Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale - Stone Brewing Co.

PeprSprYoFace

California

4.18/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Down Town Johnny Browns.

Pours a dark black but not viscous like a stout. Nice light tan head that stayed the entire time. Lacing all the way down the glass.

Smells of dark malts but alot of the hop smells are absent. You can smell it a little but not much.

Tastes smooth. Almost like a cask ale. The bitter malts combined with the hops taste very good. With the fading of the hops it is actually still quite a good beer.

Mouthfeel is really smooth and low carbonation. Almost none but it goes well with the beer and tastes almost like it is on cask. Tasty.

Overall a very tasty brew that I would try again for sure just to see how it is aging.

Serving type: on-tap

02-22-2009 03:43:13 | More by PeprSprYoFace

paytoplay

California

3.7/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Cask at O'Briens SD. Funky, blast of hops on the nose. A bit of sweetness, very complex, herb and vegital. Extremely long length. Color was black with a brown standard type cask head. Hops really dominate and the malt create a unique brew. Much different from the 11th bottle enjoyed a week prior. Interested to see how current bottles compare.

Serving type: cask

02-06-2009 17:27:25 | More by paytoplay

Dmann

California

5/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A truly awesome beer, the growler lasted but 2 hours before it was emptied! This is basically a re release of the 11th anniversary ale under a different name, and I'm glad they did this because the 11th was one of my favs and it is great to have it back!

The beer poured a very dark brown color with a great off white head and nice lace on the glass. My nose was quickly drawn to the scents of pine and pineapple and I could not wait to taste it. The flavor was event better than the smell with a bit of dark malt sweetness to start out with, followed by a very fresh, lightly piney and cirtusy hop blast, and rounded out by a touch of alchohol in the end. The perfect carbonation and smoothe, not too thick mouthfeel added greatly to my enjoyment of the beer. No, I do not think any improvements could be made on this one, but get it now while it's fresh! You will not be dissapointed!

Serving type: growler

01-23-2009 00:35:54 | More by Dmann

cproioi

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Color is a dark reddish-brown with a tan head layers the top. The aroma is made up of citrus, spicy and resiny hops with a dark biscuit malt backbone. The taste follows the aroma with a slight alcohol taste as the beer warms. Very dry finish wonderful beer. One of my favorites from Stones.

Serving type: on-tap

01-20-2009 23:55:07 | More by cproioi

MisterClean

California

3.4/5  rDev -20%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Stone night at the Grad in Davis:

A - Dark lack pour with a 2 fngered head. Dissipates to 1 fingered head and sticks around. Beautiful lacing.

S - Dark roast coffee. Wish I could smell more, but no.

T - Dark roast coffee and light alcohol.

M - Very smooth, little aclohol in the mouthfeel.

D - Good, but needs more hoppiness and flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

01-16-2009 07:13:09 | More by MisterClean

thekevlarkid

Maryland

4.38/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Off the tap at Stone Night this beer was a nearly opaque dark brown with some very deep mahogany hues visible against bright light. The head was tan, one-finger thick and retained well as a thick collar that left lacing in broken sheets. Good looking for sure, if it were a lady, I'd be picking her up. The aroma was intriguing, like an IPA gone evil, to further the metaphor, the lady with torn fishnet stockings and red, red lipstick. Big floral hops, rich malts and a depth of spiciness. The flavors were equally complex, deeply floral hops, balanced with robust malt, elements of pine, caramel sweetness in the middle, hints of mocha and milk chocolate. The punchy 8.7% was well concealed and I had to give it high marks for being both impressive and unique. The mouthfeel was very creamy, the body full and the carbonation perfectly smooth. An unusual treat.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2009 01:57:59 | More by thekevlarkid

Brewsmith

California

4/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From a 1L growler fill at the brewery. It's interesting how this beer has changed over time. Just in the last 6 months a ton of the hop character has started to fade since the last time I tasted this beer. It's closer to a strong brown ale now than it's former dark IPA self. It still has a good strong hop profile, but it is mellow and round with the malt. Don't expect this beer to slam you over the head with hops, but expect a big malty beer that is still fairly bitter.

