Stone 13th Anniversary Ale

Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
Style: American Strong Ale
Escondido, California USA

Bottle. Thick, highly carbonated and dark amber body with a dense offwhite head. Spicy hop aroma. Candied orange, ginger, musk, pine, grapefruit, very light caramel background notes. No kidding about the bitterness. Over the top on purpose is hard to criticize, especially with the nice depth of flavor. Opens with a pungent pineyness before a wave of bitterness that completely inhibits any taste perception. As the senses return, there is a slight sweetness with orange and pine lingering into the still-bitter aftertaste. Palate is simply destroyed with a dryness that almost hurts. As my sense of taste becomes accustomed to the alphabombery, more malt depth is apparent but a rough alcohol presence is as well. The bitterness and chemical burn forge into a very harsh sensation. Maybe I’m just not worthy. Chalk another one up on the side of extremity over beauty.

Bottle. Dark reddish-brown with a nice light tan head that leaves some light lacing. Clobbering load of pine up front on the nose, followed by mint and toffee. Flavor is roast, coffee, bitter chocolate, some iced tea opposed by tons piney and grapefruit hops. After the alcohol and bitterness have numbed the palate does the sweetness take over. Medium full syrupy body. Big and bruising, somewhat of a chore to drink after a few ounces.

Reminds a lot of grapefruit, but not too much. Resembles a bit of what you get when you pour some sugar on your grapefruit before eating it. It might be the use of "citrus hops", but I’m not an expert in that field. Very nice ale!

bottle from midway mart in denton tx. poured a nice brownish/amber type color with a great beige head that would not go away and left some spotted lace behind. aroma of citrus, pine resin, caramel, a touch of fingernail polish, and a hint of orange. flavor was pine, alcohol, and what seemed to be a little note of roasted nuts. body was very pleasant with a slick feeling to compliment to the bittering. pretty good, but does seem to remind me of AB.

Pours a dark mahogany color with a medium sized canvas colored head with some green tinting. Mouthfeel is medium sticky and some carbonation with a lasting bitter finish. Taste is citrus, pine, dark corn syrup, plastic, and booze. Nose is About the same with a nice roasted bitterness. Overall pretty astringent.

Bottle. Nice dark red/brown pour. Medium head. Powerful hoppy aroma. Excellent beer. Wish I had another one. Recommended.

Gorgeous ruby pour. Color is lovely. Such a thick hopped aroma! Aged and woody, this is nice. Well balanced taste. Not overly hopped but with a firm body. Lightly dry finish. Nice aged taste, wood feel. Great.

Bottle. Dark brown-black pour with a nice large head. Cirtusy aroma with a beautiful hop flavor, with solid malt profile. Lightly roasted, with a bitter loverly finish.