Stone 07.07.07 Vertical Epic Ale - Stone Brewing Co.

thagr81us

South Carolina

3.83/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had at the Stone Tap Takeover in Charlotte. Served from tap into a tumbler. Poured red-orange with a minimal off-white head. Maintained decent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt, subtle spices, and alcohol. The flavor was of red wine spices, subtle malt, and sweet hops. It had a light feel on the palate with mild carbonation. Overall this one was quite nice. The red wine spices were something I was not expecting in this one, but it wasn't a dealbreaker either. This one is drinking quite nicely currently in my opinion.

Serving type: on-tap

10-12-2010 15:07:03 | More by thagr81us

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.53/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Churchkey.

Pours a moderate amber color with a nice off white head and a bit of lacing as it makes its way down. The nose is a bit of a mess, but actually works a bit well. Lots of peppery spice along with some ginger. Miscellaneous citrus notes in there as well; not sure of those are from residual hops. Taste is much the same with the ginger and spice combo coming out a bit more than other flavors. Mouthfeel is one of a medium body with pretty good carbonation. It's a bit much, but drinks fairly well as it is quite interesting.

Serving type: on-tap

10-06-2010 19:28:58 | More by Thorpe429

drabmuh

Maryland

3.63/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had the 05, 07 and 07 wine barrel all side by side at Churchkey the other night, and those three were all rather disappointing.

Beer is a little bit of a spice bomb but its probably my favorite vertical epic of the night. Beer is yellow and has a nice head of medium bubbles on it that leaves a little lacing on the glass.

Beer smells like citrus and ginger. OK, this is what you wanted Stone.

Lead off for this beer is a medium to light body, moderate carbonation and ...oh yeah GINGER. Its ginger and coriander I think and that's about it. Its not very sweet, not a lot of malt to hold this one up but its spicy. That's about all. It was OK.

Serving type: on-tap

10-06-2010 14:47:12 | More by drabmuh

SkunkWorks

New York

4/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on the Total Tap Takeover Tour at Rattle n Hum in NYC. It was served in a flute glass.

Look: greenish, golden with a little haze and a little orange with a thick white head. It left lots of lace behind.

Smell: lots of spice in here along with some grapefruity hops. You can also smell the yeast.

Taste: very hoppy, which surprised me since its been aging for 3 years now. Lemon and orange flavors come out through the hoppiness.

Feel: light in body. Very crisp because the carbonation is pretty high.

Drink: very drinkable. If I didn't want to try everything on the tap list, I would've had a few rounds of this with no problem.

Overall, a good beer worth a try. In my limited experience with Belgians, I'd say this is a decent Belgian Strong Pale Ale.

Serving type: on-tap

10-04-2010 13:00:12 | More by SkunkWorks

MisterClean

California

4.08/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the Grad

A - Poured copper with 2 fingers of white head which dies fast.

S/T - Honey, nectarines, bubblegum, and yeast funk.

M - Supersweet, very malty, full-bodied, and some funk yeast at the end.

D - Very good. Most people thought this beer was hit and miss.

Serving type: on-tap

02-11-2010 06:23:24 | More by MisterClean

DmanGTR

New York

4.2/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From notes

A - crystal clear, rich honey color with very little head. 3.5

S - hint of pear mead, caramel, and amber malt. Bit of alcohol as well. Fruity and light bouquet. 4.0

T - rich grape/raisin flavor with some sour apples. Slight bitterness of hops gets masked by lots of fruitiness and a warm finish. 4.5

M - medium bodied, well carbonated. Crisp and warming. 4.0

D - quite drinkable. I enjoy this thoroughly. 4.0

I was glad MacGregors had this on tap along with the 08 and 09. A cool vertical, even though it's not the same beer each year.

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2010 14:26:23 | More by DmanGTR

thekevlarkid

Maryland

4.1/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Off the tap at Stone Night in Burlington this beer was a bright orange-amber color in my goblet. The head was short lived but as a thin cream-colored collar it left scattered lacing and stuck around quite a while. The aroma was surprisingly light, floral and citrus hops, light spiciness and hints of honey. The flavors, however, were monstrous compared to the bouquet. The flavors were a nice arc that started with a semi-sweet note that then went spicy before going to a bitter finish. Bright hops added lemon and grapefruit, tangy orange peel, and white grapes. The alcohol nip was present and Belgian yeast added complexity and a 'twang' at the finish that I had mixed feelings about. The mouthfeel was semi-creamy, the body full and the carbonation still quite active.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2009 01:35:17 | More by thekevlarkid

scottg

Vermont

4.33/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served on tap into a tulip glass at American Flatbread in Burlington, VT during the "Stone Extravaganza."

