Stone 13th Anniversary Ale - Stone Brewing Co.

khiasmus

South Carolina

4.28/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Try as you might, you can't predict what's going to happen tomorrow. A thick brown darkness may descend over your mind, it may even be mahogany and cloudy, your heart may be wrapped in bands of rosewood (I love you more than I should...) But your hair will stay the same colour. Unless you dye it of course, but where's the fun in that? A thick swath of dirty blonde... THICK... atop the heart, the mind of rosewood. You don't know what will happen tomorrow.
It may be bitter... it certainly smells as though it will be, it's in the air... or it could be peachy. A rich, citrus, resiny, peachy bitter, with a thick, mapley-sweet, fresh cut lumber background.
The flavour will not disappoint, though, all the sweet, complex notes of captain's biscuits, sweet black or king's hawaiian, then the peach in the background and a grapefruit and Christmas tree resin coming in, rounding it out for good measure.
You could meet the love of your life, you could have a limb amputated. You don't know what will happen.
Syrupy, medium-full bodied and mild carbonation, with a tangy, astringent finish that lingers in the sides and back of the throat.
All you can do is prepare, prepare and pray... The only thing you can control is you, and that only sometimes. You'll never know what will happen tomorrow. But you know what happened yesterday... and you may, just maybe, know who you are now.

Serving type: on-tap

09-14-2009 23:09:20 | More by khiasmus

onix1agr

Pennsylvania

3.15/5  rDev -22.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Served on tap at TND.

I thought this was a IPA/DIPA so I was surprised to see a dark beer with a deep brown with some red spots in terms of color. A rich dark tan head had great legs and left some gunk on the glass. Seeing that this ais a strong ale now, the color makes more sense. The smell was mostly citrus hop scent with some floral aroma hops as well. A nice sweet scent coming from the malt bill. Also getting some alcohol/nail polish scents. The taste is huge, but im not sure i enjoy it all that much. The hops are pleasant and highly citrusy with a caramel sweetness intertwined. This kind of reminds me of a much more drinkable Founders Devil Dancer, So i'm guessing the IBU's are up there. The feel is bitter and finishes a bit rough. The hops don't kill the palete but they do attack it. A medium feel with great carb within. With all that said I had a hell of a time finishing my pour because of the alcohol flavor hindering things a bit. These types of beers are just not my thing.

Serving type: on-tap

09-09-2009 17:05:47 | More by onix1agr

flexabull

California

4.22/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at a local pub, great to see beers like this making it up to Redding. (well done Alehouse!)

Pours a deep dark amber color with a small white head.

Aromas are very hop forward. Resin, pine, and a general earthiness, with a backdrop of dark roasted malts, a bit like dark bakers chocolate. Nice nose.

Taste is just like the aromas. Very hoppy, nice and snappy up front, a general stick resin bitterness. Beer then settles into some dark cocoa, bakers chocolate, light sweetness, and a finish that is very crisp.

Mouthfeel is good, full, and well carbonated.

Drinkability is pretty good. This is a hefty brew though. Very happy with it, but one was enough.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2009 20:23:26 | More by flexabull

atsprings

North Carolina

4.38/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Flying Saucer served in a standard pint glass a nice dark amber with a thin diminishing head. Aroma was a nice amount of burnt caramel malts and pine hops. The taste was a nice amount of burnt caramel with the hops clearly losing their kick with a few months age on the brew, but this one is still a very tasty brew even so. The beer is on the heavy side of medium with a nice smooth dryness. I was hoping to try this one on-tap while it was younger, but I certainly still enjoy it now.

Serving type: on-tap

09-03-2009 21:18:45 | More by atsprings

baiser

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a dark, rich reddish/brown colour, almost opaque. Has a thin tan ring of foam around the glass. Wicked hop aroma up front. Very good smelling. Basically, this is one hopped up ale, with a strong, bitter, alcoholic finish to each sip. I give it a 4.5 for taste because this is what I like, but I can definitely see how it wouldn't appeal to most beer drinkers. The hoppiness takes away drinkability points as well.

Serving type: on-tap

08-23-2009 01:52:47 | More by baiser

capra12

New York

4.43/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Reviewed on 8/14/09 with Wheatman106,

Appearance: Deep Brown

Smell: Deep floral and bitter hops.

