Stone 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale | Stone Brewing
Brewed by:
Stone Brewing
California, United States
stonebrewing.com
Style: Chile Beer
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 9.40%
Availability: Limited (brewed once)
Notes / Commercial Description:
As with any good epic, herein lies the promise of larger-than-life experiences, heroics and twists & turns as the adventure unfolds. These bottle-conditioned ales are specifically designed to be aged until sometime after December 12th, 2012. Provided you can wait that long. At that time, enjoy them in a "vertical" tasting. Each one unique to it's year of release. Each with its own "twist & turn" in the plotline. Each one released one year, one month and one day from the previous year's edition. To remind you, the remaining dates are: 12.12.12
Added by JAramini on 11-10-2011
This beer is retired; no longer brewed.
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Ratings: 1,529 | Reviews: 483
Reviews by Rifugium:
More User Reviews:
4.56/5 rDev +21.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Cellared for over 3 years--review from notes on 12/13/14
Poured into a Chimay Chalice at cellar temp 55F
Belgian Bananas and Clove, Warming Sensation, Slight Cinnamon, Prunes, Plums, and other dark fruits, not a lot of chili heat left.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Cellared for over 3 years--review from notes on 12/13/14
Poured into a Chimay Chalice at cellar temp 55F
Belgian Bananas and Clove, Warming Sensation, Slight Cinnamon, Prunes, Plums, and other dark fruits, not a lot of chili heat left.
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3.8/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a large tulip glass a slightly hazed maber with sticky1/2 finger off white head,cinnamon and earthy chili's in the nose,light phenols poke thru as the beer warms a little.Belgian yeast flavors at the onset,phenolic and spiced to go along with light cinnamon flavors,again the chili flavors are more earthy lending a little warming on the way down.Not bad,Iam not a huge Belgian yeast fan but the subtle chili,and cinnamon flavors are nice.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a large tulip glass a slightly hazed maber with sticky1/2 finger off white head,cinnamon and earthy chili's in the nose,light phenols poke thru as the beer warms a little.Belgian yeast flavors at the onset,phenolic and spiced to go along with light cinnamon flavors,again the chili flavors are more earthy lending a little warming on the way down.Not bad,Iam not a huge Belgian yeast fan but the subtle chili,and cinnamon flavors are nice.
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3.47/5 rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
A: A medium copper with fair amount of chill haze that fades as it warms and is totally expected with a older beer. The head is tan and made of fine bubbles with a decent retention span.
S: A medium aroma reminiscent of sun-dried chili peppers along with a low orange ester and a low malty complexity like that an Old Ale. There is a low alcohol aroma and a touch of spicy phenols. A bit of soy comes out as it warms up.
M: There is an initial orange-like fruitiness with some spice to start with the spice building a bit as you sip. The balance is somewhat sweet with a medium malt sweetness having a little caramel character against a low hops bitterness but the sweetness more countered by the spice and alcohol. The finish is medium-sweet and the aftertaste is spicy and a low fruitiness that reminds me of a Dubbel.
M: A medium bodied beer with a medium amount of carbonation. There is a linger light tingle from the spice but not detracting.
O: An unusual beer that I can appreciate for it's bold approach and balance.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
A: A medium copper with fair amount of chill haze that fades as it warms and is totally expected with a older beer. The head is tan and made of fine bubbles with a decent retention span.
S: A medium aroma reminiscent of sun-dried chili peppers along with a low orange ester and a low malty complexity like that an Old Ale. There is a low alcohol aroma and a touch of spicy phenols. A bit of soy comes out as it warms up.
M: There is an initial orange-like fruitiness with some spice to start with the spice building a bit as you sip. The balance is somewhat sweet with a medium malt sweetness having a little caramel character against a low hops bitterness but the sweetness more countered by the spice and alcohol. The finish is medium-sweet and the aftertaste is spicy and a low fruitiness that reminds me of a Dubbel.
M: A medium bodied beer with a medium amount of carbonation. There is a linger light tingle from the spice but not detracting.
O: An unusual beer that I can appreciate for it's bold approach and balance.
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3.97/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Looks mahogany, with some redder tints. Smells pretty good. You can smell the cinnamon and a spicier undercurrent. There's a lighter yeast scent, as well. Full sharpness to start. The cinnamon and what tastes like nutmeg present themselves shortly after. The endgame is held by the hops, which throw bitterness in all directions, and the Anaheim pepper element, which twists the bitterness in an interesting direction. The final lingering element is spicy cinnamon, so the ale succeeds in that. Wouldn't want to drink this regularly, but it is a good limited release.
Like It? Yeah
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Looks mahogany, with some redder tints. Smells pretty good. You can smell the cinnamon and a spicier undercurrent. There's a lighter yeast scent, as well. Full sharpness to start. The cinnamon and what tastes like nutmeg present themselves shortly after. The endgame is held by the hops, which throw bitterness in all directions, and the Anaheim pepper element, which twists the bitterness in an interesting direction. The final lingering element is spicy cinnamon, so the ale succeeds in that. Wouldn't want to drink this regularly, but it is a good limited release.
