting. Enjoy!
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 - Go find it.
Summer Beer Review Series: Part 3
Beer: Stone Vertical Epic 07/07/07
Type: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Origin: Stone Brewing Company, Escondido, CA
ABV: 8.40%
Price: $6.00 - Bomber
Rarity: 5/10 – Brewed once (limited)
Setting/Pairing: I got a call from a buddy while I was in Vegas letting me know that the 07 Vertical Epic had hit the shelves in Denver and last night I had a chance to visit my shop and snag a few. I poured it into my Riedel snifter and enjoyed the first half on the patio with nothing but a cool breeze and the second half on the couch with my wife watching a movie.
Appearance: This is presented in the classic Stone bottle and print. It pours a cloudy orange/bronze hue with a creamy 2 finger head and moderate retention and lacing.
Smell: Big Belgian yeast, spices, Fruit and lots of it - apricot, peach and citrus. Sweet bubblegum and grapefruit are here as well.
Taste: Very complex, mild citrus hops hit the tongue first and then some spices - dates and figs, fruit and funky Belgian yeast. Tons of malt characteristics, you can tell they used several different varieties here. The minty Belgian flavor is there but it fades a bit to the background as the beer warms, wonderful sweet flavors on the finish.
Mouthfeel: Very round and smooth, nice big body.
Drinkability: I had no problem hammering this bomber in a sitting. It is bottle conditioned so it has only light carbonation but it has so many flavors that the alcohol fades into the distance and is soon forgotten.
Final Comments: I will try to keep the fact that I am a Stone whore out of equation and just say that this is a wonderful beer. It is distinct in its Belgian characteristics so if these are things you do not enjoy you may not care for this beer. I was highly anticipating its release and I was not disappointed. I plan to enjoy many more as it is a perfect beer to share with friends on a summer evening. My advice is to buy 3 or 4, enjoy a couple over the summer and lay at least one down until 2012 for the vertical tasting. Enjoy!
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 - Go find it.
