Stone 13th Anniversary Ale - Stone Brewing Co.

david18

New York

4.72/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

i wasn't sure if this was a new beer. Sounds like it is. I was very surprised to see this was consider a red/amber ale. It's nothing like any of the beers in that category. It's much like a couple of the previous dark dipa anniv. ales release by stone.

A little hot but the malt is oustanding.

Tried this again in a bottle and I think this is their best Old Ale yet. Not as strong as the double but more than the regular Arrogant, this beer has excellent color, flavor, aroma and drinkability.

I changed my rating from the original review above.

Serving type: on-tap

07-05-2009 20:39:07 | More by david18

neenerzig

Ohio

4.72/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This stuff finally arrived in my area today! Poured from the bomber into my snifter. Pours a dark red/brown color with nice ruby highlights when held to the light. Slightly tan head was about 1/2 inch thick when poured settles to a very nice surface coating with a nice thick ring surrounding the inside of the glass. Decent lacing. Aromas of piney hops and some citrus, along with a nice malty presence as well. The dry hopped taste immediately hit my palate upon the first sip, with the aforementioned pine and citrusy grapefruit flavor also coming through nicely. The taste is rounded out with a nice roasted caramel malt sweetness. The hop bitterness does tend to dominate though, even as the beer warms up a bit. The hop bitterness certainly lingers as an aftertaste. Wow! Stone continues to blow me away! This beer has a sort of thick, chewy, and oily mouthfeel that coats the palate. Medium body with moderate carbonation. Becomes easier do drink as it warms a bit. I was very impressed!

Eric

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2009 03:16:30 | More by neenerzig

AlexCuse

Pennsylvania

4.72/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours an incredibly deep red. The head has an oily/soapy gleam from all the hop resins. Right after pouring the flavor is raucous, almost overwhelming. Like a war between tastes in your mouth. As it settles it gets calmer though, that is when it gets dangerous.

As with a lot of Stone's brews, it doesn't taste nearly as strong as it is. If my supply wasn't so limited I could really get in trouble with this one. The second glass I poured (from 22 oz bomber) was gone almost as fast as it was poured.

Never really tasted anything like this, but I will be tasting it again. My challenge now is just to have the discipline not to drink it all so I can share with friends :)

Serving type: bottle

07-19-2009 02:15:55 | More by AlexCuse

JoePat

Kentucky

4.72/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served from a 22oz into a tulip glass

Pours much darker than I expected with a thick beige head. Massive smell of citrisy/grassey hops with notes of alcohol. When tasting you again get that massive hop flavor but underneath you can still taste a hint of the smooth maltyness. The after taste lingers with the bitterness of the hops and dryness from the alcohol. Creamy mouth feel.If it wasnt for the smell I would never guess 8.5% alcohol. Chalk another one up for Stone.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2009 00:54:33 | More by JoePat

madpentzer

California

4.72/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Got this in my neiborhood liqior store in a 22 oz. bottle. It poured a deep mahogany with a thick, foamy head that lasted till the glass was finished. Big hop aroma with fruity sweet undertones. Hops are first noticed on the tasted buds followed by a nice malting backing. I loved this beer and even though it was medium bodied I had no problem finishing this beer. Definitely a good brew for anyone who loves hops.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2009 01:52:55 | More by madpentzer

diechipmunk

Massachusetts

4.72/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pourd a deep, rich, beautiful mahogany with 3 fingers of head in a tulip glass.

The arome was a really complex blend of hops, strong pine, earthy/mulchy and a little snap of grapefruit.

The taste was an eyeopener, I love hops and drink lot of IPA's, but I was not prepared for the deep, complex hop profile. As strog as the hops were, the malt backbone was ablt to balance it nicely without ever stealing the show from the hops.

I couldn't help but think of this as a mirror image of the English barly wines I love so much. With the BW, there is just enough hop bitterness to support the malt. In this case, the hops were the star, with the malt foundation contributing just enough sweetness to make Stone 13th Anniversary spectacularly drinkable.

I will by more to cellar on the way home today (along with any other Stone I can find).

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2009 12:57:31 | More by diechipmunk

haemphyst

California

4.7/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Bought this as a one time purchase, loving nearly all of the Stone offerings, with few exceptions. (I love the stories on the bottles, too... :P They are usually what prompts me to try something new from them...)

