Evil Twin / Stillwater / Stone - "The Perfect Crime" - Stone Brewing Co.

Beer-A-Lot

Virginia

3.81/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75

On tap at Birch.

A - Dark brown color, nice bubblt head.

S - Aroma of figs, pine, flowers.

T - Sour, slight bitter, very subtle roast. Very mild at first. But gets better as it warms--bitterness increases for the better and less light cream.

M - Huge mouth, creamy.

O - Very different for the style. Easy drinker. Perhaps too light. Not bad but it doesn't blow me away.

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2013 03:25:51 | More by Beer-A-Lot

champ103

Texas

3.13/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

On tap at Cottonwood in Houston, TX

A: Pours a dark black color with some ruby around the edges. A two finger beige head forms, and gently recedes. Light lace is left behind.
S: Very neutral in the nose. Some toasted malts, dry bitter chocolate. Really not much else.
T: Well, like the nose there is not much here. Nothing really to make out other than some toasted malt, cereal grains, burnt toast, and bitter chocolate in the finish.
M/D: A medium body and carbonation. Fairly crisp, dry, and smooth. Not hard t drink. Though not something I particularly enjoy. I can't see myself coming back to this.

Just blah. I have never been a huge fan of Stone. Though their beers are always packed with something, whether or not I like that is another story. An uncharacteristically...uncharacteristic offering. And what the hell is a "Black Saison" anyway.

Serving type: on-tap

01-09-2013 02:47:36 | More by champ103

BucannonXC5

California

3.63/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Type: Draft
Glass: Tulip
From: Stone Brewing Company
Price: $6
BOD: N/A

Black with a finger (when I got it) of tan head. Good lacing - foamy and milky. Good retention.

Smelled toffee, caramel, chocolate, molasses and light dark sour fruit.

Tasted sour fruit, grape, kiwi, plum, chocolate and toffee with a slightly bitter finish.

Medium body. Oily texture. Fizzy (high) carbonation. Astringent finish.

I was a bit disappointed overall. Lots of flavors but nothing that really stood out.

Serving type: on-tap

12-09-2012 10:25:21 | More by BucannonXC5

Immortale25

Florida

3.89/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75

Arrives in an Ovila goblet.

A- Pours an opaque black with a 1/2 inch tan head that bears great retention before becoming a thin ring around the edge of the glass and a sheet of bubbly surface foam. Nice web trails of lacing run down the glass.

S- Slightly funky aroma with not a lot of malt presence given the color.

T- Also surprisingly light and smooth given its color. Doesn't really taste too much like a saison because the mildly roasted malt overpowers whatever yeasty wheat flavors were detected in the aroma. Alcohol is light as any saison's should be although this one's on the higher end of the ABV spectrum for the style. Mildly bitter.

M- This is the only part where it becomes a failed experiment for me. It's crisp in the start, but then there's a very chalky, grainy dryness in the afterfeel. Medium-high carbonation and a deceivingly light-ish body.

O- Certainly an interesting blend of styles. If they can just crack the code on getting that mouthfeel more appealing, this could be a whole new breed of beer. Better than the overall BA score implies.

Serving type: on-tap

12-07-2012 05:45:18 | More by Immortale25

metter98

New York

3.85/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at Mugs Alehouse, Brooklyn, NY

A: The beer is jet black in color. It poured with a finger high off white head that died down, leaving lacing on the surface and a coating of bubbles down the sides of the glass.
S: There are aromas of Belgian yeast and dark roasted malts in the nose. Some notes of smoke become evident as the beer warms up.
T: The taste is similar to the smell and has a little less flavors of roasted malts but added flavors of smoke. There are also some hints of oak.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation. The finish is dry and a little chalky.
O: This is a nice black saison that is easy to drink and has some nice roasted flavors; the smoke definitely makes this beer unique. It is very flavorful given its light body.