Pours a clear orangish gold color with a 1/2 finger white head that dissipates quickly, leaving no lacing. Great mix of aromas lead by ginger and sweet citrus with spice, fruity yeast and alcohol. Up front ginger flavor, not too much but definately ginger, then a mix of banana, clove, pepper, vanilla, sweet orange and an alcohol warmth. Medium carbonation, medium body, a very dry beer. All your taste buds are awakened with this beer.
Incredible flavors! If you see this being poured at any festival or can find a bottle, definitely a must try!

Serving type: on-tap

10-17-2008 18:39:17 | More by scottg

Sconnie

Wisconsin

1.98/5  rDev -48%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 1

Had this at the Stone 08.08.08 event at Brasserie V in Madison. Stone has just hit the Madison market, and has hit hard, with their posters and taps showing up all over the city. But I have to say, I have yet to be impressed with ANY of their beers, especially this one.
I was told by a Stone Rep that this was a Saison style, even though it's listed as a belgian strong ale here. Pours a pale gold, smells very strongly of spices. The taste is all spice: tons of ginger, cinnamon, clove and coriander, nothing else at all. After a year of aging you'd think the spices would have died down, but not at all. Maybe there was more hop flavor initially that has worn off with age, making this beer unbalanced, but whatever it is, this was flat out BAD. Spices in the face with nothing else going on. I could only choke down 1/3 of the pint. I hate to waste beer, and this is the only beer I can remember that I have ever sent back without finishing as it was just plain un-drinkable.
After having this, their arrogant bastard, ruination and the 08.08.08, I am very disappointed with Stone. Add on their "you're probably to stupid to understand how good our beer is" marketing campaign and I'm totally done with this brewery.

Serving type: on-tap

08-12-2008 19:30:15 | More by Sconnie

TheBCrew

New York

3.63/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Sampled at BCTC 2008.

Pours a light amber with a thick off-white head and some lacing. Subtle spice in the aroma as well as some hop pine. Interesting taste with several competing flavors including cloves, pine, malt sweetness, some juicy fruit and a slight, almost saison-like tartness. Mouthfeel was medium-heavy and somewhat chewy. Good drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

08-05-2008 20:40:03 | More by TheBCrew

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours clear gold. Nic creme head. Nice yeasty sugar laden nose. Decent flavor. More dough than I thought there would be. Yeast is noticeable. Decent feel. Smooth. The profile is unusual though, which knocks the drinking factor down a bit. Seems a bit out of balance, but still a pleasure to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

01-01-2008 13:25:11 | More by RblWthACoz

mcallister

Ohio

3.68/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Cloudy, pale, semi opaque fiery amber color. Poured with a nice off white head with a fluff to it that fades quickly into some slight, highly carbonated lacing.

Noce is full of fresh tropical fruit and clove with an afterthough of bubblegum. Pineapple and mango and moderate banane lead into a citrusy orange pear. RS seems like it may show it's face. Some floral hopping as well. Bright and lively acidity.

Again very fruity. With a large undermining of clove. Carbonation seems to be a little flat for this beer especially compared to the bottled sample I tried. Pear, peach, and orange, with less tropical activity than the nose. Still hints of banana and pineapple. A dry finish that is a little misleading considering the amount of fruit. Even a hint of corriander? A more acidic backbone with slightly more carbonation would have greatly benefited this brew. Still a sticky creamy mid palate and a beer I could drink one or two of.

Serving type: on-tap

08-21-2007 22:20:18 | More by mcallister

vfgccp

New York

4/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Opened June 2013.

A - Nice golden apricot body. Fine white head sits low with nice retention and lace.

S - Bright, floral nose. Great balance. Dandelion, honey, touch of tangerine, white grape, Chardonnay, macadamia nut.

T - Smooth apricot jam, honey, sour pear, white grape. Floral finish.

M - Silky, medium-light frame. Surprisingly creamy.

O - A floral take on the style with strong mead influences. Great integration and balance.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2013 01:39:17 | More by vfgccp

sweemzander

Illinois

3.08/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3

22oz. bottle poured into a taster glass. Thanks to Chris for sharing!

