Stone Brewing Co.

Stone Depth-Charged Double Bastard joins Bastard Box

Stone Depth-Charged Double Bastard (ok, Arrogant Bastard Brewing’s) version of the American strong ale, with espresso beans is now available.

Pretty straight forward right? In true arrogant fashion, the bastard calls out your Starbucks laptop habits.

So, your knowledge of caffe is such Continue Reading →

Posted in 4 Hands Brewing, Bale Breaker Brewing Company, New Releases, Stone Brewing Co.

Stone Sorry Not Sorry, brewed with 4 Hands & Bale Breaker [Released]

Stone Sorry Not Sorry, a new imperial IPA brewed with peaches, has been released by the Escondido, California based brewery.

Stone Sorry Not Sorry is a part of the brewery’s ongoing collaboration series, brewed with Saint Louis, Missouri’s 4 Hands Brewing and Yakima, Washington’s Bale Breaker. On the annual pilgrimage to Washington for hop selection, Stone brewmaster suggested this collaboration needed to happen. Since it’s Stone, of course it did.

This very hop forward offering has one more important element – pureed peaches. Chosen to work well the with experimental hop varieties found in Stone Sorry not Sorry.

The idea for this bright and bitter beer was born during Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele’s annual hop-selection pilgrimage to Yakima, Washington. While touring Loftus Ranches (a farm owned and operated by the same family for generations which recently expanded to Include on-property craft brewery Bale Breaker Brewing Co.), Steele felt inspired…while power-huffing hops no doubt…to suggest a brewing collaboration with Stone and our good friends from St. Louis.4 Hands Brewing Co. A powerhouse within the midwest brewing sect, 4 Hands has been on our official “awesome brewers we gotta collaborate with” list for some time. When considering the direction they’d take, it was decided that since Loftus Ranches was the first hop farm to commercially grow beloved Simcoe variety, leading with that piney, stone fruit-like hop was a must. But collaborations are about uncharted territory. Thus, the trio decided that pureed peaches hold be added to ‘up’ the fruit factor, while experimental HBC 342 and HBC 344 hops were selected to introduce notes of berries, citrus, tropical fruit and grassiness to this IPA. Yes, we made another IPA. We’ll concede that it’s not surprising. Our love of hoppy beers runs like a deeply entrenched mutherlode (yes, we meant to spell it that way) of humulus lupulus coursing through our veins. Ditto 4 Hands and Bale Breaker. So for those who’d have preferred to see us craft a milk stout, ancient ale or barrel-aged offering, that’s okay…we’ve made all of those in the past few months too. But we are who we are: an unapologetic band of hopheads psyched to explore the ever-expanding network of nooks and crannies within the IPA universe. So happy to have you join us!

Stone Sorry Not Sorry is available in 22 ounce bottles and draft for a limited time.

Style: Imperial IPA (w/ Peaches)
Hops: Warrior, Simcoe, Mosaic, HBC 342 and HBC 344
Availability: 22oz Bottles, Draft.
Release: 11/9/15

9.3% ABV, 70 IBUS

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Don't Miss This, Stone Brewing Co.

Stone Depth-Charged Double Bastard joins Bastard Box

Stone Depth-Charged Double Bastard (ok, Arrogant Bastard Brewing’s) version of the American strong ale, with espresso beans is now available.

Pretty straight forward right? In true arrogant fashion, the bastard calls out your Starbucks laptop habits.

So, your knowledge of caffe is such that you have correctly determined that the term “depth-charged” refers tot he addition of espresso-roasted coffee beans. Well, bully for you For all I know, you picked that up hanging out at some coffee megachain amid a microcosmic mishmash of vapid layabouts, metro—hipsters, and laptop—sporting exhibitionists trying to convince the world (and themselves) that they’re click—clacking out the great American—novel—cum—screenplay for a future summer blockbuster. I could surely teach you a they or two were I inclined…which For I’m NOT. Perhaps you’re eyeing my backside because you’re really into coffee. Nothing wrong there, but if you’ve come to me expecting some beery incarnation of your security blanket “me time” soyfrappelatti or similarly deity concoction, you’re in for some granite—sized disappointment. I do not exist to provide merely a comforting mode of conveyance for your jittery, caffeiuted futasies. Nothing about me is smooth, subtle or hat for comfort Those who should he holding this bottle (el route to opening and indulging in what awaits within) are really into NE. Get your cionanmenrochaccino fix elsewhere. This hue’s strictly for adult mm and women who don’t require the culinary crutch of added fat and sweeteners. My motto. Bold and brave or lot at all.