Like It? Yeah
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3.23/5 rDev -13.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
A - Clear brown, with ruby highlights. Big frothy light tan head, that stay around for awhile with moderate carbonation.
S - Spicy, the cinnamon can be picked out but the yeast seems to be adding more spicy aromas like clove.
T - Lots going on here, the malt is almost overwhelmed by cinnamon and cloves and I guess what might be the peppers but just comes across as a strange medicinal flavor. The medicinal flavor then turns into an astringent aftertaste made bitter by the hops.
M - Nicely attenuated, warming quality, with a bit of sparkle from the carbonation and alcohol.
O - This beer looks great, smells good, and feels good but where it counts most...taste...it just isn't very good. I have only had the last few Vertical Epic Ales but this is easily the worst.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
A - Clear brown, with ruby highlights. Big frothy light tan head, that stay around for awhile with moderate carbonation.
S - Spicy, the cinnamon can be picked out but the yeast seems to be adding more spicy aromas like clove.
T - Lots going on here, the malt is almost overwhelmed by cinnamon and cloves and I guess what might be the peppers but just comes across as a strange medicinal flavor. The medicinal flavor then turns into an astringent aftertaste made bitter by the hops.
M - Nicely attenuated, warming quality, with a bit of sparkle from the carbonation and alcohol.
O - This beer looks great, smells good, and feels good but where it counts most...taste...it just isn't very good. I have only had the last few Vertical Epic Ales but this is easily the worst.
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3.5/5 rDev -6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A nice deep red/orange pour with great clarity and a half inch of bubbly white foam atop the brew. Looking good. Aromas start off with caramel, fruity tones and lots of yeast phenolic notes. Cinnamon and a touch of vegetal chili pepper, but it is rather mellow.
Sweet caramel mixing in with dark fruits. Big phenolic Belgian yeast with lots of clove, banana and spice. Cinnamon definitely makes it presence known along with a touch of chili pepper. Flows down with more sweetness and a slight hint of heat. Yeast lingers on after each sip.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied and a touch slick with good carbonation. Goes down pretty easy considering the ABV. Overall, it doesn't really all come together for me...the sweetness with the chili and forward yeast. Was hoping for a touch more heat / chili flavor as well.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A nice deep red/orange pour with great clarity and a half inch of bubbly white foam atop the brew. Looking good. Aromas start off with caramel, fruity tones and lots of yeast phenolic notes. Cinnamon and a touch of vegetal chili pepper, but it is rather mellow.
Sweet caramel mixing in with dark fruits. Big phenolic Belgian yeast with lots of clove, banana and spice. Cinnamon definitely makes it presence known along with a touch of chili pepper. Flows down with more sweetness and a slight hint of heat. Yeast lingers on after each sip.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied and a touch slick with good carbonation. Goes down pretty easy considering the ABV. Overall, it doesn't really all come together for me...the sweetness with the chili and forward yeast. Was hoping for a touch more heat / chili flavor as well.
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4.22/5 rDev +12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On tap at When Pigs Fly in Kittery. In a pint glass the beer was a red/orange/brown color with a small tan head.
Sweet malt and spice aroma. Warming in my nose.
The tastes worked well together. Caramel malt and clove. Chile present, warm, pleasant.
I enjoyed this beer. Nothing over the top, just a nice melange.
Will drink this again.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On tap at When Pigs Fly in Kittery. In a pint glass the beer was a red/orange/brown color with a small tan head.
Sweet malt and spice aroma. Warming in my nose.
The tastes worked well together. Caramel malt and clove. Chile present, warm, pleasant.
I enjoyed this beer. Nothing over the top, just a nice melange.
Will drink this again.
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3.62/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A - Pours a deep amber with half a finger of light tan head. Head has decent retention before fading to a thin cap.
S - Cinnamon, banana and some candi sugar initially, followed by subtle green chili, a bit of booze and toasted malt.
T - Similar to smell, with quite a bit of clove and a more noticeable chili presence. Definitely not too spicy, but the peppers do add a subtle warmth. Interesting and pretty good overall. The peppers, cinnamon and clove are a bit of an odd combination, but certainly interesting.
M - Medium mouthfeel that is a bit sticky, but finishes dry and bitter.
O - Clearly not an everyday beer, but an interesting and mostly successful experiment.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A - Pours a deep amber with half a finger of light tan head. Head has decent retention before fading to a thin cap.
S - Cinnamon, banana and some candi sugar initially, followed by subtle green chili, a bit of booze and toasted malt.
T - Similar to smell, with quite a bit of clove and a more noticeable chili presence. Definitely not too spicy, but the peppers do add a subtle warmth. Interesting and pretty good overall. The peppers, cinnamon and clove are a bit of an odd combination, but certainly interesting.
M - Medium mouthfeel that is a bit sticky, but finishes dry and bitter.
O - Clearly not an everyday beer, but an interesting and mostly successful experiment.
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2.57/5 rDev -31.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
22oz bottle. Pours a reddish amber with a medium creamy off white head that retains well and laces the glass.
The aroma is dubbel like with banana and cloves and some sweet malt with some chilis and cinnamon thrown in.