(A)- Pours a cloudy orange color with plenty of sediment floaters. Some white froth formed but dissipated quickly.

(S)- A zesty spice up front. The coriander and cardamon are obvious with bits of a grassy lemon and orange zest.

(T)- A zesty spicy orange and a clove/ginger kick. A yeasty profile overall just with an extra citrus and spice punch to it.

(M)- The carbonation level has held up nicely with still a crispness to it. The spices definitely liven things up. Does get a touch bitter for me as it warmed.

(O)- I like the play of spicy esters with the citrus. Perhaps the better of the "lighter" vertical epics at this point, but debatable.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2013 16:09:48 | More by sweemzander

MasterSki

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Probably got this at Discount Liquor, but who knows. Served in a tulip glass.

A - White foam settles to a collar, leaving behind spotty lace and wisps on top. Hazed golden body.

S - You can still smell the cardamom and citrus peel in this one, and there's a nice typical tripel-esque stone fruit malt backbone. This is the first of the series that doesn't seem crazy old.

T - The taste hasn't held up quite well unfortunately, as there are some fruity oxidized notes. Otherwise this is mostly caramel malts with a hefty citrus peel finish.

M - Medium body, medium-low carbonation, dry finish, with a surprising tannic character. Perhaps a hint of alcohol warmth in this one.

D - Not particularly well suited to my tastes, as I'm not a huge cardamom fan, but it's held up reasonably well. I'd be willing to give a keg or refrigerated bottle a chance down the road.

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2013 04:45:42 | More by MasterSki

obywan59

Virginia

3.98/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Crystal clear with a 1 finger white head that dissipates quickly leaving no lacing. Small carbonation buttles rise from the center of my oversized wine glass with the occasional larger bubble rising from offcenter. The second glass was a translucent murky orange-brown.

The aroma of bright citrus wafts from the bottle, and after a hard pour, a very yeasty start--like proofing yeast for bread. This was followed quickly by some light metallics, then bubblegum, before morphing into overripe citrus, and finally apple in the end. Spicy Belgian yeast carries throughout.

The taste is almost vinuous at first. Rather dry with some tart citrus. Cardomom is eviedent, and the bite of ginger as well. The second glass tasted much sweeter on the first swallow, but settled down immediately. The saisson parentage is indicated by a definite earthiness. The bitterness of citrus peel was present here also.

Rather light in the first glass, with a nice bite of carbonation/ginger. By the second glas, the carbonation was gone...the bite was all ginger, and the feel was thicker. Oddly, the first glass seemed to leave more of a syrupy feel on the tongue. Very warming.

The carbonation was a bit light, and not surprisingly. The beer is over 5 1/2 years old. Still, it's held up well. It's very tasty and satisfying. Worthy of another purchase. But alas, it was only brewed once. I'll have to resort to the homebrew version.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2013 04:14:31 | More by obywan59

jlindros

Massachusetts

3.78/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

had as part of a big VE tasting at the end of the world party, shared with many friends.

Pours a light fizzy head, murky hazy sediment, reddish orange color.

Nose earthy malts, sweet malts, Belgian like, light citrus and fruit, apple, hint hops, light booze esters.

Taste has aged malts, light oxidation, Belgian golden malts and esters, booze, light tea chamomile like, light spices, phenols, booze, light apple like fruit, raisin, etc.

Mouth is med bodied, dec carb for the age at least.

Overall decent Belgian beer, aging took it's toll but still a fairly decent beer overall.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 02:30:48 | More by jlindros

Treebs

Illinois

3.36/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

22 oz. bottle served in a CCB snifter.

A: Pours a hazy apricot color with a white head forming on the pour. Some splotches of lace are left down the glass.

S: A ton of cardamom and citrus zest. Some fruity alcohol notes as well with just a touch of sweet toffee malt.

T: Some candied grapefruits with a some spicy yeasty. A little bubblegum with some big cardamom notes. Light caramel malts. A ton of zest with bitter citrus peel.

M: Medium bodied with a medium carbonation level. Spicy and zesty on the finish.

O: Definitely one of the better ones of the nights, but I like cardamom and bitter zest. The beer was either liked or hated at the tasting mainly due to the cardamom.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2013 02:42:22 | More by Treebs

Chico1985

Massachusetts

3.61/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Along with the 06, having this for the first time with quite a bit of age on it. This one is ~ 5 1/2 years old at this point. Thanks to Cam once again.

