Stone 9th Anniversary Ale

Formerly brewed at Stone Brewing Co.
Style: American Strong Ale
Escondido, California USA

This is a rather complex brew. Hopsy citrus overtones characterize this Strong Ale. The alcohol is well hidden. A clean, crisp ale to serve on a warm summers day. Actually I’d serve it on the beach in a 30oz burgundy goblet at the tail end of a Rocky Point vacation. You know, the turn of affections when you start jonesin’ for the U.S. Thats right! ***REVISED 6-5-2007 ******** Almost two years later and this brew is better than before. Brew pours a deep golden color w/ a full, rich and creamy froth. Head retention is lasting. Perfect! Residual lacing is sticky leaving a clumpy creamy island of cream to spoon out. Aroma is of brisk, fresh, velvety hops and mild caramel. Full nectar w/ creamy residual effers. This is on the chewy side. The caramel malts are intertwined well yet persistant. I am truly amazed this brew made it this far. There is an aged vegetal component that is totaly inviting. Big caramel malts w/ velvety hops that gently caress my palate to balance. Where’s my girlfriend ? The hop component is vibrant like the effect of Pop Rocks in my mouth. Not real complex in flavor but very complex as a whole. VERY drinkable. The finish has a moderate hop bittering w/ a long malty sweetness (mildly). As I stated earlier, I am amazed. I remember thinking as I bought it...well, what the heck, I’ll just have to take my chances. As I am a sucker for aged brew comparisons. Today it gets a 4.4 total score w/ the aroma and palate gaining the most. Now I’ll just sit and enjoy.

Orangey color, fruity aroma and a slighty fruity flavor which seems uncharacteristic for Stone. I have yet to have a bad Stone beer, I like them all. This one is good, but not in my top of the Stone arsenal. Lingering wheaty aftertaste and the alcohol flavor seems to be right at the top.

Very IPA in feel. Aroma has that grapefruit hint and the appearance was orange with a white head. Flavor seemed a touch bitter but finished well with some fruit and hop feel. Seemed to get by the palate quickly but felt full. Overall a descent brew but not the best Stone is known for.

MN Winter Get Together, 2006: Gold color with no head. Quite a hoppy aroma with a noticeable hit of alcohol. Taste is much the same with only a little more malt to notice.

I thought I was drinking a simple, but good, pale ale. There is not much to this light orange beer besides the hops in the aroma and the bitter hops in the flavor. The 8th was better.

Has a very hoppy taste, but is not overly bitter at all. Has some sweet fruity undertones with a mild finish. It tastes sort of like a milder version of their IPA...and I find it easier to drink.

Bottle. Hazy orange colour with an off-white head. Fruity and hoppy aroma. Malty flavor with a nice hoppiness. Dry and hoppy finish.

Hazy orange beer with an off white head. Malty and fruity aroma with a light hoppy note. Sweet malty flavor with a hoppy and bitter finish.