Stone Brewing launched a new program for 2 of their most popular beers – Old Guardian and Russian Imperial Stout. The idea was to “Belgianize” the beers for odd years. (2011, 2013, 2015 etc) A great idea for sure, turned to public outcry when drinkers found out they will not be able to have their barlywine & stout in 2011. Stone caved and said they will be producing both in 2011. The first edition of the “Odd Beers” has arrived.
What you need to know:
It’s Stone’s Old Guardian Barleywine. Ale yeast out. Belgian yeast in.
Description:
When our illustrious brewing team spiked a few barrels of the Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine with our Belgian yeast strain last year, we absolutely loved it. So much, in fact, that we knew we needed an excuse to make more. So, in our unending quest to constantly challenge the status quo (even our own), we came up with Odd Beers for Odd Years, a program to release odd beers — e.g. Stone Old Guardian BELGO Barley Wine — in odd years (2011, 2013, 2015…). It was met with a bit of resistance (to say the least) since we weren’t originally offering the traditional Old Guardian alongside it, but we’ve mended our ways and decided to make both. You’re welcome.
Style: Barleywine (Belgianized)
Hops & Malts: Unspecified, other than lots.
Taste Expectations: Caramel and toffee. Dark fruits from the bananas interlace throughout. Bit of booze, hop bitterness. Good balance.
Availability: 22oz bombers. Draft. Seasonal, odd years. Next brew, 2013.
12% ABV