I was first intrigued by the "Do Not Cellar - Enjoy In 2009" phrase prominently plastered on the side of the bottle. The "fine wines" of beer, Stones like to rest usually, but who am *I* to argue? So, I followed the instructions to the letter! My first review, of hopefully many, and I hope I don't bore!

A - Dark... Beautiful, dark-reddish body. Roughly the color of a good strong cup of french-roast coffee. Very nice, dense, but short head, that disappears quickly, leaving a nice, thin lace on the glass, accompanied by a beige foam film, lasting the entire glass.

S - Hops! I love a big strong hoppy beer, and this beer did NOT disappoint. Alcohol notes are stronger than expected, but not overblown. Chocolatey undertones to the nose. By now, I was ready to taste this thing!

T - For the BudLight "afficionado", a semi-blinding flash of grapefruit peel and bitter hops, reminiscent of The Ruination IPA, but a bit more subdued. Oh, the hops! Very good bitter/floral flavor, marks this as a very high on the "Stone Favorites" list. Fantastic malt, piney, oakey, and small hints of coffee and chocolate, with even a small orage juice thing going on in there. Did I mention the hops? Alcohol notes strengthen on finish, but never seem "too much", and subue quickly.

M - A clean, but odd and difficult to describe "syrupy" or "thick" feeling. Not unpleasant in the least, it actually helps the finsh last, which in this case is really nice. Almost an asparagus taste in there, as well... Perfectly carbonated in my opinion, not a real carbonation burn at all. Clean and too short a finish, sadly. This one you won't mind enjoying slowly.

D - Alcohol notes are perfectly balanced by the hops, (both the stars of this show, and after all, why are we drinking beer?) and as mentioned, a VERY nice offering from Stone. The relative potent 9.5%ABV will warm you quickly, and it's quite a nice feeling. You will know it's on the way - no sneaking up on you with this one... :)

A highly recommended offering if you can find any. I went back to buy two more cases! Get this one while you can, folks! If a "big beer" is what you're after, they really don't come much bigger than this one! The Stone guys love to release really nice "limiteds", and this one won't disappoint.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2009 02:49:06 | More by haemphyst

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.68/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

On-tap 7/25/09 at Track 84 in Warwick, RI, served in a tulip glass.

A: The beer is a dark reddish brown color, with a large off-white head that fades very slowly and leaves a very thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains caramelized malts, some citrus and a lot of hops.

T: The taste starts with a strong burst of floral hops that is quickly followed by a nice compliment of caramel & citrus sweetness and some roasted malts, creating a very nice balance. The after-taste is hoppy and sweet.

M: Very crisp and very smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is clean and dry.

D: Very tasty, goes down quite easily, not too filling, strong kick, excellent representation of the imperial red IPA style, this is a great high-octane beer to drink for an entire evening.

Serving type: on-tap

07-26-2009 21:04:19 | More by TheManiacalOne

wangbruins

Florida

4.68/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A- Beautiful dark chocolate brown with a two inch head that stayed put the whole time and wonderful lacing

S- Lots of dark fruit- cherries, grapes, and blackberries, as well as some coffee

T- Strong cherry flavor with coffee, chocolate, and a smoky finish

M- Thick but smooth, if that makes sense, with a very good aftertaste

D- Strong ABV but I'd put up with it to have a couple. Oh Stone, why do you make such great beer for such a short time?

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2009 00:37:23 | More by wangbruins

mdmako

Michigan

4.65/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A - A dark dark mahagony color with a tan colored head. Muc lacing.

S - Powerful pine hops are backed with rich fruity hops. a Dark caramel and roasty smell are also present.

T - A initial sweetness is overpowered by the strong fruity and floral hops. A malty and caramel taste are present behind the ridiculous amount of delicious. A piercing bitter taste is left with the after taste of hops.

M - Thick and highly acidic with medium to low carbonation. Goes down smooth for what is is containing.

D - A wonderful beer that I enjoy unequivocally. Once again...Great Job Stone!

