Stone / Green Flash / Pizza Port Highway 78 Scotch Ale | Stone Brewing
Brewed by:
Stone Brewing
California, United States
stonebrewing.com
Style: Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 8.80%
Availability: Limited (brewed once)
Notes / Commercial Description:
Collaboration with Green Flash Brewing and Pizza Port Brewing
Added by HopHead84 on 02-07-2011
This beer is retired; no longer brewed.
HISTOGRAM
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Ratings: 582 | Reviews: 328
Reviews by Fluke828:
3.72/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Poured into a Cigar City Snifter.
No freshness date only aging/cellaring instructions.
8.8% ABV
A-> Pours yields no head and very few outer bubbles. Color of iced tea/burnt clear copper. No Lacing. Can see right through it.
S-> Smells of vanilla malts, strong dark fruits, some caramel and sweet bread, definitely some toffee sugars and mild earthy notes. A wonderful scotch ale aroma.
T-> Definite sweet bourbon and oak that hits first. Some tangy fruit darkness is also present. After a few more sips I get a serious candied caramel. Creaminess really comes through after this brew warms a tad, with a burnt fruit toffee flavor that lingers on the tongue in between sips.
M-> I would have to agree with others that this is technically medium but definitely on the lighter side for a scotch ale. Carbonation is there but barely. Not necessarily syrup but a syrup-esque quality that is by no means a fault.
O-> Fairly spot on for the style. Not a bad beer by any means, as I enjoyed drinking it, however not particularly memorable and not really one of my favorite scotch ales. That being said, I am curious enough to revisit this again just to throw one in the cellar and see how she turns out. This beer felt like it was a bit on the "green" side. Definitely seems like it should be aged, hell they pretty much told me to on the bottle.... Glad I got to try it and would recommend others to do the same if they get the chance.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Poured into a Cigar City Snifter.
No freshness date only aging/cellaring instructions.
8.8% ABV
A-> Pours yields no head and very few outer bubbles. Color of iced tea/burnt clear copper. No Lacing. Can see right through it.
S-> Smells of vanilla malts, strong dark fruits, some caramel and sweet bread, definitely some toffee sugars and mild earthy notes. A wonderful scotch ale aroma.
T-> Definite sweet bourbon and oak that hits first. Some tangy fruit darkness is also present. After a few more sips I get a serious candied caramel. Creaminess really comes through after this brew warms a tad, with a burnt fruit toffee flavor that lingers on the tongue in between sips.
M-> I would have to agree with others that this is technically medium but definitely on the lighter side for a scotch ale. Carbonation is there but barely. Not necessarily syrup but a syrup-esque quality that is by no means a fault.
O-> Fairly spot on for the style. Not a bad beer by any means, as I enjoyed drinking it, however not particularly memorable and not really one of my favorite scotch ales. That being said, I am curious enough to revisit this again just to throw one in the cellar and see how she turns out. This beer felt like it was a bit on the "green" side. Definitely seems like it should be aged, hell they pretty much told me to on the bottle.... Glad I got to try it and would recommend others to do the same if they get the chance.
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More User Reviews:
3.63/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured a twny color with a thin quick to fade white head,almost flat in appearance,I was a bit surprised.Aromas of dark fruit and a tinge of smoke,rather lighter than expected,dark fruit,brown sugar,and a faint smokiness on the palate,all seem very subtle.Somewhat flat in the mouth but it is fuller.Somewhat wanting more in this beer,I was a bit let down in its lack of complexity really.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured a twny color with a thin quick to fade white head,almost flat in appearance,I was a bit surprised.Aromas of dark fruit and a tinge of smoke,rather lighter than expected,dark fruit,brown sugar,and a faint smokiness on the palate,all seem very subtle.Somewhat flat in the mouth but it is fuller.Somewhat wanting more in this beer,I was a bit let down in its lack of complexity really.
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3.16/5 rDev -17.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
12oz bottle. Pours a dark amber brown with a smallish creamy off white head that retains fairly well and leaves some lacing.
The aroma is a bit subdued - some sweet peaty smokey malts with a little dark fruit and alcohol.
The flavor is sweet caramel malts with some peat and smoke and a some bitter alcohol in the finish. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with low carbonation.