Taste: Opens with floral hops and fluctuates withe different hop profile throughout the swig and finishes with a subtle sweetness, leaving a hoppy aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with minimal carbonation.

Drinkability: I would definitely have another but just another.

Serving type: on-tap

08-22-2009 02:05:41 | More by capra12

OneDropSoup

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Had this D's in Monroeville, PA.

Poured in a goblet, a dark molasses color with cola highlights, a finger of head that rests at a thin gauze with bubble islands. No lacing.

Smell hit me with bright, pine hops all the way. The taste was similar: hoppy, bitter, some woody flavor. A bitterness like edible fruit skins (apple, grape) hit around the middle, followed a tiny bit of chocolate-y malt.

Mouthfeel is strong but smooth, coats the mouth & leaves things bitter. Spit-thickening, I assume from the residual sugars.

This was definitely a big brew, with lots of flavor but a little too much for this wussy. The big flavor & encroaching booze makes it a sipper. Good, but I think I'll stick with the one. Gotta say, the 12th Anniversary was more up my alley.

Serving type: on-tap

08-21-2009 18:42:35 | More by OneDropSoup

UDbeernut

New York

4.03/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

on tap at la Cave du Vin, poured into a tulip glass

a: deep amber color, 1/2" off white head with good retention, lacing rings the glass on the way down

s: clean piney aroma, hint of carmalized malt

t: caramel malt quickly overtaken by sharp bitterness and piney hop flavor. slight alchohol as it warms. Very nice.

m&d: medium to full bodied with light carbonation. slightly slick mouth feel, finishs slightly dry. Very drinkable beer for such a monster. Awesome!!!

Cheers!!!

Serving type: on-tap

08-20-2009 20:02:52 | More by UDbeernut

botham

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

on tap at the brewpub in Escondito. pours a chocolate brown color with rich garnet highlights and two fingers of thick & dense light tan head that has excellent retention.

aroma is very malty and bready with a caramelly note and some other non-descript malt notes. very complete in profile. a light spice comes through as the brew warms a bit.

taste is more of the same with a chewy maltiness and very rich character. almost a barleywine in sheer richness.

mouthfeel is full bodied with a chewy texture and smooth aura that makes it very drinkable.

drinkability is good. for 9% APV, one would never know it. very well proportioned and rich on the palate. this one creeps up on the drinker with its alcohol, but goes down so smooth one can't help but love it. cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

08-20-2009 01:20:26 | More by botham

porterwoobie

North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

from tap into a 10oz glass.

A: deep red color, slightly off-white head that laces the glass all the way down.

S: some good piney aromas with a hint of caramel.

T: the malt backbone appears initally, giving you some caramel sweetness and molasses character. then the piney, resinous, hop goodness kicks in and delivers and lingers as the alcohol warmth reaches for the stomach.

MF: full bodied, medium carbonation. alcohol warmth is present.

Drinkability: a little more arrogant than it's sibling, Arrogant Bastard. really good beer, really strong, definitely drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

08-17-2009 20:38:42 | More by porterwoobie

Florida9

Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Served in a pilsner glass with about 1 finger of thick, tan, creamy head that stuck around for the whole beer. Tons of lacing, practically sheeting along the side of the glass. Clear, dark brown in color.

S: Huge floral hop noes mixed with pungency of alcohol.

T: Caramel malt and alcohol followed by grapefruit bitterness. Long complex finish.

M: Creamy and voluptuous. Medium-heavy in weight with medium carbonation.

D: This is a big beer not for the faint of heart. High malts, high hops, and high alcohol, however, all are balanced nicely.

Serving type: on-tap

08-10-2009 00:34:25 | More by Florida9

crossovert

Wisconsin

3.73/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On tap at Big 10 pub in Madison. Nice dark brown beer with a small head.

Smells like hops. A little bit of sweetness too.

Taste like hops, hops, and more hops malt is slightly there but not much.

Decent mouthfeel though its pretty strong and not the most drinkable brew.

Another solid hoppy beer from Stone.

Serving type: on-tap

08-08-2009 03:51:56 | More by crossovert

TheEremite

California

3.78/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

On tap at The Trappist in Oakland. Pours dark brown, ruby highlights.the aroma on this thing is outstanding. Huge hop aroma of pine and citrus jump out of the glass. I didn't know what to expect but with stone, I guess I should have known. They nailed the dry hopping on this one. Flavor is good, but the buttering is a bit over done IMO. It would have been nice to taste some of the dark malts, ore anything but bitterness. It really detracts from the drinkability too.