Serving type: growler

01-11-2009 01:21:10 | More by Brewsmith

nd5282

California

3.63/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A relatively muted after taste for an IPA. However, the mellow easy going character lead to the subsequent enjoyment of a few other pints. Bitterness factor is minimal and overall flavor versus drinkability ratio is superb. I personally bought multiple bottles to cellar and failed miserably at being patient.

Serving type: on-tap

01-05-2009 10:20:08 | More by nd5282

sloejams

California

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

On tap at Pure Luck, LA 12.29.08 - $7 for 10 oz

Piitch dark in the chalice. Brilliant looking - full frothed head, lacing everywhere. Just looking at it you'd reckon you're dealing with a Trappist quadruple. But that couldn't be further off. It's the roasted malt and caramel flavors of Arrogant Bastard meshed wit h the hop bang of an IPA. You get some caramel in there too, which i very unique with all them hops bouncing around. There is a big hop presence, but not as far as Ruination.

I guess this is Stone 11th Anniversary re-released. I'm happy as that was a favorite of mine and now that means this is too. Hopefully it will be around for some time.

Serving type: on-tap

12-30-2008 19:02:33 | More by sloejams

advm1

Pennsylvania

4.53/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

I first want to start off by saying that this is one of my favorite beers right now. So my review is going to be pretty biased :)

It poured out like black coffee into my snifter with a one finger tan head. There were thick tan rings left after each sip and they didn't go away. Smells of hops and more hops, malts and minimal citrus fruits. Tastes exactly how it smells and leaves you with a hoppy aftertaste. Let it warm a little and you'll really taste the malt!! Mouthfeel is wet and refreshing, I actually wanted to gargle with this beer. Carbonation is a little on the heavy side making it a bit difficult to drink glass after glass.

Serving type: growler

12-27-2008 22:18:33 | More by advm1

vacax

California

4.53/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had a pint of this good stuff on tap at Beachwood.

A: This double IPA is nearly black, but retains a tinge of deep brown toward the edges. Nice looking head with beyond adequate lacing.

S: Grapefruit up front with pine in back. Beautiful bouquet with an enormous aroma.

T: Chiefly those grapefruit and pine notes, in bulk quantities. It is a real pleasure to taste this beer fresh once again and it is a far bigger beer than I recall. Vast quantities of hops flavors which would be unbearable if it were not the the roasted balance of the mythical black IPA. An exceptional beverage.

M: Quite on par with any DIPA or strong ale I could want, a tingling palate and medium body that does not go over the top--this is definitely not a porter/stout. It is a black IPA.

D: I absolutely love this beer but it is huge in flavor and quite a high ABV as well. Highly recommend this brew, but it is a little weird to describe a DIPA as a sipper.

Overall, sublime, and Stone has every right to be self-righteous.

Serving type: on-tap

12-19-2008 04:55:00 | More by vacax

antilogic

California

4.38/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

From what I hear, this is stone's 11th black IPA re-released. Had it on tap @ Beachwood BBQ this weekend.

Black, brown body. Not quite opaque, but a step below brown. Aroma is of hops, medium body, with a mix of IPA characteristics like the citrus and floral but a definite touch of malt. A very interesting mix, and much better done than other black IPAs I've had (dogzilla, etc).

Worth a try!

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2008 06:48:51 | More by antilogic

tpd975

Florida

4.33/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed at the Florida Stone Kick Off party.

A: Pours a nice dark hue with a nice tight half finger head. Nice retention and lace noted.

S: Nice marriage of malt and hops. Nice roasted malt aromas with bold tones of citrus pushing thru.

T: This one has toned down a touch from when I had it fresh in bottles, but that is not a bad thing. I loved this one fresh and it has added wonderful balance with age. Tons of rich roasted malt up front. Hints of chocolate and a touch of toast. The hops still dominate the finish. Tons of C hops give this one a nice citrus finish.

M: Medium in body, great carbonation.

D: Drinking real nice with a year under its belt.

Serving type: on-tap

11-15-2008 23:23:36 | More by tpd975

Baileyuk

Michigan

4.85/5  rDev +14.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at a Stone launch party at uptown grille, and thankfully I did.

A - Great head that was slightly brown. Retained very well and lacing was superb also. Color was closer to black with a brown tint.

S - What a perfect smell. Chinook hops I think give this one a distinctive smell.