Overall, a decent Scotch Ale. I would prefer it to be a bit better balanced between the sweetness and alcohol.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
12oz bottle. Pours a dark amber brown with a smallish creamy off white head that retains fairly well and leaves some lacing.
The aroma is a bit subdued - some sweet peaty smokey malts with a little dark fruit and alcohol.
The flavor is sweet caramel malts with some peat and smoke and a some bitter alcohol in the finish. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with low carbonation.
Overall, a decent Scotch Ale. I would prefer it to be a bit better balanced between the sweetness and alcohol.
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3.82/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz brown bottle, no freshness date though its a beer you can cellar.
Tiny bubbled head with a faint crackle yet there is some rings of lace left on the glass. Deepest brown around with a tinge of burgundy. Think malty nose, spicy alcohol, earthy sweetness with a bit of ripe star fruit or papaya. Creamy and smooth, full body. A whole lot of malt thrown down on the palate. Brown bread, teething biscuits and faint caramel comes to mind. Alcohol is quite the warmer here, not hot but its there with a peppery tone which pairs up with the modest level of hopping to help balance this brew out.
Proof that not all collaborations have to be these massive tricked out insane beers ... it simply can be just good beer.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz brown bottle, no freshness date though its a beer you can cellar.
Tiny bubbled head with a faint crackle yet there is some rings of lace left on the glass. Deepest brown around with a tinge of burgundy. Think malty nose, spicy alcohol, earthy sweetness with a bit of ripe star fruit or papaya. Creamy and smooth, full body. A whole lot of malt thrown down on the palate. Brown bread, teething biscuits and faint caramel comes to mind. Alcohol is quite the warmer here, not hot but its there with a peppery tone which pairs up with the modest level of hopping to help balance this brew out.
Proof that not all collaborations have to be these massive tricked out insane beers ... it simply can be just good beer.
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4.2/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottle pours a dark amber body with a medium sized beige head. Attractive patchy lacing.
Aroma is malty toffee and caramel with aromatic pine resin.
Medium body and carbonation.
Taste has toffee and caramel malty dominance, complimented by a very nice smoky peat element. Pine hops add a nice counterpart to the malts and there is a hint of dark fruits underneath. Alcohol is concealed very well.
One of the better Scotch ales I've sampled recently, especially from this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to mntlover for this fine bottle.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottle pours a dark amber body with a medium sized beige head. Attractive patchy lacing.
Aroma is malty toffee and caramel with aromatic pine resin.
Medium body and carbonation.
Taste has toffee and caramel malty dominance, complimented by a very nice smoky peat element. Pine hops add a nice counterpart to the malts and there is a hint of dark fruits underneath. Alcohol is concealed very well.
One of the better Scotch ales I've sampled recently, especially from this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to mntlover for this fine bottle.
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3.97/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle, surely no bargain here, $3.99 per at DeCicco's in Ardsley, NY.
No freshness info offered, but the message on the rear from brewer Bagby is dated Dec 2010 and the etching on the bottle talks of aging this one.
Pours a bold darker shade of honey amber, clear and resting under a medium tan head. Head shows moderate retention powers and leaves a thicker film and ample lace.
Nose of whole wheat bread, caramel and just a hint of smoke.
The style is all about the malt and this one is to style. Waves of maple wash over the palate, more light smoke, sneaky very late hop nibble provides a weak attempt at balance. Sweet but nowhere near cloying.
Malt lovers rejoice at this unexpected, yet quite welcome Stone collaboration. Looking forward to seeing more...
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle, surely no bargain here, $3.99 per at DeCicco's in Ardsley, NY.
No freshness info offered, but the message on the rear from brewer Bagby is dated Dec 2010 and the etching on the bottle talks of aging this one.
Pours a bold darker shade of honey amber, clear and resting under a medium tan head. Head shows moderate retention powers and leaves a thicker film and ample lace.
Nose of whole wheat bread, caramel and just a hint of smoke.
The style is all about the malt and this one is to style. Waves of maple wash over the palate, more light smoke, sneaky very late hop nibble provides a weak attempt at balance. Sweet but nowhere near cloying.
Malt lovers rejoice at this unexpected, yet quite welcome Stone collaboration. Looking forward to seeing more...