Serving type: on-tap

12-02-2012 12:44:59 | More by metter98

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

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

Poured from tap into tulip at freshcraft in lodo. Pours a deep brown black with ruby hue and about 4 fingers of head. The aroma is fantastic banana hefe...but its n ot a hefe. Some malty roasted notes and some smokyness but banana dominate. Its smells great but not like a saison....hmmm
Taste is nice smoky banana and very floral hops. Some smoke and malts also present.
Its dry...now I know its a saison. Its very dry...nice.
Its a great brew..very Belgian and not American saison.
Im not sure why there are so manh sub par reviews but this is nice, unique, and worthy of a try. I love the huge euro influence in this brew.
Have one....

Serving type: on-tap

11-30-2012 02:27:41 | More by DrinkSlurm

merc7186

New York

3.43/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Bacchaus in New Paltz NY, poured into a snifter.

A: Dark Brown Hue, Passes Mild Light, Brown Head Ring, Great Lacing

S: Yeasty, Grainy

T: Yeasty, Mild Chocolate, Mild Grainy

M: Great Carbonation, Medium Bodied, Mild Drying

Overall, just didn't get any smoke flavor and didn't get the flavors promised.

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2012 23:12:55 | More by merc7186

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.23/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This poured out as a deep brown color with a very minimal head on top. The retention and lacing were gone before I took a first sip. The smell of the beer has some light fruity aromas with a touch of roasted malt and bread. The taste was yeasty, more bread a touch of roasted malt and some fresh grapes in the mix. The finish had a decent bitterness to it. The mouthfeel was a little on the thin side, not overly exciting. Overall this beer was nice too try but a little bit of a disappointment in my opinion. I feel it just lacks some qualities that this style of beer should have. Perhaps it would be better from a bottle.

Serving type: on-tap

11-24-2012 04:43:12 | More by Knapp85

schwemjw

Ohio

3.54/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

a: a dark brown, bordering on black. a white swirling head that thinned to a lacing

s: interesting. alot of sweet yeast with funky dark fruit. a touch of rusted malt with a little smoke on the end

t: a touch of roast. some big dark fruit such as fug and raisen. I get some burnt toast with fig jam. smoke on the end with a nice hop bittering.

m: Mouthfeel Is awesome. smooth and easy drinking with low carbonation.

o: this is a very sessionable saison. I could drink a ton of this /84

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2013 07:18:03 | More by schwemjw

KFBR392

Illinois

3.59/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Pours a dark brown color, sit pitch black in the glass. About two fingers of head which subsided to about half a finger. Very active carbonation with some creamy lacing left on the glass.

Smell: Bready yeast and peanuts jumps out the most. But there are some floral hops, apricots, and spices which really make for a unique aroma. Darker malts and black licorice also can be found. Each time I put my nose to this brew I was finding different aspects that jumped out to me. Nothing is at an elite level, but it is well done how everything going on here meshes together.

Taste: A slight charred malt and oak front hits the palette first. The body evens out with a light to medium bodied yeast kiss. A lot of banana, nut, and leafy greens here. The finish is like the beginning with a chalky smoked malt flavor. The aftertaste is very light, the malt character sticks around. Not as complex as the aroma but still a nice ride.

Mouthfeel: Very light, especially for what the majority of the flavors are here.

Overall: A fun beer to drink. I wouldn't be sure exactly what to call it, but thats part of the fun here. I like going for something bold on a collaboration beer and they did the job. I love the story on the back of the bottle which we all know is synonymous with Stone products, this one written by the Evil Twin brewmaster.

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2013 02:56:56 | More by KFBR392

CHickman

New York

3.79/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours motor oil black color with a massive foamy 2 finger tan head that faded slowly, with tons of different sized bubbles in it that were popping as it went down, leaving good foamy lacing coating the sides.

Smells like roasted grains, chalkdust, chicory, licorice, brown sugar, smoked/burnt wood and herbs; it almost smells like burning dry hops and grains, and it a very timid nose that does not jump out of the tulip.