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2009 02:45:50 | More by mdmako

pourmeup

North Carolina

4.65/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- pours a deep mahogany color with a light tan head, great lacing on the nonic pint, retained a head the entire time it was in my glass with no arousal
S- smells very sweet and floral, very green fresh smell, hops definitely come through on the nose
T- tastes unbelievable; floral, slight pine taste on the finish, has a great sweetness from the malt, finish is long and is to be savored
M- creamy texture, light carbonation, coats the pallet with flavor
D- very drinkable for the alc/vol, didnt notice the 9.5% until we were done

(two person review)

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2009 02:50:49 | More by pourmeup

sixerofelixir

Ohio

4.65/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle sampled last year shortly after release in OH. Review from notes.

The first whiff is all hops, perhaps more on the nose than any I've had the pleasure to sniff. Taste is ultra smooth, though. It is RED, as a taste! Weird to say that, but it's true. Bold, but great. Super hoppy, but with enough great malt to balance it. Aftertaste creeps up on you like a skunk..

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2010 17:01:33 | More by sixerofelixir

Bonhoeffer

Alabama

4.63/5  rDev +14%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

So Stone tells us it is literally "the hoppiest beer [they've] ever brewed." That's right, kids, hoppier than Ruination. Hoppier than anything you can possibly imagine. But blood red for an amazing malt balance. If i had to pick one beer to be pumped into my system intravenously, this might be it.

The aroma is like someone has surgically implanted hop resin in your nostrils. The flavor has a mountainous brain-busting wave of bitterness and alcohol burn popping with every drop of glorious flavor you can squeeze out of American hops, including (but not limited to) grapefruit, pine and tangerine. The malt is thick and sticky, providing enough balance to make the beer drinkable, but it doesn't even attempt to compete with the hops. The hops try to cover and overwhelm your taste buds, but the alcohol cleans them right off, and you're immediately ready for another sip.

Obviously, a perfect session beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2009 20:43:02 | More by Bonhoeffer

BigAl723

Michigan

4.63/5  rDev +14%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Ashley's in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Again, another July treat!

A: This beer is pretty dark. For a Strong Ale it has a nice dark ruby color that presents a beautiful frothy white head. Not to mention a fine lacing in the glass.

S: I smell something that resembles hoppy funk. It's basically like the smell of Arrogant Bastard on steroids. A bitter smell that let's you know, this beer means business.

T: Bitter and hoppy! To the max! Again, like an AB on steroids, but a taste that grew on me. The more I drank, the more I wanted. A fruity and earthy taste came through towards the end. Again, I want more.

M: Medium carbonation. Not much different than most Stone beers.

D: This baby is bitter! It doesn't take away that much from the drinkability but I could tell it was higher ABV.

Overall this beer is outstanding. No doubt it's worthy of being apart of Stone's "Anniversary" collection. I drank a bomber of this before an Incubus concert a few days before this review and let me tell you, I was hammered. Of course I was drinking a bevy of other beers before, but you get the hint.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2009 20:29:15 | More by BigAl723

yesyouam

New York

4.63/5  rDev +14%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Stone 13th Anniversary Ale is a dim, dark brown ale with a big, fluffy beige head that has oily bubbles and outstanding retention and lacing. It has a huge, fresh hoppy aroma, like fresh cut grapefruit. It smells a little sweet and malty. It's pretty full bodied, quite smooth and bubbly with a dry finish. It's bold and bitter; citrusy and a bit grassy. There's a touch of sweetness and roastiness. It's a bit top-heavy with a grapefruit aftertaste. It's like an Imperial IPA with some nice roasty malt thrown in. It's a champion beer!

Serving type: bottle

08-03-2009 13:16:03 | More by yesyouam

mynie

Indiana

4.63/5  rDev +14%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours chocolate milk hazy redbrown, like riverwater. Opaque. Can't tell what the shit going on up in this.

Smells like lots of fruit, booze, alcohol and malt. No winey nodes, very little hops. Just a like a combination of a fruit smoothie, minced meat pie, and grandpa's fiery orange juice (only just the fire, no OJ).

