Stone - Southern Charred (2014 series)

2013 Southern Charred:

• 2012 Double Bastard
• 51% of the blend in Kentucky bourbon barrels for 10 months
• 8% of the blend in charred American Oak barrels for 10 months
• 41% of the blend in second-use Kentucky bourbon barrels for 13 months

2014 Southern Charred:

• 2014 Double Bastard
• 100% barrel aged in first-use Kentucky bourbon barrels for 5 months

So the first release was aged in 3 different barrels and blended together, while the current release is aged in a single barrel for much less time.

Also, the label on the current release states:

"Distinctly and deliciously different than last year's edition..."

With all of these factors, I think that it's easy to see why there needs to be a new listing.

 

Found it at a wine mart that also has decent beer selection but poor prices.
18.99 and I passed on it. I would rather buy another bastard box

 

I got my first Southern Charred as an extra from a generous BA in California and it beat out all the other bottles from that box. I´ve since made 2 more trades just to feed my addiction for this beer, my favorite from 2013/2014. Just when I thought I was over it, now they go and make more, I´m doomed or damned. I should probably move across the Atlantic.....unless they make some in Berlin?/

 

I thought this was a one-off. I'm over joyed they're bringing it back. I'm going to try and grab an extra bottle so I can start building a vertical.

 

Does anyone who's had both have thoughts on 2014 vs. 2013?

 

The bastard in the rye and southern charred at fobab were 2014 bottles.

 

Dammit! I was looking forward to dropping a bill + on several of these. F!

 

Two bottles in hand, this is a must have. One for now, one for the cellar.

 

When the Stone Company Store sells it for $26, I'd say $19 is a pretty good deal.

 

Had the 2014 a few nights ago and the 2013 tonight, so admittedly not a completely fair comparison in more ways than one. However, I thought the 2014 was significantly better. Not that 2013 isn't a great beer, but 2014 just shined. Despite the reduced barrel time, the 2014 character was better in and of itself, and also complimented the base beer better.

I recently loved Uncle Jacob's Stout too, even in comparison to it's peers, so maybe I'm just a sucker for first use barrels? Bottom line, both are great beers, but I'll take the 2014 every day.

 

Hmmm, i see the value. though don't a lot of brews change the formula? It's a slippery edge on when the brewery calls it a new beer and when we the consumers do. Given the above I think your call is right and Stone should have changed the name, but stone didn't so it's again a question to be had.

Thank you for the response, I appericate it!

 

BIG stouts seem to need more time in the barrel. I'm not sure that's the case for all beers. Cheers!