Tastes like roasted grains, toasted malts, chicory, smoked/burnt wood, licorice, brown sugar, cocoa powder, floral hops, flowers and herbs; has the same taste as some burnt bread pulled off a wood burning fire or coal oven, but then the roasted grains give way to a sweetness which is a combo of funky yeast and cocoa powder – it’s really strange, but very interesting. It was very complex and grew on me with each sip.

Mouthfeel is powdery dry, with a light body, high, fizzy carbonation and a slightly bitter aftertaste that seems like yeast and coffee grinds combined with cocoa powder.

This seems out of place for a Saison/Farmhouse ale, but the label states it’s a black smoked saison, so they pulled off the perfect crime by creating a unique brew that is as advertised a black smoked saison. Extra points for making a one of a kind beer in collaboration with other brewers, but this one is only above average. If you’re a fan of smoked porters or smoke beers then this will be right up your alley.

Serving type: bottle

05-30-2013 03:02:02 | More by CHickman

beagle75

Iowa

2.38/5  rDev -32.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a half-pint chalice

A: Clear, dark brown color with less than one finger of diminishing light beige foam head. No lacing remains on the glass.

S: Mostly base malt and carbon dioxide, with minor influences from wood smoke and green almonds.

T: Begins dry, with roasted grain and mild yeast phenolics. West Coast hops flavors emerge during the middle, green herbs and mixed citrus, concurrent with rising bitterness. The finish sees a combination of tangy yeast metabolites and scorched bitterness that is intense for the style.

M: Medium viscosity, slightly acidic on the palate, with brisk carbonation.

D/O: This beer combines a host of qualities that prove to be discordant together. Hops and dark malt clash with Belgian yeast, while smoke seems to get lost in the cavalcade.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2013 15:19:52 | More by beagle75

sweemzander

Illinois

2.83/5  rDev -19.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12oz. bottle poured into a tulip.

(A)- Pours a pitch black color. Produced some tan froth.

(S)- A light smoky roasted raisin aroma meets some mellow cocoa and baked bread-like yeastiness.

(T)- Very similar to the smell. Overall, an up front combo of a salty smoke brine meets roasted malts and some raisin/cocoa.

(M)- A good carbonation level. The balance is good too, just a slightly too heavy smoke component that gets in the way of the rest of the beer.

(O)- An interesting take on the style. I just do not think it is completely successful. Some good things in there, but the smoke could definitely be toned down a bit while still being present instead of overpowering.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2013 20:55:03 | More by sweemzander

Braz

Washington

3.2/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

From 99 Bottles.
Appearance: Dark brown to black. Decent off white head.
Smell: Bitter slight smoky notes. Burnt woodsy smell.
Taste: Seems like a decent saison underneath the bitter smokiness. The two dont go together to me. The idea is interesting at least.
Mouthfeel: Not bad, full bodied. Moderately carbonated.
Overall: Just not for me. I love saisons and was intrigued by the idea but it just doesn't work to me.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2013 05:35:10 | More by Braz

WVbeergeek

Ohio

3.55/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Bottled on 10/26/12, a trifecta of great brewers came together with one being pretty much the master of the American Saison right now...all three have the collaborative fortitude to do a black beer together considering they all make some of the best dark beers available in craft brewing today. This one pours with a black body jet black with a light fine bubbled creamy tan head, leaves fine lacing down the sides of my tulip shaped chalice. Dry hopping comes thru in terms of earthy pine and mild citrus peels with a dark roasted malts surrounding the hop accents, spicy Belgian yeast gives why to alcoholic phenols and black peppercorns. A pleasant caramel drizzled toast brings out a nuttiness in there as well, all in all chalk full of malt and hops. Flavors collide with the bittering hops here, dark roasted malt bitterness potentiates the pine earthy resinous hops riding the waves of carbonation in my first few sips...as the palate adjusts it's still satisfies with a slightly warming effect of the booze. The dry hopping probably makes and breaks this beer, the strong lingering bitterness really Americanizes this black saison into the hybrid known as the "Perfect Crime" The mouthfeel also welcomes the light smoked meat aspect in the back of the nares, not really dominant against the big hops and dark malts utilized but well played nonetheless. Dry hints of cherry tartness and other vine ripened fruit additions start to explode as the beer warms a bit, complex ale in 12 ounces, I'm guessing this beer keeps getting better considering it's 4/25/13.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 18:12:40 | More by WVbeergeek

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3/5  rDev -15%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served in a tulip glass.

