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Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale glass
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Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale glass

Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale

STYLE
Belgian Strong Ale
ABV
9.4%
IBUs
50

This year's Stone Vertical Epic Ale is the very last one. Yep, this is it. The final chapter. Or as they say on the last slide in some old films: "Fin." No worries though; this edition is particularly well-suited for prolonging the experience, as it's as cellarable as any in the series, or more. In this, the final edition, you can expect a perfectly balanced "womp" of spices: cinnamon, ginger, allspice, sweet orange peel, clove (only a little!) and rosehips, all in the context of a dark Belgian-style abbey-ish beer...but not as sweet. Dry even. Stone style. Thanks for coming on this epic Stone-style journey with us! You can rest assured there will be new adventures to come...

Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale Homebrew Recipe

ABOUT THIS BEER

Release Date
December 12, 2012

Tasting Notes

Appearance
Deep black with a dark brown, foamy head.
Aroma
First impressions are of cinnamon and allspice, combined with fruity banana esters and hints of clove from the Belgian yeast. As the beer warms in the glass, swirl it around and take in the aromatics one more time; caramel, dark toffee and molasses notes come into play as well. The end result is a wonderful juxtaposition of roasted malts, yeast esters and baking spices.
Taste
Intense cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice with banana esters dominate up front. Hints of citrus arrive midpalate, while molasses notes persevere in the finish along with a very nice dark-roasted malt dryness.
Palate
A full, but not sweet, extremely dry finish. Very complex with great flavor balance.
Overall
The aromas wafting through the brewery as we brewed this beer were amazing! We couldn't think of a better way to sign off this epic series of beers. This beer will transport you to a very warm place; the house is warm, a fire's going and grandma's in the kitchen baking away.
Provided by
Mitch Steele
,
Brewmaster

Pairing Notes

Appetizers
Chocolate & sea salt crostini, curry meatballs, cinnamon & sugar bacon, quail knots
Soups
Butternut squash, goulash, French onion
Entreés
Cocoa & chile-rubbed pork tenderloin, elk loin, merguez sausage, porterhouse steak, roasted goose
Desserts
Fruitcake, chocolate lava cake, dark chocolate-covered espresso beans
Cheeses
Huntsman, Shropshire Blue, Ewephoria
Cigars
Padron Family Reserve 45 Years "The Little Hammer," La Reloba Selección Sumatra Torpedo, La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero
Provided by
"Dr." Bill Sysak
,
Craft Beer Ambassador