Pours copper orange with some haze. An off-white head retains well.

Very musty scent, oxidized caramel, ginger, light fruits.

Taste is luckily alot better. Big citrus flavor here sticks out the most, along with grapefruit and lemon, surprisingly bright fruit tastes here for how old it is. Some farmy saison notes, toffee and buttery malts, and hints of ginger. Some old caramel malts there as well but not too much age noticeable.

Well-carbonation with a pretty full body, not much booze presence at all.

Very fruity, doesn't come off as very Belgian, though it has held up pretty well, better than the 06 anyways.

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2013 16:52:22 | More by Chico1985

johnnnniee

New Hampshire

3.79/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

I was fortunate to try this last night at an epic tasting held by my good friend Mike, thanks for the opportunity MrBarleywine! At this beer Jeff started picking on me about taking notes, he is mean and just made the list ;)
Pours a slightly hazy deep golden color with a smallish off white head that sticks for a bit. The aroma is spicy and fruity with a huge hit of ginger that seems to dominate the aroma. The flavor is sweet with light sugar with a twist of orange and citrus. Ginger, allspice, coriander and pepper round out the spice palette in this beer. Light body with a moderate level of carbonation and a sweet mouthfeel. I liked this one its a weird mix between triple and saison, but from my wrecked full flavored palette this is a pretty decent saison.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 03:07:07 | More by johnnnniee

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.88/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

this one absolutely got better with age. although its certainly changed the mouthfeel. pours hazy golden in color, not much carbonation left in this guy, some yeast floating around in clumps. the nose is belgian yeast and more hops remaining than i anticipated. some spice, although the ginger is hard to pick out. taste is very cardamom forward, which i like and which i do not remember. the alcohol intensity has also been mellowed quite a lot. still the yeast flavors are bold. bready and dense, seeded, toasted. the finish is long and probably not as complex as it used to be, but still full of citrus notes and that belgian yeast. low low carbonation hurts the cause, but that can be attributed to age. fuller body for a beer this light in color, and a candy sort of sweetness that doesnt last long in the finish. overall sort of an anti-climax. after all this time the beer has improved, but im not sure this one was worth the hassle.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 23:12:07 | More by StonedTrippin

charlzm

California

3.03/5  rDev -20.5%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3

Consumed on January 20th, 2013 at a private Vertical Epic tasting.

Beer pours a cloudy, medium golden-yellow. No head or carbonation evident in glass.

Aroma is sweet grapefruit.

Flavor is a bit sweet and cidery with bitter citrus peel and a slightly powdery, sightly floral yeast note.

Mouthfeel is a little thick and could use some carbonation.

Overall, this was one of the more drinkable VE beers we shared.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 19:30:56 | More by charlzm

yamar68

Minnesota

3.6/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Honey pear gold with a full finger of off-white carb... laces wonderfully with tons of activity below the head, which retains pretty consistently.

Yeasty sweet pear, lemongrass, pale grape skins, apple cider and lots of it... some lemon-lime notes, sweet grains, pretty mellow.

Apple juice, Belgian yeast, some mild citrus flavors... some spicy nutmeg type flavors surface in the finish. Overly sweet initially but it really does grow on you. Pretty good actually.

If you happen upon a bottle of this, go for it.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 01:36:48 | More by yamar68

Doppelbockulus

Florida

4.2/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured into a Vertical Epic Glass.

First pour is without yeast, didn't want to cloud the appearance. As such, it is a crystal clear golden straw yellow with only a ring of white lace around the glass.

Medium fragrance of tart fruits, especially tart cherries like that od kriek.

Taste includes strong yeast alcohol flavors common to many dubbles and triples. There is a light tartness and faint astringency.

Constant medium tingle that creates a creamy foam in the mouth. Also light tannin.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2013 19:26:01 | More by Doppelbockulus

TKEbeerman

Florida

3.51/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A. The appearance is a dark golden color with very little head.
S. The aroma is really sweet, with some floral belgium notes. Some fruit notes of apple cider.
T.the flavor is similar, and finally some complexities from the yeast.
Mf. Maulty, decent carbination.
Overall, not bad for the style and age.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 02:36:14 | More by TKEbeerman