Appearance: Body is thin you can tell from the pour coming off a solid black with an orange tint to the body. Rising high is the head maybe just a notch above a finger's length.

Smell: A citrus skin no doubt about it. Freaking light as the air you breathe, comes in and out just as quick.

Taste: iwill tell you this, it is sour, not crazy over whelming sour but you feel the lemon zest to this brew. Light bitterness to it and also cant forget to mention just a little peppery.

Mouth: Like I mentioned above a light peppery finish with a medium body, not too bad.

Overall: i give it this, that this brew comes off complex but other than it needs to taste and feel good to be a member of the elite. Sure there are guys that like "something different" but this beer needs beyond tweaking and should be either left in the store or just laid to rest. Salud!

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2013 05:44:27 | More by BlurryVisi0n

StaveHooks

Oklahoma

3.5/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

12oz bottle served in a Southern Tier Tulip

A - Pours a very dark brown with red highlights when held to the light. 1.5 finger mocha head clings to the sides of the glass. The foam stays around slowly forming a clear center with a tall collar. Below average lacing.

S - Roasted grain, charred wet hay, woody mushroom background, cold coffee grains. The barley runs strong throughout the aroma with notes of old burnt leather and hints of funky yeast. Notes of perfumy lavender show up as it warms.

T - Roasted grains, sharp berry fruit tartness, charcoal wood, hints of acidity, A strong burnt note with the berry tartness clinging the edges of the tongue. It turns smokey toward the middle with leafy green hops showing up. Floral hops ride on top of the strong roast, while finishing earthy with a smokey but crisp finish.

M - Ample carbonation makes a medium creamy body. Hop oils are left on the palate along with roasted grain and a dry finish.

This is not a subtle dark Saison. The roast dominates and creates a smoky background against the berry fruit. The hops are not shy and blend well with hints of wood and campfire funk. The funk is light but adds character overall. I enjoyed exploring this beer. It's heavy on the smoke and roast with the yeast adding delicate flavor. Thanks Hopswagger!

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 01:47:00 | More by StaveHooks

Suds

Pennsylvania

3.84/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A black beer with slightly reddish tones when held to light. Tan head. Subtle smokey aroma...slightly fruity and spicy in its smell. The taste is tart, and the smoke really comes it. The beer takes on a little toasted spice flavor (think peppercorns in an oven). Very mild, though....and the tartness gives a beautiful balance. Medium body and moderately high carbonation. Very good.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 21:26:04 | More by Suds

mooseo

Pennsylvania

3.41/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

12oz bottle into tulip.

A - Dark brown, almost black, with a deep mahogany hue when held to the light. Small light tan head.

S - Sweet bready malt, smoked wood, Belgian yeast, light fruit, herbal spice.

T - Lots of burnt grains and roasty flavors up front, followed by lemon citrus and earthy Belgian yeast. A hint of smokiness and sweet caramel comes through. A tad bitter on the finish with more graininess and a little spice.

M - Light-medium body, high carbonation, creamy. Dry finish.

O - There is a lot going on in this beer, but unfortunately nothing sticks out and is not very memorable. The saison elements are a bit subdued, and there isn't that much smoked flavor in the taste. It's very porter-esque with a touch of Belgian yeast. Good drinkability though.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 00:03:11 | More by mooseo

gpogo

California

3.29/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

A- Black body small tan ring of head.

A- Clean malt aroma. Not really much going on here, pretty plain. Slight roast and dark sweet malts.

T- Very clean dry flavor. Some roasted malt upfront with a sweetness and finishes dry and spicy. The simplicity is nice, but I expected something more complex from this. Smoke isn't pronounced at all. Warming alcohol.

