BrewDog Cambridge Stone Juxtaposition Black Pilsner

Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
Style: European Strong Lager
Escondido, California USA

Sampled September 2009
A solid pour into my large Tripel Karmeliet tulip produces a four-finger thick, creamed, lightly brown colored head. The beer is a dark, deeply burnt, brown color that shows a clear, deep, concentrated ruby-black hue when held up to the light. The aroma smells of ample hops that are accented by toasted grain, caramelized malt and a burnt grain character. There is a really interesting, resinous, almost oak like citrus character here that can, quite intensely remind me of grapefruit zest and meyer lemon peel; there also might be a touch of diacetyl left in this beer, which is likely what makes me think of the butterscotch like oak character (but this could actually just be the unique hops in this beer). The dark malt plays a much muted role behind the omnipresent, dominant hop character; it contributes a soft roasted grain note towards the finish as well as a touch of dark coffee notes and some toasted whole grain bread character. The aroma has got me really interested what the individual components of Sorachi Ace and Motueka hops are like.

A bit smoother tasting than I was expecting, based on the aroma, but this definitely has a sharp hop presence to it that dominates the flavor profile. The front and middle of the flavor profile is dominated by resinous, concentrated citrus oil notes, but the finish shows a strong showing of burnt, espresso like, charred bread crust malt character that lingers on the tongue along with a smooth hop bitterness. The hop character is definitely a bit raw and juicy here, but it is tempered pretty well by the ample malt and how big this beer is. Flavors of resinous tangerine, kumquat essential oils, pine infused lychee, lemon basil and a nice, resinous, herbaceous, green “hemp” character that comes out more as the beer warms up. This is sweet enough to accentuate the hop character, but both the biting hop notes and the roast grain character keep the sweetness well in check. There is a touch of butterscotch like oak character here in the flavor as well; I could easily be convinced this was aged in oak, but I can’t find any reference to that; it must just be the particular mix of hop, malt and yeast that have created this flavor. Despite the ample strength, this beer manages to remain quite quaffable, even perhaps dangerously so.

This is actually pretty nice, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I am liking this beer whatever it might be. The big, resinous hop character will hook any hop head, though I will admit if you are not so inclined you should probably avoid this one.

12 oz bottle. Dark chocolate brown with a puffy gray head. Nose is orange candy and mild grass. Medium body with sharp carb. Taste is quite bitter with notes of quinine, juniper and lime peel. Finishes with burnt coffee. Looks brown but very green.

12 ounce bottle - $5.99 at Bullock’s Wine & Spirits in Marietta, Georgia. Admittedly, I haven’t been too terribly enamored with the latest string of black IPA’s on the market, and was more than hesitant to purchase a self-labeled Black Pilsner. Seeing now that it’s 10% ABV also goes me pause. Appearance: Pours out a jet black body with a large, frothy, ecru head with some agreeable staying power. Smell: Charry, creosote-soaked nose with some herbaceous, downright weedy hop and campfire charcoal tones. Minor alcohol hint if you’re down sniffing around there. The nose is a bit rough around the edges, but, thankfully, the taste offers a bit more to round things out. Taste: Roasty, charred, blackened malts with a minor hint of dark chocolate and powderized coffee crystals. What sweetness is on hand comes fast and leaves just as quickly. Fresh herbal, spicy flavor from the hops with a fair amount of bitterness that combines with the roasted grains. Quite a creosote taste in the latter half, so it’d pair well with roasted meats and coating fence posts. As it warms slightly, a caramelly, bready taste develops to soothe the burnt quality. Smooth, roasty, herbal-laden finish. Mouthfeel: Medium-plus body. Medium carbonation. Very, very light creaminess to the mouthfeel. Drinkability: Well, if nothing else, it goes down fairly easy for having 10% ABV emblazoned on the bottle. It presents a lot of burnt malts and a lot of herbal, bitter hops, but not quite too much of either to be overbearing, though, I am thankful it’s not a drop above twelve ounces. It’s interesting for sure.

Pours dark brown / mahogany with a tan head that doesn’t stay for long. The aroma has chocolate creamy roasted malt and dark berries. There are some papery traits as well. Medium / thick body that is a bit sticky with fairly sharp carbonation, but it isn’t interfering. The taste begins with the aroma traits, but is extra bitter in a charred sort of what and alcohol is prevalent. The finish has charred baker’s chocolate, powderiness and hotness. A good beer, but I expected more.

Aroma is nutty with some sweet cream. Poured dark black with tan head. Taste was bitter at first with some definite hop presence. A bit of chocolate and earthyness. Very good yet interesting beer.

bottle, from Julio’s. Good aroma, peat, chocolate, pine. Brownish black color, good head and lace, Bitter flavor. Medium body, Lite creamy smooth mouthfeel, bitter dry finish. Good brew, great aroma actually, found it fascinating. Might be a turn off for some. Mighty bitter flavor, had a hint of whiskey about it. Not one I’d drink all day, nor can I, ha ha, but a good beer to have tried. Had a odd mix as far as the mouthfeel, the body was more than the texture...

Bottle... Poured near black with a huge, beige head. Roasted nose, grainy and boozy as well. Hoppy brew, nice balance of grains and yeast. Sweet and cookie-like bread notes. Smoked essence in the finish.

Pours black with a creamy tan head. The aroma is potent and hoppy with pine, coffee, ethanol, caramel, and toffee. Some slight roast and citrus. Strange combination of aromas, but it works. The flavor is very well balanced with honey, caramel, toffee, chocolate, citrus fruits and a grapefruity finish. Some roasted coffee notes in the background. Very enjoyable. Normally I’m not a big fan of collaboration beers, but these Stone offerings have been superb.