Name: Style: American Strong Ale
Brewery: Stone Brewing Co. website
Country: USA
Region: Escondido, California
ABV: 9.50% Abv
How served: 22oz capped bomber poured into a Stone IPA glass.
My Overall Opinion: Very Good. 
I paired this beer with: Nothing.
Tasted on: Saturday November 13th, 2010
Note: This beer is no longer brewed it was a one shot deal for Stones 13 anniverary.
Despite the warning on the label: bottled June 2009 & Do not cellar. Enjoy in 2009. I did cellar this beer, hence this review at this time is against the warning of the maker.
This beer poured a deep opaque reddish brown with a 3 finger fluffy tan head which lasted most of my 1st glass leaving a minimal lacing on the glass. The nose, despite the year wait to drink was heavy on the hops, both piney and citrus. The taste was slightly sweet upfront, made me think of a Barleywine, then BAM the hops hit and hit hard. This was no Barleywine after all. Wish I made this review when it was fresh, as I forgot how it had tasted then. The bitter taste was all grapefruit rind and a hop heads dream. The mouthfeel was a medium body and syrupy yet not to thick with a nice level of carbonation. The drinkability was good but not something I would want to have another right away. It is more of a sipping beer and one you would not want to gulp down. If this beer was fresh I would have most likely given it a higher rating.
On the Label: June 2009 Do not cellar. Enjoy in 2009.
Triskaidekapbobia sufferers beware. Stone is a teenager now. Like all teenagers, we’re entering an unpredictable age. Soon our voice will begin to get deeper, yet crack at the most embarrassing time (like when we’re trying to impress a cute girl…just our luck). We do finally get to watch the PG-13 movies not that ever stopped us, we do look old for our age. And we have an unmistakable maturity about us. At least that’s what Aunt Maybelle says. Just wish she’d cut out that cheek pinching though.
It seems that it may be time to leave behind our younger years altogether. We’ve actually been feeling a bit like grownups these days. 2008 stats came out recently and it appears that Stone is the 18th largest craft brewery in the nation (20th last year). We’re nearly out of space in our new brewery (in just three and a half years, no less), and the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens has become a regional fixture in the last two and a half years. And our business has been growing. We say this with full respect and sensitivity to many that are experiencing challenges during these crazy times and unpleasant economic times. We believe that our growth during these times is a significant indicator that Americans are continuing to gravitate towards better. Everything from artisanal cheeses and breads, to organics and great craft beer continues to grow. Victory gardens have become an old trend that is new again, and people are continuing to focus on the quality choices available to them in their regions. No matter where you are, we are thankful and hugely flattered when you choose a quality craft beer that is more local, we understand. As long as we are all continuing our collective enthusiasm for great quality choices, more and more quality choices will continue to be made to satisfy our hunger…and thirst. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing! Ingredient: Barley, Hops, Water and Yeast. www.stonebrew.com/anniv
From their website: N/A
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