In all, it's well worth a quaff, especially if you're a skull crushing hop head, but. Can't see myself having more than one glass.

Serving type: on-tap

08-06-2009 16:17:17 | More by TheEremite

Arbitrator

California

3.48/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On tap at the Rose & Crown.

A: Pours a murky chestnut brown with reddish tint when held to the light. Head is a minimal half-finger of tan foam that vanishes quickly into a donut. No lacing.

S: Tons and tons of citrus hops. I smell a lot of grapefruit, some pineapple, and pine. I can barely smell any malt, but there is some toffee and a roasted grain aroma.

T: The taste is so over the top on this one. Lots of tropical citrus, with grapefruit, pineapple, orange, lemon, and possibly tangerine. A really nice variety, but it starts to get grassy pretty quickly. Malts are very well-hidden, as they should be in a red. But after searching I detect hints of caramel, toffee, and grain. Finish is dry and piney, with a hugely resiny grassy aftertaste (not a fan of that).

M: Medium to full-bodied, with moderate carbonation. Very oily aftertaste, but it's not too boozy.

D: I liked it more out of the bottle. It was very hard to finish this glass.

I fought largadeer for half of an after-dinner peppermint and tossed it into the glass and swirled it around.

The smell and taste took on characteristics of peppermint that worked very well with the brew. The slight mint sting complemented the dryness and helped cover up the grassy flavors. Congrats to me on a job well done.

Serving type: on-tap

08-03-2009 19:51:04 | More by Arbitrator

BigAl723

Michigan

4.63/5  rDev +14.3%
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

Kadonny

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a tap at the Craft Ale House into their 9 ounce tall glass.

A: A dark reddish brown color with a two finger off white slightly red head. Thick lacing on the glass.

S: Deep rich caramel malts with huge pine hops.

T: Massive hops bite first with huge (I mean huge) amounts of pine. Some spicy earthy characters as well and a hint of lighter fruit citrus hops. The deep caramel sweetness is lasting to keep the hops in the forefront, and the finish is uber bitter. Wow, big time beer.

M: Full, coating, prickly, alcoholy and good carbonation. Bitter end that lasts.

D: For me, even as a hophead, this was a tongue masher with the hops. The really deep bitterness and sweetness together made this beer a bruiser to drink.

Overall a very good beer, but boy it is a hops smack in the face. I love hoppy beers, but the mix of the really deep malts and brutal hops make this beer suffer a bit in drinkability. A bomber of this would tire me out. Still, a very good beer that I was glad to try.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2009 14:20:28 | More by Kadonny

seaoflament

California

4.1/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Just had this on tap at La Bella Pizza on 7-29-09, thanks Danny for the pour.

The beer was a dark caramel color with a creamy two inch head on top. Excellent retention and some lacing on the glass after every sip. A very good looking beer.

Juxtaposition had a pink grapefruit assault on the nose with some sweet lemon, orange, toast, lots of caramel, toffee, with more citrus rind and zest. Hints of cherry developed later on with some berries and fruity yeast esters. A bit of dark chocolate and some swee dark fruits, raisins and dates in the back.

At first sip I got a rush of toasted malts, burnt toast, and with an earthy and bitter citrus bitterness. Hints of raisins, prunes, chocolate, toast, and bits of coffee in the finish. Long lasting bitterness with an earthy and pine resin flavor. A bit dry too.

Very smooth carbonation, creamy, a tad thick and syrupy at first but the low carbonation picks it up in the finish. Wouldn't mind drinking a whole pint of this.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2009 08:31:24 | More by seaoflament

bobsy

Ontario (Canada)

4.05/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12oz goblet filled from the tap at Cole's.

Pours a deep mahogany, with a creamy tan head that shows good retention and laces well, before descending to a thin film. A very hop-forward nose, with strong elements of citrus, pine and grass wrestling the malts to the ground and putting them in a headlock. Drinks a little like an imperial 'black' IPA. For such a hop-forward nose, its actually the malts which turn up first, giving a creamy blast of chocolate and brown sugar. When the hops arrive they're driving a hummer. Orange and grapefruit peel, chewy pine and light floral notes deal some big bitterness that lingers for an eternity. The full mouthfeel helps to bulk up the flavours further, and its wonderfully slick on the tongue.