778 characters
4/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The beer pours a brownish color with a tan head. The aroma is heavy on the toffee malt with some peat smoke and some dark fruit. There is also some alcohol in the aroma but it is not too strong. The flavor is heavy on the toffee malt. There is a little bit of peat character in the flavor but what really comes through the most is the dark fruit. I get some cherries and prunes as well as some alcohol. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. A fairly good scotch ale.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The beer pours a brownish color with a tan head. The aroma is heavy on the toffee malt with some peat smoke and some dark fruit. There is also some alcohol in the aroma but it is not too strong. The flavor is heavy on the toffee malt. There is a little bit of peat character in the flavor but what really comes through the most is the dark fruit. I get some cherries and prunes as well as some alcohol. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. A fairly good scotch ale.
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3.58/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Bottle (2011)
Stone Brew Co.
Escondido, CA
Pours a dark tawny brown with a very thin light tan head. Significant lacing that leaves the glass messy.
The nose is pleasant but not particularly vibrant or striking. I smell dark caramels, bready malts, and some toffee-like sweetness.
The taste isn't overly complex but is pleasant. There's the taste of baking bread, dark fruits, and a slight hint of alcohol, although I would never guess this beer is as strong as it is. A balanced scotch ale but a tad uninteresting and disappointingly simple.
A medium to thick mouthfeel. Appropriate for the style.
A solid idea and an interesting collaboration from three of my favorite local brewers, but not a particularly noteworthy or memorable beer. This one does get extra points though for hiding its alcohol so well. It's startling!
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Bottle (2011)
Stone Brew Co.
Escondido, CA
Pours a dark tawny brown with a very thin light tan head. Significant lacing that leaves the glass messy.
The nose is pleasant but not particularly vibrant or striking. I smell dark caramels, bready malts, and some toffee-like sweetness.
The taste isn't overly complex but is pleasant. There's the taste of baking bread, dark fruits, and a slight hint of alcohol, although I would never guess this beer is as strong as it is. A balanced scotch ale but a tad uninteresting and disappointingly simple.
A medium to thick mouthfeel. Appropriate for the style.
A solid idea and an interesting collaboration from three of my favorite local brewers, but not a particularly noteworthy or memorable beer. This one does get extra points though for hiding its alcohol so well. It's startling!
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4/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a dark DARK ruby red into a snifter with a One and a half finger head. No lacing or retention. Scents of scotch malts and leather. The taste is much the same: leather, carmel, red grapes. Mouthfeel is a little thin with a strong alcohol feel. Overall, this is a good strong scotch but nothing special.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a dark DARK ruby red into a snifter with a One and a half finger head. No lacing or retention. Scents of scotch malts and leather. The taste is much the same: leather, carmel, red grapes. Mouthfeel is a little thin with a strong alcohol feel. Overall, this is a good strong scotch but nothing special.
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3.45/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
Deep dark mahogany brown with crimson highlights when held towards the light, thicket of deep tan head forms quite the khaki colored finely bubbled texture with evenly strewn lacing amongst each sip. Aroma has hints of citrus/chocolate melded together at first with big robust malt layers providing a pathway for evil spirits in this case...alcohol. Flavor has hints of smoked malt, big caramel juiciness with a layer of chocolate syrup coating the palate when taken as a gulp. A bit hot with alcohol which is understanding for they style and an attempt at such a callaboration. Juicy layers of mint and pine lay sufficient for me, once another sip is taken. Yet I'm staring at another almost full pint, mouthfeel is medium bodied a bit cloying with unresolved alcohol and residual sugars post fermentation. Definitely in light of the typical collaboration ale, my question is why didn't they ferment this out all the way...the alcohol and residiual sugars become pretty heavy on the palate and pure drinkability level.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
Deep dark mahogany brown with crimson highlights when held towards the light, thicket of deep tan head forms quite the khaki colored finely bubbled texture with evenly strewn lacing amongst each sip. Aroma has hints of citrus/chocolate melded together at first with big robust malt layers providing a pathway for evil spirits in this case...alcohol. Flavor has hints of smoked malt, big caramel juiciness with a layer of chocolate syrup coating the palate when taken as a gulp. A bit hot with alcohol which is understanding for they style and an attempt at such a callaboration. Juicy layers of mint and pine lay sufficient for me, once another sip is taken. Yet I'm staring at another almost full pint, mouthfeel is medium bodied a bit cloying with unresolved alcohol and residual sugars post fermentation. Definitely in light of the typical collaboration ale, my question is why didn't they ferment this out all the way...the alcohol and residiual sugars become pretty heavy on the palate and pure drinkability level.