I know it says right on the bottle that you shouldn't age this, but this is way more pleasantly complicated than the beer I drank on tap in September. It's like a wonderfully melted fruitbasket, the alcohol has gained prominence as the chocolatey malts have been dulled and all that's left is like the bastard progeny of a Dubbel and and an American strong

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2010 04:30:22 | More by mynie

beersujit

Minnesota

4.6/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 3 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer is damn good..I haven't tasted this kind a beer since long time.... This feels like beer.... a original beer.. this beer made my day a better one. don't ever drink without any food.. first timer...have a snack ready before u drink this beer... i think u will love it as u go long with it. no way to start beer tasting with this,... but i love beer so I tried it.. its good

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2009 02:17:50 | More by beersujit

slayer3604

California

4.6/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A-Deep crimson with a white/beige head, sticky lacing and a swath of bubbles emitting from the depths of the glass.

S-Absolute hop. A stinging sensation on your nose, because of the sheer hoppiness of this beverage. Moist pine bark, the mist coming off of an orange as you peel the skin off, caramel, toffee and a rush of booze.

T- up front malt that levels into a universe of pulsating hop orgies with tawney port, cracked pepper corn, pine, mint, and victory in the background.

M- Lathery, suddy, the glass says it all, the head is stuck to this mother like no tomorrow.

D- This is the fifth time i've had this beer and the first time i've reviewed it....best selling stone beer by far that we've ever carried as well.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2009 08:15:36 | More by slayer3604

HopHed

Ohio

4.6/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

APPEARANCE: A dark beautiful ruby red color that borders on a rusty red. A thick, two finger tan head, that dissipates into a beautiful lacing that hugs the side of the glass gently sliding down with each drink.

AROMA: Right off the bat you smell the hops in this big Imperial Double Red Ale. The first note is a very heavy citrus, nay grapefruit, scent. I am guessing this is from the Chinook Hops in the brew, but it could also be the Centennial that are used in the dry hopping. There is also just a hint of pine in there. The beer has a smell that can only be described as resiny, (forgive me) 'dank' and beautiful.

FLAVOR: BIG! This beer is all about the hops, and has just a touch of an alcohol heat. The first thing I notice is the wonderful hoppy grapefruit/grapefruit rind flavor of the hops come through. There is slightest malt finish to it that is, in my mind, almost as if it were an afterthought.

PALATE: There is no doubt that this is a full-bodied beer, and definitely not for the beginner, or those into 'fizzy yellow beers' as Stone would say. There is a good deal of carbonation to it, which I noticed from the pour, but it is not overly carbonated. It has a slight but very noticeable heat to it, which isn't surprising to me at 9.5%. The heat does seem to become more noticeable the further I get into the second half of the bottle, and the closer it gets to room temperature.

NOTES: I am a total hop-head. A freak for the beautiful bitterness that can only come from Humulus lupulus, the hop plant. This definitely delivers. For this special release, Stone hopped the brew at four pounds of hops per barrel, more hops per barrel than any other beer they've produced. As mentioned it is a big 9.5%, which you can feel. I was getting a warmth from this beer half way through the 22 oz. bottle. It is available as a limited release in 22oz. bottles, and (very) limited tap. I would love to find this on tap somewhere just for the comparison. The 13th Anniversary Ale was released 06/29/2009, and is available while supplies last, so you have to get it when you see it. I was going to buy a few to cellar, but wrote Stone after seeing a note on the label, "Do not cellar. Enjoy in 2009." When I received word back from Stone, this is apparently because the flavor profile cannot be guaranteed to last. They did not say it, but I am willing to throw out the guess that it is due to the amount of hops they are using in the beer, and the fact that the hop character is bound to mellow over time. All this said, I will be sad when I get the last drink of the final bottle of Stone 13th Anniversary. This was yet another great brew from the guys at Stone.

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2009 02:18:25 | More by HopHed

mechamifune

North Carolina

4.6/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Arrogant Bastard is one of my all time favorite beers, and this can best be described as Arrogant Bastard on steroids. Noticeably more hoppy than the aforementioned beer but still balanced (this isn't just a dressed up IPA), and with a slightly more alcoholic aftertaste (though not in an unpleasant way). Like Arrogant bastard, has a heavy mouthfeel but still very drinkable. I found this to be a highly enjoyable session beer, and probably goes into my current top 5. I drank the bomber using a pint glass, would probably use my delirium tulip glass next time.

