This is quite a complex and layered beer. Bold and smooth chocolate malt flavors combine with a Belgian yeast lending tropical fruit/banana flavors and hints of spiciness, all complemented by citrus notes from an addition of tangerine peel. Rich vanilla beans add a nice counter to the chocolate malt - actually enhancing the chocolatiness. The finish is smooth, with additional traces of vanilla and toasted characters from French Oak. The goal for this edition of the Stone Vertical Epic Ale series is to be reminiscent of artisanal chocolates accentuated with orange.
Beer Ratings and Reviews:
[1] Review by Jabah from Fort Pierce, FL, USA who has tried this beer once. (6/23/2010 4:42:38 AM)
"This reminded me more of a strong/imperial porter versus Belgian Ale. Flavor starts off with the malts with a hoppy/yeasty Belgian feeling finish (2 of favorite styles!) Very malty with the alcohol hidden quite well. I wish I would have read the bottle first, which recommends aging until sometime after 12/12/12....but hey, I would have been curious anyways and probably would have cracked. This was sooo good though, I am going to run out and grab one to age for a few years. I could see how it could be even better then. Super dark appearance, but not mud thick like and IPS. Tons of flavors going on, but nothing too overwhelming. Great balance.....One of my favorites."
Aroma:
9/10
Appearance:
9/10
Mouthfeel:
9/10
Flavor:
10/10
Overall:
9/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.6)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 22oz @ $8 Unit Cost: $5.82 per Pint
[2] Review by Suds McDuff from Suds City, AleTown, USA who has tried this beer once. (6/19/2010 10:32:54 AM)
"This is a nice brew .. . pours out a very dark brown, light firm lacing .. . handball! .. . sweet light roast, and molasses with some a slight chocolate woodiness, awesome! .. . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zKE41IdH2g .. . My favourite so far from the epics! .. then we're shit out of luck..."
Aroma:
8/10
Appearance:
8/10
Mouthfeel:
9/10
Flavor:
9/10
Overall:
8/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.2)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 22oz @ $9 Unit Cost: $6.55 per Pint
[3] Review by Stoutlover72 from Northern, California, USA who has tried this beer a couple times. (4/2/2010 12:54:48 PM)
"March Madness tasting -
Aroma: Lots of roasted notes, but nothing overbearing. Bready-rye like notes, chocolate powder, fruity...odd but I enjoyed it.
Appearance: Dark brown/black body, 1" creamy light brown cap that had some beautiful staying power and nice lacing. Always love Stone beers because the head always seems to last the length of my pint.
Overall: Nice beer that I’d be intrigued to find out what my other 2 bottles taste like in a few years. "
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
8/10
Mouthfeel:
8/10
Flavor:
7/10
Overall:
7/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.7)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 22oz @ $4.99 Unit Cost: $3.63 per Pint
[4] Review by fargingbastige6 from Birmingham, AL, USA who has tried this beer once. (2/26/2010 1:00:19 PM)
"Epic... that pretty much sums this up for me. Compliments of jlozier - many thanks, buddy! After a week of debate about whether to cellar it according to the text on the bottle or not and some insight from j., I decided to go for it. At first sip, I could not imagine this being any better in Dec 2012 than it was when I first opened it. This mighty fine elixir pours thickly into a glass with a deep, dark brown color that borders on black. A very slight head, but not dissappointing. Aromas of chocolate, vanilla and licorice abound and are a true delight to the nose. As smooth as silk - ay velvet - on the pallette - wow! The flavor is as equally impressive as the aroma with the same flavors as aromas. A superior beer in every sense of the word."
Aroma:
9/10
Appearance:
9/10
Mouthfeel:
10/10
Flavor:
10/10
Overall:
10/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.8)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 22oz @ $0 Unit Cost: $0 per Pint
[5] Review by Phishpond417 from Madison, Wisc, USA who has tried this beer once. (1/25/2010 5:14:58 PM)
"Had this brew in a goblet at Dexter's the other night. Very impressive! Pours an interesting, cloudy rusty red colour with a big beige head. Aroma is a mix of alcohol, licorice, caramel and cinnamon. Taste carries the same flavours, again most noticeably is the hotness on the palate. Really nice beer though."
Aroma:
8/10
Appearance:
9/10
Mouthfeel:
9/10
Flavor:
9/10
Overall:
9/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.4)
Sampled: Forced Draught Sample Size: 16oz @ $5 Unit Cost: $5 per Pint
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(4.6)
