Stone 06.06.06 Vertical Epic Ale

22oz bottle pours a clear brown/black with aromas of spice and yeast. Clean flavors now with not much of a noticeable alcohol. Don’t really see how this one would get any better with much age.

For those with a predilection for imperial stouts, pleasure will ensue from this edition of the Vertical Epic line. For those like myself, however--those who find imperial stouts favorable only on certain occasions and moods--the response will vary. I find it rather typical of the imperial stout genre. Given its similarity to the likes of Old Rasputin and other microbrew styled imperial stouts, there’s not much that significantly differentiates it from other offerings. Of course there’s a perceptible difference, but to what end? Any difference is nominal, at best. To me, it seems like an inferior version of Old Rasputin, slightly watered down with excess toasted malts. The flavor is reminiscent of the scrapings from burnt toast; the only difference is that the alcohol goads one into consuming the entirety of the offering, despite the initial distaste.

Poured a midnight black with a medium coffee tinted head. Not much retention apart from the lacing around the rim. The aroma is of sweet malt with some very subltle spices. Full bodied, thick consistency, well carbonated. Sweet coffee, smoke, fruit and roasted malt flavors. There is a slight bubblegum aftertaste. The high alchohol percentage is nicely masked. There are some hints of hop but not enough to counteract the sweetness for my taste.

Dark brown- tan head- nose and taste yeast, wood notes, malt some hops – nice aftertaste

A very good take on the style. Poured with very little head, looked almost identical to coca cola minus the effervescence. A bit on the yeasty / alcohol side at the nose....this leveled out as it warmed. Nice full bodied taste with a well rounded finish. Very smooth yet bold somehow.....nice.

Normally I am a big fan of the Stone brews, but this one was a disappointment. Weird aftertaste, almost like cough syrup.

Very dark brown with a tan head. Aroma of coriander, yeast and malt. Flavor of spices, yeast, and dark malts.

Bottle. Pours with a dark brown cloudy body and an off-white head. Aroma is sweet and bready, and the flavor follows suit. Alot of biscuits and molasses in the taste. Quite good, but not outstanding.