M- Medium-light body clean and dry contributed to with the moderate carbonation.

D- Enjoyable beer. A bit on the pricey side though. It is a very clean simple saison. I did expect more though.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2013 03:10:48 | More by gpogo

Brenden

Ohio

3.34/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

The color is a very dark brown, lighter brown creeping in at the edges. A tan head reaches one finger and displays good retention. It sticks around as a tight, creamy foam for as long as there's beer in the glass. Some mixture of patchy and sticky lacing with legs remains.
Smoke is in moderation on the nose, and with it comes a slightly woody note along with a very gently tangy hint, a bit of chalkiness, a spicy nip, and some dark fruits. Not too much changes in the flavor, with the sweetness becoming more distinctive and strong and turning char into a tangy/biting sort of finish. The overall character of this beer makes it impossible to identify as a saison. When a little bit of a yeasty and earthy element is discovered underneath, it at least becomes identifiable as a possibility.
The body is adequate at a solid medium. A crisp bite starts it off and remains strong, though it overtakes the smoothness that comes out a bit. The chalky dryness hits the palate pretty hard. With the tang, the char and the wood, the feel is extremely dry all the way.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2013 13:34:03 | More by Brenden

DiscGolfRobot

Ohio

3.19/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

A: Dark brown and opaque. Brown head about one finger that slowly died in a minute. Some lacing

S: Subtle sweetness that isn't distinct. Saison spiciness. Subtle roast.

T: Low citrus hops up front with some sweetness. Light saison spice. Nice roast all the way through.. Slight bitter end with a light smoke coming through. Finishes out pretty dry.

M: Light body. Medium-high carbonation.

O: Was worth the try but would not buy again. They accomplished brewing a black saison but just not a style I like.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2013 04:01:28 | More by DiscGolfRobot

jlindros

Massachusetts

3.51/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25

Pours a lighter fizzy but brownish colored head covering, nice lacing though, super dark cola brown color faintest hint of mahogany light sneaking through.

Nose light smoked malt, like bbq smoke but nothing huge in that department, a light grainy straw malt, hint of earthy saison, and a bit of caramel and darker malt. Also a faint leafy hop.

Taste starts with a light farmhouse but yeasty kinda flavor, with grainy hay malts. Then a blend of a weird citrus almost lime lemon like with a gale or other leafy spice, and some light bitter roasty malt and darker caramel malt. Hops bring a faint mint and leafy vegetal thing with some bitterness. Smoke is light and more like liquid smoke than actual smoked malts, almost fake tasting, it's kinda weird. Finish is more bitter, sticky malt residue, light smoke, light saison and leafy herbal spices lingering.

Mouth is med bodied, plenty of carb.

Overall didn't really do it for me, too many things going on that just don't play well.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2013 01:50:43 | More by jlindros

Seanniek91

New Hampshire

4.03/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served from a 12oz bottle into an Allagash chalice.

Appearance- Beautiful black with 2 finger off white fluffy head that shows no sign of leaving. Good lacing

Smell- Belgian bready yeast, apple, cherry, vanilla, very light smoke, light hops.

Taste- Funky yeast up front, roasted malts, very light smoke. Mostly hops. Hoppier than expected.

Mouthfeel- Light, ample carbonation, clean finish.

Overall- Not bad at all. I wouldnt call this a saison. Reasonably hoppy.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 02:30:37 | More by Seanniek91

BigBry

Alberta (Canada)

3.61/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Picked up a single bottle, one of the more interesting options available.
Pours a dark brown color, nearly black, slightly hazed with a tight head. Dots of lace coat the glass. Noticable saison like aromas to start, with spiciness and other fruit and floral notes. Smokiness doesn't really come out until the aftertaste.
Taste has lots going on, not sure I could pick out all the elements. Did get some pepper notes, bitter fruit, sharp spices, some oak-like wood, and the smoky charred grain. Alcohol is well hidden. Dry mouthfeel, body is light despite its dark color. No real sweetness or hoppy character, so fits the style and expectations.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 03:38:37 | More by BigBry