T - Excellent hops balanced perfectly with a strong malt backbone. This was a real treat that got better as it went on.

M - Was a little heavy at first but really lightened up to give an excellent feel. Carbonation was perfect.

D - Could definately do a couple more of these. I would definately order this one again as it is one of my favorite beers I have had redently.

Serving type: on-tap

11-05-2008 13:11:58 | More by Baileyuk

scottg

Vermont

4.18/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

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

Pours a jet black color with a one finger tan head made up of little bubbles with good retention and thick spotty lacing. Extreme citrusy hop aromas-lemon rind and strong fresh grapefruit with a carmelized malt backbone. Grapefruit hop flavor up front with some pine lead to a roasted/smoked malt, espresso with a lemon rind bitter finish. Medium carbonation, full bodied this beer has a mouth coating coffe like feel to it.

Serving type: on-tap

10-17-2008 18:48:17 | More by scottg

cvstrickland

North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Draft arrives in a small goblet, and the dark, seemingly ebony body held to the evening sun reveals the drink to be a hue of the darkest possible ruby with a twinkle of gold at the edges. A thin cap of mocha foam leaves swaths of lacing on the glass.

The smell is roasty and darkly chocolatey with a hefty smack of citrusy hops.

The taste is wonderfully roasty and succulent with notes of dark mocha chocolate-covered orange splashed with a little grapefruit and sprinkled with bitter lime zest. Dark, rich roasty notes add depth and support.

Full in body with silky smoothness, Stone's 11th Anniversary is a fine and quaffable brew.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2008 21:08:46 | More by cvstrickland

Strix

Wisconsin

4.22/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Looks darker than it seems it should be.

Smells quite hoppy, yet a bit roasty underneath. I like it.

This reminds me a bit of Rogue Black Brutal, except this is more bitter. Has grapefruit elements of a nice IPA, but also a maltier background with roastedness, overall, nice flavor complexity. A long, strong grapefruit hop finish.

Mouthfeel smooth with medium carbonation.

I enjoyed this, a somewhat creative blend of styles, very drinkable and tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

09-18-2008 01:21:42 | More by Strix

m1ked

California

3.95/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A- poured into a pint from the growler. Modest tan head that quickly retreats to the edges of the glass forming a tan circle. Pours blackness, but when held up to the light the edges are a dark brown/ coca-cola color.

S- Sweet maltiness, with a touch a candy black licorice. Some very light smokiness and brown sugar. If I search for it I can appreciate some bitter hops lost in the mix. If I was blind smelling this I could easily mistake it for a b-wine.

T- How the licorice is really noticeable to me. Not in an overpowering way though. Not as sweet or smoky as the nose presented. More piney hops than the nose gave, but definitely muted compared to when I first had this guy.

M- This may be a consequence of the day old growler, but the feel is thin, but thicker than I recall with the release. Carbonation seems low.

D- This is not a sessionable beer for me, but a really unique, and excellent brew. I can't wait to try the 12th Anni. I also need to go by my spot and see if I can pick up some more of these.

Serving type: growler

07-11-2008 01:56:48 | More by m1ked

barleywinefiend

Washington

4/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from tap and had a nice brown head over the clear dark brown brew. Frothy head lasts and lasts, with ample sticky lace. Aroma is pungeant piney green hops. Taste is bit lacking in the chewy malts one might expect for such a dark color, but hops character and bitterness is excellent. It did have nice chocolate taste to it with that hoppy kick. Mouthfeel is extra smooth, and drinkability is great as well. Yet another anniversary brew from Stone that is worthy of the milestone.

Serving type: on-tap

04-04-2008 04:17:02 | More by barleywinefiend

Vansmack

California

4.3/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Last night went to Stone Brewery and was able to get a few glasses of the 11th anniversary. I'm not a huge fan of the black beers, but I have to say that the hoppiness of it being an IPA shined through and had a balanced mix of dark and hops.

The appearance on this sucker is absolutely appealing. It's doesn't break up like a guiness or have a nasty smell like most darks. It has a clean hoppy smell.

I have to say, the only downer for me was mouthfeel. I didn't get the usual amazing burst of hops I get when tasting an IPA. It was very drinkable though and I could have sat there all night pounding one after another.