Stone Depth-Charged Double Bastard will be a 22 ounce bottle offering, found in the Arrogant Bastard Box, on shelves in late October/November, 2015. The Bastard Box includes  2015 Double Bastard, Oaked Arrogant Bastard, Arrogant Bastard, and the above coffee infused edition.

Style: American Strong Ale (w/ Espresso Coffee)
Availability: 22oz Bottles, Draft.
Release: November, 2015

11.2% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Stone Brewing Co.

Stone 24 Carrot Golden Ale, Inspired by Carrot Cake Released

Stone 24 Carrot Golden Ale is coming to the brewery’s Collaboration Series. This release features Monkey Paw Pub and Brewery, and American Homebrewers Association winner, Juli Goldenberg.

Hot on the heels of Points Unknown IPA, Stone 24 Carrot Golden Ale is inspired by carrot cake. The liquid ode to cake is based as Belgian golden ale, with two key ingredients – 20 pounds of golden raisins  and grated carrots.

Beet juice was also added to help with the carrot cake color. If you’ve had carrot cake before, the icing is a just as important as the cake itself. Goldenberg added lactose during the boil, and vanilla beans post fermentation.

Stone 24 Carrot Golden Ale is a 22oz bottles and draft in September/October, 2015.

Style: Belgian Strong Golden Ale (w/ Golden Raisins, Carrots, Cinnamon, Vanilla Beans, Beet Juice)
Availability: 22oz Bottles, Draft.
Release: September/October 2015

9.5% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Don't Miss This, New Releases, Stone Brewing Co.

Stone 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Kicks Off 20th Anniversary Encore Series

Stone 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale could see the light of day again soon. The Escondido, California brewery is celebrating the 20 year mark with 20th Anniversary Encore Series.

The Vertical Epic Series was an 11 beer series that ending in 2012. The entire series was meant to be cellared until 12.12.12, and drank shortly after. This month, Stone marks their 19th birthday with their usual festival, and Stone Thunderstruck IPA. Later this year,  an Encore Series will bring a host of throwback beers, including newly released (re-released) Stone Vertical Epic 08.08.08.

Stone chose to bring this beer back out of nostalgia for their “Summer of the Triple” which arose after an extensive trip through Belgium.

Ah, 2008, We remember it well. ’Twas a year of Belgophila for us… especially Stone Brewmasters Steve Wagner and Mitch Steele. That year, they embarked on a tour of Belgium, sampled numerous ales and became inspired by the beery country’s overall magnificence. It’s a big reason 2008’s summer season came to be know as Stone “Summer of the Triple.” Upon their return, they churned out AleSmith/Mikkeller/Stone Belgian Style Triple Ale and a batch of our special Sawyer’s Triple (a charity beer benefitting Fight ALD, crafted in honor of our dear friend Sawyer Sherwood). Those ales were brewed in the style of Belgian triples, pale ales and IPAs. Beers that hand taken a cue from the U.S. craft brewing movement and inspired us to return. The 7th beer in the 11-beer Stone Vertical Epic Ale series was the result. Packed with floral, spicy essence from Belgian yeast plus plenty of hoppy New World character, it was impressive enough to pave the way for our West Coast/Belgian hybrid, Stone Cali-Belgiue IPA, which debuted during that Summer of the Triple and remains a staple in our portfolio to this day.

The Stone 20th Anniversary Encore Series has officially started, and runs through 2016. Stone Vertical Epic 08.08.08 is a draft, and 22 ounce bottle offering.

Style: Belgian IPA
Availability: 22oz Bottles, Draft.
Return: 9/21/15

8.6% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in New Releases, Stone Brewing Co.

