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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

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