This brew is a humdinger - a hoppy beast, but with just about enough malt interest going on to avoid being one dimensional. Damn right I'd buy it again.

Serving type: on-tap

07-27-2009 18:14:36 | More by bobsy

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.68/5  rDev +15.6%
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

brentk56

North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Arrives with a root beer brown color and a one finger head that laces with proficiency

Smell: Grapefruity aroma, with rich malty undertones

Taste: Citrusy grapefruit dominates and builds, but there is a complex undertone of spice cake malt; after the swallow, the two flavor elements balance nicely, though the finish is a bit sticky (a Stone trademark)

Mouthfeel: Full body with moderate carbonation

Drinkability: One of Stone's better efforts; really enjoyable

Serving type: on-tap

07-26-2009 00:22:25 | More by brentk56

lhaqq

California

4.55/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A: Light ruby brown with a creamy light tan head that lasts for awhile.
S: Almost like a double or triple IPA, though with more floral hops. Creamy and smooth.
T: A lot of floral and citrus hops up front, followed by a big malt backbone. Quite a lot of flavor packed in every sip.
M: Like the smell; pretty silky and creamy.
D: Little noticeable alcohol per se though strong flavors. For something stronger than a good, say, Oberon or an IPA, a fantastic summer beer. Another solid from Stone.

Serving type: on-tap

07-25-2009 08:14:42 | More by lhaqq

dudecandle

New York

4.78/5  rDev +18%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the Gingerman, NYC:

A: Nice, dark body with a small off-white head with great lacing, good retention.

S/T: This beer has everything going on. It's got a great porter-like malt base, nuts, spices, and fruit, and then a great, long-lasting herbal-fresh hop finish which keeps going and going.

M: The hop finish is amazing. Flat out.

D: Everything is right with this imperial porter-like beer. It has a bunch of things going on, and all in great proportionate balances. Happy Anniversary, Stone.

Serving type: on-tap

07-24-2009 18:28:35 | More by dudecandle

GJ40

North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Sampled on tap at Boho in Los Angeles.

A - A deep, dark brown with a reddish tint and little light coming through. Topped with a moderate beige head with very good lacing.

S - Loads of citrusy hop aroma with lots of grapefruit.

T - Big, big hop flavors with a mild bitterness that lingers nicely. The malt supports it all very effectively. This beer is very hoppy but still comes across as balanced.

M - Rich, thick and creamy with a nice low carbonation that lets the flavors run wild.

D - This is a strong, rich beer but it's very smooth and easy to drink. Happy Anniversary Stone!

Serving type: on-tap

07-23-2009 13:29:46 | More by GJ40

BamaBeerBuff

North Carolina

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

A: Pours a deep crimson mahogany with a tight caramel head that retains excellently. Some rings of lace on the glass.

S: Hugely and brashly hoppy. Tons of citrus, herbal, and piney hops. There's also a good deal of complexity here: fruitiness, alcohol, caramel, and burnt brown sugar. Intense, complex, and excellent.

T&M: Boatloads of piney, herbal, and citric hops dominate up front. Later, some fruitiness (apples), caramel, brown sugar, and a hint of chocolate are all noticeable. Finish is very, very long. A monster of a beer. Can get a bit boozy at times. Big body with a big-bubbled, yet strong carbonation. Definitely would be interested in trying this one out of the bottle, as sometimes that can subdue the alcohol flavor a bit.

D: Definitely one to savor and enjoy. Not quaffable in the least, this is a big beer that demands your attention. It's a little bit boozy on tap, but still a great beer.

Serving type: on-tap

07-22-2009 15:48:43 | More by BamaBeerBuff

MunchkinDrinker

Maryland

4.33/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Max's in Fells Point Baltimore.

A - Dark dark clear reddish amber with a tan to off white foamy head and plenty plenty of lacing. I love it when beers look like this.

S - Rich grapefruit hops. Slightly sweet, but not much here.

T/M - Taste is more piney than the smell, but with the same grapefruit character. Very rich and bitter, but fresh tasting. Very clean and juicy mouthfeel.

D - Not very, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Very delicious, but a bit much to drink alot of.

Serving type: on-tap

07-19-2009 19:24:09 | More by MunchkinDrinker