Stone 06.06.06 Vertical Epic Ale

Well, this beer has aged rather nicely. I remember drinking it last year when it was first released and thinking it was a competent but pretty indistinct dubbel. That opinion has changed, for sure. Improbably, it seems even hotter now than when it first came out, but in general the flavors have really started to emerge (even though the beer can’t be said to have mellowed). Lots of fig and beef jerky, with a hint of molasses, like some hybrid old ale. Not so much carbonation right now, but a full body nonetheless. This is tasting just great, and I’m glad I have another bottle to sample down the road.

Bottle. I was afraid that this brew had past me by, but alas, Liquor Stop in Highland, IN still had it when I was down that way for Dark Lord Day 2007 in late April. I’m glad I didn’t miss it. Belgian qualities in the aroma with banana esters. Dry. Almost fully opaque body, with some faint red hues sneaking through when held to light. Large, light tan head that is lasting. Foamy. Excellent lace. Flavor is all Belgian. No American notes to speak of like most other American brewers attempts at the Abbey styles. Perhaps a little lightly carbonated for a Dubbel, but this doesn’t detract from it at all. Dry, but delicious. Alcohol presence grows as it warms. Extremely well done. Not sure how good it will be in 2012 despite promises from the label that it was "designed" to last that long. Eminently drinkable now.

Rated 11/10/06: Stones take on a dubbel is well received, this is an "epic" brew that will only get better with age. Incredible dark brown pour, little light passes through this one. Poured down the center of my goblet the huge tan head fizzes for a while and ultimately vanishes save for a mild ring around the edge. The coolest visual is a trippy tan galaxy that appears while I swirl the glass. As it warmed up a bit the aroma really comes through: hearty malt with some wheat and also generous scents of dark fruit, black licorice, banana,clove, and star anise. Mouthfeel is rich and full nice light alcohol burn that evaporates. Flavor is outstanding touching on all of the flavors found in the aroma with a more prominant alcohol accent. There is also a nice smokey flavor that comes through really helping out with the malt and dark fruits. A familiar yeastiness is also tasted letting me know that this was carefully brewed by Stone. Great beer, I’m a touch sad that I missed the first handful of installments for the Vertical Epic Series, but be sure that I will not pass up the ones to come.

22oz bottle. Pours a very deep brown with almost no head. Aroma is dark fruit, raisens, roasted malts. Flavor is very sweet and fruity. Under the fruitiness there are notes of toast, malt and a hint of hops. Medium body with a decent amount of carbonation. Very smooth. Will have to check out my other bottle in a couple years to see how it ages.

Bottle. Pours a very dark mahogany body and soapy white head. Roasty aroma, almost dunkel-esuqe with toasted toffee and some citric hop notes. Nice creamy palate with toast flavours along with almond nuttiness and caramel. Good balance with a solid dose of bitterness in the finish.
Thanks for the opportunity, radiomgb. Sampled on April 21, 2007.

Huge slightly sharp fruit raisiny aroma with hints of anise and cherry suckers.On second whiff, a little chocolate cake makes an appearance.. Taste is surprisingly light, with amlt more evident and the fruit recessing somewhat, christmas anise and a bitter bakers chocolate finish. You have to really search for these flavors because of the somewhat light body,alcohol is merely hinted at. Taste however is very pleasing. Because of the light body and slight alcohol presence,i dont see this improving that much with age. Also a syrupy sweetness becomes evident after about the 3rd sip

So glad I scored a bottle of this in Ohio. Very dark brown with reddish highlights, thick tan head. Plenty of malt and plums and roasted notes in the nose. Creamy palate that is sugary, a tiny bit sour, with malt and a bit of hops. The alcohol is well disguised. The monks would be happy with it.

Bottle purchased recently. Aroma is quite sweet, sugary, with some molasses and vanilla notes present as well. There is also a light roasty chocolate aroma with minute aromas of yeasty easters. This is quite sweet, which I find a pleasant aroma. Moderately opaque, dark mahogany body present with a weak light tan head that dissipates a little too quickly. Dried fruits, prunes, plums, raisins to start. Light sweetness. Boozy roastiness with some definite coffee flavors in the middle-end. A little thin and the coffee notes are a little weird, but this is a fair effort.