Stone Stochasticity Your Father Smelt of Elderberries Released

Stone Stochasticity Your Father Smelt of Elderberries joins the brewery’s experimental project series this month. Each release sets free the brewers of Stone, to brew outside their “normal” and create with unusual ingredients, or just make a golden stout.

Stone Stochasticity Your Father Smelt of Elderberries calls upon the old English use of elderberries in the brewing process. The base beer looks to be an amber ale with a touch of smoke from the peated oats, and English hops.

Besides being one of the cool kids for reading Beer Street Journal, you are even cooler if you recognize all the Monty Python puns below.

Stochasticity Project beers bravely explore lesser-trod territory. Imagine if you will emerging from the furthest depths of the dark, misty forest of time holding a chalice (perhaps one of catholically divine caliber) filled with an ale style dating back to medieval England. We find ourselves carried by the gait of hooves (which oddly sound like someone is clacking together two empty coconut halves) and happen upon a caste siege. Insults are being hurled from the walls above from …Frenchmen? Time to run away (after one last whack at the  mighty stone castle walls with a broadsword) to discuss strategy just beyond the reach of catapulted bovines. Beer brewed with elderberries is freely shared. What strategies come from this? Trojan Rabbit! A brilliant ruse they’re sure to…catapult. Word to the wise, Sir Bedivere.  Don’t strategize whilst drinking elderberry beer or the constables may show up at the end of your flick.

Stone Stochasticity Your Father Smelt of Elderberries is a draft and 22 ounce bottle offering.

Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time.

Style: Amber Ale (w/ Elderberries)
Hops: English Goldings, Target
Malts: 2 Row, Mild Ale, Amber, Peated, & Flaked Oats

Availability: 22oz Bottles
Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA and Puerto Rico
Release: September, 2015

8.8% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Coming Soon, Headlines, Stone Brewing Co.

Stone Double Bastard in the Rye, a Southern Charred Relative

Stone Double Bastard in the Rye looks to join the brewery’s 500ml series in the near future. Stone Bastard in the Rye has previously been bottled.

Stone Double Bastard in the Rye is aged Templeton Rye Whiskey barrels, from the distillery in Templeton, Iowa.

Much like the lacerative muther of a beer that is Double Bastard Ale, rye whiskey is not for everyone. Not remotely. Most are not emotionally or otherwise equipped to appreciate its unbridled intensity. So to sequester Double Bastard Ale in rye whiskey barrels is to conceive an experience that no doubt will be treasured by only a select few. It takes a special breed of exceptional depth to thrive under such demanding conditions and emerge with such stunning vibrency. Something this sublime should never be squandered, however. Those plagued by even a smidge of self-doubt should look elsewhere. This rare treasure is strictly for those possessing the capacity to appreciate what many just like me.

Stone Double Bastard in the Rye is touted as a close relative of Stone Southern Charred, which is Stone Double Bastard aged for 5 months in Kentucky bourbon barrels. The brewery mentions this release has more spice and vanilla from the barrel.

Style: American Strong Ale (Barrel Aged. Rye Whiskey.)
Availability: 500ml Bottles.
Release: TBA

14% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in New Releases, Stone Brewing Co.

Stone Xocoveza Extra Anejo Released in Quingenti Series

Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA) released a collaboration – Xocoveza Mocha Stout last year. The beer was a creation of home brewer Chris Banker, who brewed with not only the Stone team, but Cerveceria Insurgente from Mexico.

Stone Xocoveza Extra Anejo will grace the brewery’s coveted Quingente Millilitre Series, a souped-up version of the original release. In addition to the cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg that was added to Xocoveza Mocha Stout, Stone has aged this edition in both red wine barrels and tequila barrels.

The base beer is the recipe of 2014 Stone Homebrew Competition winner Chris Banker, an intensely flavorful milk stout brewed with coffee and spices to mimic the rich flavors of Mexican hot chocolate.

Stone Xocoveza Extra Anejo will be available in 500ml bottles in very limited quantities. No distribution. Bottles were released at Stone World Bistor today.

Style: Milk Stout (w/ Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Coffee, Chocolate, Chilies, Lactose. Barrel Aged. Tequila. Wine Barrel Aged.)
Availability: 500ml bottles
Arrival: Late July, 2015

12.2% ABV

by Reid Ramsay