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Stone 13th Anniversary Ale- their hoppiest beer ever
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Stone 13 Anniversary Ale
Stone Brewing Co., located in Escondido, California (in North County San Diego) is known for their hop heavy brews. This is a brewery recognized the world around for their strong beers, unabashedly producing complex ales with deep taste arrangements. One of their traditions is an anniversary ale, which they use to show off their brew making talents. Most people may think 13 to be an unlucky number, but for Stone, it means good fortune and an amazing beer.
The 13th Anniversary Ale is a perfect example of Stone Brewing Co. producing a high quality hopped ale. When poured from the 22 oz. tall boy bottle, one immediately notices the deep red color. A freshly poured glass gives off a subtle yet smooth ale bouquet. It does not have a very strong smell that reveals its strong and complex taste, yet it is still very pleasurable on the nose.
The Brewers of Stone Brewing Co.'s 13th Anniversary Ale
A first sip of this beer reveals an initial crisp taste, and then there is a hop explosion. Suddenly what appeared to be a light red ale is incredibly a very bitter (yet well hopped) ale. While it is certainly quite hoppy, the taste is very enjoyable and smooth. This is a very complex beer that requires a few tastes to fully appreciate the depth of flavor. Stone demonstrates yet again how they are the masters of well-hopped beers. It is 9.5% alcohol by volume, so be sure to enjoy this one at home (or if someone else is the designated driver).
According to Stone, their 10th Anniversary Ale was considered the quintessential hopped-up Stone Ale. It was brewed with 2.5 pounds of hops per barrel. The 13th Anniversary Ale has 4.5 pounds of hops per barrel. This is more hops per barrel than any beer that Stone has ever brewed. Normally you might expect such a hoppy beer to keep well, but this is one beer that should be enjoyed soon:
Our Stone Anniversary Ales are often quite suitable for cellaring. However, with all the mighty huge hop character in the Stone 13th Anniversary Ale, I think I’ll be enjoying this one while it’s at its freshest.
Greg Koch, CEO & Co-founder
Stone Brewing Co.
The 13th Anniversary Ale will be released in 22 oz. bottle on June 29, 2009. Look for this beer wherever Stone Brewing Co. beers are sold. Thirteen years and going strong- we can’t wait to try the 14th anniversary ale!
Cheers,
Owen
Stone Brewing Co. on Twitter
Greg Koch on Twitter
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