30 Jan 2009
Stone Sublimely Self Righteous
Author: skotmigloor
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About: I recall my first sip of beer very fondly. At a very early age I was watching a baseball game with my father, and he noticed I was curious as to the colorful red and white canned beverage in his hand and finally offered me a sip. At that point I felt like I was a part of something special. As I was never able to touch those elusive drinks prior to that moment, I felt like a grown man, sipping the sudsy elixir with my dad watching sports on the tv screen.
That was a one time event though, and it wasnt until my teen years when I realized the magical effects beer can have at social functions. I became enamored immediately with the level of fun that can be had while drinking what I also had confessed was the most refreshing drink in existence.
After years of experimenting with every drink available to me, I have found my tastes and preferences have matured. Still, more so than ever I am driven by the quest to find the ultimate beverage. Though I know there is no such thing I am always trying something new to find my favorites. I enjoy variety, and also believe the only way to discover truly what you enjoy the most is by trying everything you can. Not only do you learn about the various styles and flavors associated with the many kinds of beer, but you also learn what you like as well as what perhaps you are not particularly fond of. There is a time and a mood for just about any style of beer crafted today, and the more you experience the better you are prepared to suit your own tastes.
I love beer, pure and simple.See Authors Posts (52) | Filed under: Beer Reviews
Name: Sublimely Self-Righteous
Brewery: Stone
Overall Rating: A-
Style: IPA
Serving Style: 22oz Bottle
ABV: 8.7%
Price: $5.49
Appearance: An interestingly dark cola brown liquid escapes the bottle to my surprise. The head is full with a bubbly tan topping this brew that looks like a stout.
Aroma: After looking at this beer, the smell of pure hops come and shock your senses. Strong smells that remind me of the Stone brewery tour I was on weeks ago.
Flavor: This is a hoppy IPA with a stout like head and slight roasted caramel taste in the background that makes for a truly unique libation. It’s the hops being the dominant flavor here and the bitterness is almost over the top, but I appreciate the bold flavors this brew packs. Make no mistake, this beverage is not for everyone, but the hopulation would definitely savor the field of hops and unique twist this brew provides.
Body: The body lays lightly on your palate with gentle carbonation, very forgiving in contrast to the bitter punch you are forced to deal with.
Enjoyability: This is a remarkably tasty brew that will satisfy any hop cravings you may foster. It’s unique colors and extra flavors make it something to write home about, even though your mom would never like this beer. If you like west coast style IPA’s, try this one and transport yourself back in time to Stone’s 11th anniversary, as this is what is was originally brewed as. I almost forget it is 8.7% abv, well disguised by the bitter hop blast. I could see why they would bring this back with the recent surge of hopularity nowadays.
Another take: Advocation
Tags: anniversary, beer review, hop, IPA, Stone
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January 30th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I am having this one right as a matter of fact. The appearance really throws you off. The smell screams IPA, the appearance screams porter/stout and the taste leaves you guessing. Its like a hoppy smoked porter.
The after taste lingers for awhile with smoke flavors.
Overall I’d give it a B+/A-.
May 25th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Love this Beer!
Tasting new brews and some old at the Oregon Garden Beer festival this spring. Nothing compared to the greatness of Stones Black IPA.
I’m going to do my best to clone this beer for next winters drinking pleasures.