The flavor is sweet bready malt with bananas and clove. Some spice from the chili and cinnamon comes out in the finish. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and a little watery.
Overall, I remember liking earlier samples more. This was just too much sweet malts and bananas. I remember less dubbel and more cinnamon and chili which was better.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
22oz bottle. Pours a reddish amber with a medium creamy off white head that retains well and laces the glass.
The aroma is dubbel like with banana and cloves and some sweet malt with some chilis and cinnamon thrown in.
The flavor is sweet bready malt with bananas and clove. Some spice from the chili and cinnamon comes out in the finish. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and a little watery.
Overall, I remember liking earlier samples more. This was just too much sweet malts and bananas. I remember less dubbel and more cinnamon and chili which was better.
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4.2/5 rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22oz brown bomber with an obvious vintage date.
LOOK: Garnet amber color, healthy looking head.
SMELL: Cinnamon stick, Anaheim chilies, golden raisins, candied fruit, toasted grain, boozy alcohol.
TASTE: Cinnamon, mild chili pepper, toasted bread, dusty powdered clove, banana taffy, medicinal phenols, clean alcohol, hop bitterness, treacle, chaotic finish.
Nearly a palate overload, thankfully I prepared for this beer and I guess I am a pro more or less so I can roll with the punches. Flavors come in waves, cinnamon and chili then the Belgo-yeast character and of course the generous handful of hops all surrounded by a well balanced malt backbone. The heat, its from the alcohol ... not the chili. Possibly the most enjoyable Vertical Epic from Stone I have had that was not cellared.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22oz brown bomber with an obvious vintage date.
LOOK: Garnet amber color, healthy looking head.
SMELL: Cinnamon stick, Anaheim chilies, golden raisins, candied fruit, toasted grain, boozy alcohol.
TASTE: Cinnamon, mild chili pepper, toasted bread, dusty powdered clove, banana taffy, medicinal phenols, clean alcohol, hop bitterness, treacle, chaotic finish.
Nearly a palate overload, thankfully I prepared for this beer and I guess I am a pro more or less so I can roll with the punches. Flavors come in waves, cinnamon and chili then the Belgo-yeast character and of course the generous handful of hops all surrounded by a well balanced malt backbone. The heat, its from the alcohol ... not the chili. Possibly the most enjoyable Vertical Epic from Stone I have had that was not cellared.
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4.2/5 rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Typical Stone Epic bomber.
Pours medium murky auburn, under a dense darker tan head, that stays a while, before going to a film, collar and low lying sheeting and fine lace.
Cinnamon bounces out of the glass and upon the nostrils, with a hint of mild chili also making itself heard.
Bold and over the top flavorful and complex brew, more cinnamon, Belgian yeasty phenols glaring, chili present but remaining on the calm side. The expected Stone hop load unmistakable in the finish. Smooth on the tongue and coating the entire mouth. I enjoyed every sip especially as it warmed.
Definitely will be picking up more bottles, it will be interesting to see what some time in the bottle adds to the mix.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Typical Stone Epic bomber.
Pours medium murky auburn, under a dense darker tan head, that stays a while, before going to a film, collar and low lying sheeting and fine lace.
Cinnamon bounces out of the glass and upon the nostrils, with a hint of mild chili also making itself heard.
Bold and over the top flavorful and complex brew, more cinnamon, Belgian yeasty phenols glaring, chili present but remaining on the calm side. The expected Stone hop load unmistakable in the finish. Smooth on the tongue and coating the entire mouth. I enjoyed every sip especially as it warmed.
Definitely will be picking up more bottles, it will be interesting to see what some time in the bottle adds to the mix.
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4/5 rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Square Burger in McKinney.
The beer pours a clear amber color with a large white head. The aroma has quite a bit of caramel and toffee, as well as a lot of green peppers and some assorted spices such as nutmeg.
The flavor is has a lot of cinnamon, peppers, toffee and Belgian yeast. All of the spices and peppers surprisingly work well together and make the beer enjoyable. There is also a touch of alcohol, but not as much as I expected.
Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Square Burger in McKinney.
The beer pours a clear amber color with a large white head. The aroma has quite a bit of caramel and toffee, as well as a lot of green peppers and some assorted spices such as nutmeg.
The flavor is has a lot of cinnamon, peppers, toffee and Belgian yeast. All of the spices and peppers surprisingly work well together and make the beer enjoyable. There is also a touch of alcohol, but not as much as I expected.
Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation.
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Stone 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale from Stone Brewing
3.74
out of 5
based on 1,529 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
First had: on tap at Teresa's, Wayne, PA
Served in a stem glass, a dark walnut brown, clear, but so dark as to almost seem opaque; capped with a small layer of wispy, off-white head. Aroma of roasty malts, bready yeast, and only a hint of peppers, that seemed more sweet than hot. I didn't really get any cinnamon in the aroma. Malty taste and very woody, nutty, with subtle cinnamon notes; mid-palate, the taste from the peppers finally revealed itself, but it was very tame, contributing much more flavor than actual heat, blending well with the other flavors, and making this beer overall more robust and less sweet. Biscuity finish with an earthy quality. Medium mouthfeel, and quite enjoyable.
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