~ Fifth Tasting ~
August 4th, 2004
(2 Years, 6 Months, 2 Days)
Click on a photo for Tasting Notes

Steve Wagner President & Brewmaster	Lee Chase Head Brewer	Greg Koch Chairman & CEO
Arlan Arnsten Vice President of Sales	Chris Cochran Marketing & Promotions	Guest Taster: Bill Sherwood Brewing Facilities Manager, Stone Brewing Co.

(photos taken during the 08.04.03 tasting session)

Steve Wagner President & Brewmaster Appearance: Very clear, pale gold with tight bubbles and a white head. Aroma: Peppery and spicy, perhaps a mild phenolic note. Flavor: The spices are starting to balance nicely, though still up front. Finishes dry. Palate: Medium body with the carbonation being a little light. Overall: 7-8 years it will be perfect!

Lee Chase Head Brewer Appearance: Clear pale color with some yeast sediment in the bottle, which gives a little cloudiness with agitation (similar to previous tastings). Aroma: Spicy…coriander…apricot/wheat/yeast. Perhaps showing a little age, but hasn't detracted from the character much, if at all. Flavor: A bit sweet & fruity up front, but gives way to a creamy texture. The wheat, spice, and lingering bitterness (hoppy, citrus, dried apricot flavors) are interesting and enjoyable. Palate: Soft with a low amount of CO2. Overall: I like it a lot…this beer is certainly good times!

Greg Koch Chairman & CEO Appearance: Clear, deep golden with a slightly foggy, orange halo. Aroma: Lightly sweet, with light alcohol aromas. Hints of orange peel off in the distance. Flavor: Wow, absolutely delicious! Refreshing, complex, and a late hoppiness that crisps up the end. Spiciness is there, but not as evident today. Palate: Dynamite. Damn I love this beer! Overall: This is getting better and better IMO. How long will it continue to get better? Stay tuned…that's what I'll be doing!

Arlan Arnsten Vice President of Sales Appearance: Crystal clear golden color, with a low, pure white head. Aroma: The aroma has softened over the last 6 months. Still has wheat, spice, and citrus (maybe lemon) overtones. Flavor: The aroma has softened over the last 6 months. Still has wheat, spice, and citrus (maybe lemon) overtones. Palate: Surprisingly a full body for a light colored beer. Alcoholic hints are evident and wonderful. Overall: It is a great taster today --- I expect it to continue to blend over the next couple of years…two thumbs up!

Chris Cochran Marketing & Promotions Appearance: Nice clear, bright (before the yeast sediment) gold/straw color. Aroma: The spices (pepper?, clove?, coriander?) seem to dominate once again. Flavor: Overall the flavor seems to match the aroma, but not too overpowering. There is a sweetness that meshes nicely with the spiciness. Palate: Medium body, an alcohol sweetness coats the tongue…spices linger. Overall: This brew certainly seems to be holding it's own after 2 1/2 years…big time!

Guest Taster: Bill Sherwood Brewing Facilities Manager Stone Brewing Co. Appearance: Very bright, light golden color…no foam, no lace. Aroma: Banana, alcohol, and earthy aromas. Flavor: Chewy bitterness throughout with a fleeting sweetness and spicy notes. Lightly fruity but finishes harsh. Palate: Soft mouthfeel with a tongue-coating bitterness. Overall: Very interesting and complex --- more bitterness than I normally enjoy. But absolutely flawless…especially considering the age!