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Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale glass
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Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale glass

Stone 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale

STYLE
Belgian Strong Ale
ABV
8.6%
IBUs
65

The inspiration for this year's edition comes from a trip to Belgium taken by Stone Brewmaster Steve Wagner and Head Brewer Mitch Steele in early 2008. There they discovered a special edition of a renowned Belgian golden triple that had been extra hopped up with American hops. Back in Escondido, we opened the bottle and found that it was good. Very good, in fact. Being the hop lovers that we are, we found the whole experience deliciously inspiring. Our Stone 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale is a variation on this theme. We proudly present you with this very dry pale golden beer which sports a thick, creamy white foam, is spicy, estery and fruity (from the yeast), and possesses a crisp bitterness-oh yes, and is very, very generously hopped. It's fair to say that this is a beer that was inspired by a Belgian beer that was in turn inspired by the well-hopped West Coast style beers-which are, of course, the very kind of brews that we are famous for! Interesting how the world turns sometimes. And delicious too.

Stone 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale Homebrew Recipe

ABOUT THIS BEER

Release Date
August 8, 2008

Tasting Notes

Appearance
Golden, hazy, pale yellow, thin lace
Aroma
Hop notes, ginger, honeydew, light phenols, lemon, citrus notes, spice, honey, banana
Taste
Nice hop bitterness, citrus, strong spice, malt candy sweetness, tropical fruit, piney
Palate
Dry, crisp, smooth, full body, bitter
Overall
Held up really well, aged better than expected, hop character surprisingly bright and intense
Provided by
Mitch Steele
,
Brewmaster

Pairing Notes

Appetizers
Shrimp cocktail, ceviche, crab cakes
Soups
Chicken noodle, posole, summer squash
Entreés
Lobster risotto, Alaskan crab legs, quail, fish tacos
Desserts
Lemon chiffon cake, cheesecake, orange cream parfait
Cheeses
Brunet, Champlain Valley Triple Cream Brie, Nettle Meadow Kunik
Cigars
Illusione Eperney, Cabaiguan Guapo, Don Tomas Candelas
Provided by
"Dr" Bill Sysak
,
Craft Beer Ambassador