Stone 06.06.06 Vertical Epic Ale

Formerly brewed at Stone Brewing Co.
Style: Abbey Dubbel
Escondido, California USA

Dark brown ale with a thin off white head. A bit sweeter in aroma than 05. In mouth, more malty with definite chocolate notes, less licorice and less alcohol in mouth, still a very smooth ale. Enjoyed on tap at BCTC 2006.

Dark and ominous appearing in the glass, the aroma clears out anything else in your mind. You contemplate the possibiliites, because they are there but they’re young and restless. Mindful while you approach; the yeast has revelled for it’s time with this battlefield and then won by a massacre. The remnants race across your toungue to deliver spicy, estery overtones. Underneath, the malt begs attention, at first it seems the secret recipe for coca cola has been breached, but then the yeast residuals return to fog that notion and you are left again thinking of future payoffs - someday, when several seasons have passed, this one will fulfill it’s promise.

Bottle shared with HogTownHarry, GregClow, jerc & tupalev -- courtesy of HogTownHarry. Pours a deep dark ruby-brown with an average size creamy tan head. Very nice aroma of sweet malt, yeast, dark fruit, brown sugar, alcohol and lots of spices. Flavour follows the aroma and is a touch boozy, but not enough to detract much from the taste. Nice bitter finish. Medium bodied. This is quite good, one of the best Verticals yet and a nice version of the style.

Thanks to kmweaver for sharing. Seemingly clear purple-bronze body with a medium, grayish tan head. Aroma is of cloves, mild rubber, and sweet dark caramelization. Flavor adds additional elements of sweet cocoa and dates with some balancing acidity, plus medium bitterness. Decent, lingering aftertaste. This is a unique and enjoyable entry into the Vertical Epic series.

This was very good. Pours a deep brown. Smokey belguim fruit aroma. Tastes of dark fruit, belguim yeasts, roasted malt, and sweet spices. A bit of hops too. Nice smokey finish. Delicious.

Rockin this baby out of an Old Guardian glass and boy fuckin howdy it looks great. Doesn’t hold a head much but oh well. Actually the aroma isn’t much except for some white raisin and black charcoal. Taste is peach and plum, grape and tangerine. Smooth and sweet and could use more carbonation. I don’t get clove but I do get a good Madagascar Vanilla. This ain’t no Abbey Dubbel but more of a psydo-dopplebock.

Bottle. Deep dark brown in color with no head. Citrusy lemony aroma. Clove peppery notes. Spicey citrusy flavor. White pepper. Full bodied. Sweet. Finish is bitter. Very nice beer. Enjoyable.

Shared with Hogtown Harry, GregClow, Jerc, and Blankboy, thanks big time Harry! Very dark brown, small brown’ish head. Nice strong Belgian aroma - spicy, alcohol - very nice. Taste follows - strong alcohol, spices, I even got a little bit of smoke at first, some pepper. Full bodied for the style. Very bitter finish. A nice beer that should age well.