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4.38/5 rDev +14.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This beer pours a brown color, with a mohogany color when held up to the light. It has a thin foamy head that fades fast, leaving a decent lacing.
This beer has a malty sweet aroma. It smells slightly of toffee, with some biscuit like hints as well.
This beer tastes like it smells. Sweet caramel moat, with some toffee and biscuit. A slight molasses flavor mixes in as well.
This beer is crips and refreshing. It leaves a toffee like aftertaste. it is carbonated well for the style.
This beer might make a good session beer. It is high in alcohol, and that might be a problem since I cant tell at all. I could drink this all night.
Overall: This is a great beer from three great breweries. First great beer since I have been back in the States.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This beer pours a brown color, with a mohogany color when held up to the light. It has a thin foamy head that fades fast, leaving a decent lacing.
This beer has a malty sweet aroma. It smells slightly of toffee, with some biscuit like hints as well.
This beer tastes like it smells. Sweet caramel moat, with some toffee and biscuit. A slight molasses flavor mixes in as well.
This beer is crips and refreshing. It leaves a toffee like aftertaste. it is carbonated well for the style.
This beer might make a good session beer. It is high in alcohol, and that might be a problem since I cant tell at all. I could drink this all night.
Overall: This is a great beer from three great breweries. First great beer since I have been back in the States.
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3.88/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a like a nice giant redwood tree and a 3 finger head that was crumble to the ground like a forest fire.
S - Alcohol was sweeping this this forest away with an oaky background
T - Malts is very lush with sweet fruit parading through slight bitterness
M - Medium carbonation and medium body with surprisingly smooth finish
O - Its a great beer. A fantastic collaboration make me want to try the other companies pizza port and green flash. A decent fetch.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Pours a like a nice giant redwood tree and a 3 finger head that was crumble to the ground like a forest fire.
S - Alcohol was sweeping this this forest away with an oaky background
T - Malts is very lush with sweet fruit parading through slight bitterness
M - Medium carbonation and medium body with surprisingly smooth finish
O - Its a great beer. A fantastic collaboration make me want to try the other companies pizza port and green flash. A decent fetch.
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4.3/5 rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
(Served in a dimple mug)
A- This beer pours a clean deep dense clear garnet brown that glows and a thick fizzy light tan head last for a good bit. There is a nice swirl of tiny bubbles that push to the surface.
S- The blended brown malt aroma has some nutty qualities and a soft peat hint.
T- The pot caramel is slightly sweet with a dry toffee malt note to follow and a soft diacetyl buttery note. There is a dry caramel flavor that comes through as the beer opens up and a faint wood and peat hint in the finish.
M- This beer has a medium-light mouthfeel with a faint fizz that compliments the dry finish and no alcohol heat noticed.
O- This is a tasty beer with a good malt profile nice depth, flavor and character and just enough peat to add mystery without all the band-aids.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
(Served in a dimple mug)
A- This beer pours a clean deep dense clear garnet brown that glows and a thick fizzy light tan head last for a good bit. There is a nice swirl of tiny bubbles that push to the surface.
S- The blended brown malt aroma has some nutty qualities and a soft peat hint.
T- The pot caramel is slightly sweet with a dry toffee malt note to follow and a soft diacetyl buttery note. There is a dry caramel flavor that comes through as the beer opens up and a faint wood and peat hint in the finish.
M- This beer has a medium-light mouthfeel with a faint fizz that compliments the dry finish and no alcohol heat noticed.
O- This is a tasty beer with a good malt profile nice depth, flavor and character and just enough peat to add mystery without all the band-aids.
788 characters
Stone / Green Flash / Pizza Port Highway 78 Scotch Ale from Stone Brewing
Beer rating:
3.84 out of
5 with
582 ratings
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