Serving type: bottle

08-09-2009 20:11:11 | More by mechamifune

cameraman

Kentucky

4.6/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A deep amber to a ruby red color, with a light beige head forming on top. The head starts at a half inch high then dissolving down to form a thick film on top. The aroma starts with fragrant grassy, earthy scents, followed by a floral scent. Then a touch of malty sweetness comes through in the aroma and finishing with a slight twang of alcohol tickle the nose at the end. A strong malt flavor at the front, then it gradually grows to the hops. The hops bring a plethora of flavors of grass, earth, pine, and grapefruit. A medium bodied feel, it then gains weight slowly as it crosses the palate. The cleansing sensation of carbonation hits the back end. This beer definitely brings the hop flavor, but the malt is there balance it all out. Great color, incredible aroma, intense flavors, makes not question where this beer came from. You are left to wanting more the whole year round.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2009 21:28:45 | More by cameraman

dickieb

Rhode Island

4.6/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours as dark as allot of stouts with some ruby red hues around the very edges. A 1 finger soda esque head and decent lacing. The smell is a fantastic array of darker malts with some pineapple and grassy hops. The flavor is like a combination on a barley wine and a hoppy amber. Deep malts with some barley flavoring and it feels like im chewing on a mouthful of cascade hops. The mouthfeel is that of a big beer, as is the drinkability. This is my favorite of the stone anniversary brews that i have tasted (from 9 on). I will drink as much of this as i can while its fresh.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2009 01:38:59 | More by dickieb

hoplover82

Texas

4.6/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Pours a deep dark (not see through) ruby red color that boasts a creamy, thick, medium sized espresso crema colored head that has really good retention and very sticky, spotty, lacy lacing.

S-The aroma is BEAUtiful indeed. It wafts pungent pine hops to the head. Then as it warms, morphs into this strong caramel and toffee aroma that is so pungent! Wow... it's pretty straight foward, but good and pungent, like really pungent. Also as it warms, and with a swirl of the glass, I get a blast of sweet candied grapefruit, then when I looked for it, I also get lots of dark fruits underneath.

T-The flavor is much of the same with loads and loads of toffee and caramel malts and pine and grapefruit hops with some dark fruits underneath. Oh, and I can't forget the hop bitterness that punches you in the face. There is definentely a presence of alcohol there, which is to be expected. But it's not really hot perse. So it's not bad.

M-This is a huge beer with a creamy thick mouthcoating feel, that leaves any true beer lover satisfied.

D-I gave the drinkability a 3.5 only because of the abv and noticable alcohol presence. But it's not like it doesn't go down well, cause it does, but I don't think I could have more than one of these over the coarse of a night. I have to sip on this slowly, which is not a bad thing. I highly suggest getting this one if you can find it!

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2009 03:47:38 | More by hoplover82

KickbacksSteve

Florida

4.6/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

22 ounces of course, poured into a Unibroue tulip. Took a while to get started because I had to dramatically pause for quite a while to admire the aroma resinating from the glass. A lot has been discussed about Stone's desire for people to drink this one fresh, even notating it on the bottle, I can only imagine it is because the smell is so breathtaking, it can never get better with age. I believe that the beer actually would be fine to age, but this smell can never be better than it is fresh and it is one of the best smelling beers I've ever had. The taste is certainly not a let down, the only disappointment is that this beer will be gone too soon. Awesome beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2009 07:41:09 | More by KickbacksSteve

Boilermaker88

California

4.58/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Picked up a 22oz bomber from Lone Hill Liquor in Glendora, CA and split it with my brother-in-law. Poured into a couple standard pint glasses.

Appearance was a rich dark amber color topped with a thick off-white head which never fully faded away and left successive lace rings down the glass walls, kind of like tree rings recording my progress in polishing my share.

The nose was heavily laden with pine resins and grapefruit; very nice. Underneath were the aromas of caramel with hints of fruit and a touch of vanilla. However, the hops easily outpaced the malt bill here.

The taste was an immediate blast of hops oils on the tongue, scouring the tastebuds with pine needles and grapefruit peels. The malt platform of sweet caramel applied a decent counter to the hops but there was no doubt as to which element was in charge. A slight warming was felt at the finish courtesy of the high alcohol content. The feel was full, rich and creamy with the aforementioned alcohol burn.

Overall, a great brew from the folks at Stone. I only knocked drinkability due to the fact that the high ABV got me rocked faster then I would care for. Nonetheless; this is a wonderful beer, one I plan on getting again and heartily recommend.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2009 21:16:34 | More by Boilermaker88