“Whilst being told many time in the late 90’s and early 2000’s that our beer was too bitter, too strange, and that the microbrew thing was just a fad and that it was over, this notion has largely faded from our memories. This beer is a celebration of all those times…and a massive THANKYOU from the bottom of our hearts”.
20years…wow. It’s a special moment when your drinking one of these anniversary numbers. This particular brew uses citra hops and the avocado flower honey which is native to the San Diego region. We must admit we have not tried this plant before. Poured into a pint glass we see a gorgeous clear Amber (which looks filtered) with a tight 10mm White head that retains beautifully. Mild carbonation seen here. Aromas are floral in nature like perfume, sweet malts, marmalade jam, citrus fruits, and mild booze. Reminds us a little bit like a grapefruit sculpin. Flavour profile is contained bitterness on the palate, with sweet malt, honey, mild to moderate booze heat but not overpowering, grapefruit, mandarin and pine. It has a moderate body and is really lovely and velvety in the mouth. Again mild carbonation in the mouth. This is a smooth drop for 9% Alc vol. We are gob smacked as it drinks like a 6-7%. More caramel malt, honey, marmalade jam, dank resin, and citrus leaving a bitter yet crisp and ridiculously smooth end feel. Wow. So typical of stone brewing. Truely showing their skill over 20 years of craft brewery. We hope those detractors back in the day are weeping into their empty pints because these guys are at the top of their game. How you can brew a 9% beer that has minimal booze burn is beyond us. Hard to fault.