Overall... if you're at Stone any time soon, I'd definitely get a few glasses. It's only $4 a pop and its definitely worth it.

GO UCLA!

Serving type: on-tap

03-29-2008 17:45:21 | More by Vansmack

maddogruss

New Jersey

3.73/5  rDev -12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a dark body with about a 1 inch, tan head with solid retention. Good lacing all along the glass until the finish.

S: Smells slightly spicy with some floral hints.

T: A slightly sweet, malty taste in the beginning. Very smooth; reminded me a little bit of a milk stout. About halfway through the beer, the hops become more noticeable as the beer gets slightly bitterer. Hops are originally present in the aftertaste in the beginning of the beer but become more evident in the taste later.

M: A solid, full-bodied beer. Nice and smooth and easy on the palette.

D: A pretty drinkable beer overall. Fairly balanced with respect to hops and malts. Smooth and full-bodied mouthfeel makes this brew a good session beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-03-2008 21:02:13 | More by maddogruss

Dogbrick

Ohio

4.47/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On draught at Vintage Estates in Boardman (1 of 7 kegs in the state I understand). Pours a dark reddish-brown color with a medium and lasting tan head. Sticky rings of lacing on the glass. The aroma is a cross between an Imperial IPA and a roasty Porter. Loads of citrusy hops in the nose, with a full roasted malt undertone. Other aromas like pine and toffee are present as well. Rich and bitter with a full array of citrusy and piney hops flavors. Toasted malt and chocolate flavors are found too. Slow alcohol burn through it all. The finish is long and bitter with a tasty grapefruit hops finish. Excellent overall. Once again Stone manages to do something unique and enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

12-18-2007 19:54:16 | More by Dogbrick

francisweizen

Australia

4.03/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-Tap, city beer store, sf, ca. This is a dark brew, near black russett brown with haloed edges of caramel/ruby. Aromas are of a hoppy IPA but also there is some roasted and chocolate maltin there as well. This is kind of a cross between death and taxes and racer 5. The malt background is nice and the hoppy/piney/citrusy middle smooths out into a chocolate caramel coated hop finish of roastiness. Mouthfeel is medium bodied and helps this beer achieve a solid drinkability level. Nice one.

Serving type: on-tap

12-12-2007 03:13:51 | More by francisweizen

pershan

Maryland

4.8/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Had this on tap at Frisco Grille in Columbia, MD

A: Not what I expected! Black with a cream-colored semi-rocky head. The bartender called it an IBA (India Black Ale). Nice lacing on the inside of the glass after a few mouthfuls.

S: Strong, piney hop aroma. I'm a hop-head, so very nice.

T: A big, initial hop hit, and stuck around for the entire tasting. A great balance of hop flavor and bitterness, which did a fantastic job of masking the substantial amount of alcohol in this beer. The warmness came through, but not until you swallow.

M: All hop flavor and bitterness...again, very nicely done.

D: This is a dangerous brew, since it is very drinkable and does such a nice job of masking the 8.7% ABV. I haven't had a bad Stone beer yet, and I think this might just be my favorite. Frisco has 7 of the Stone beers on tap right now in preparation for a tasting tonight - wish I could be there.

Serving type: on-tap

11-21-2007 18:04:28 | More by pershan

seaoflament

California

4.25/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

*This is the 11th Anniversary with Chinook. I don't know why my separate entry was bunched up with the regular 11th Anniversary.*

I had this during the Stone 11th Anniversary event in Sept. I don't remember if this was on-tap or cask. And I assume the alcohol was the same. Mostly from my notes:

Very, very dark brown with a nice amount of foam and great lacing/retention.

Aroma is hoppy, pine/citrus but dark and smokey, very interesting. Some ash but not in a bad way, it works well.

Taste is very weird, different but tasty (I know, very vague). Big malt profile but hoppy as well. Some caramel and herb qualities. I remember this one being much like a tea bag, very herbal and "green", bold and daring. You could definitely taste the fresh hops. A bit of bitterness, just like the regular 11th.

Drinkability was very good. Doesn't really feel like a big heavy beer. One of the most unique beers I had in the festival and most unique beers up to this day.

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2007 04:35:19 | More by seaoflament