2012 Stone Brewing IRS = Amazing

If Stone had an event that they sold tickets to online, released this beer brewery only in waxed bottles at triple its price and in limited quantities, IRS would be the no. 6 beer on the top ten list.

 

As cavedave said, this beer is seriously underrated (and it's not exactly rated low). It does, indeed, age well. I've done up to 5 year verts with this. In my experience, it starts to hit it's stride after about 8-12 months. It's not bad fresh, but a little brash and hot. This works well, though, since an April release means it's getting good come Winter. No need to stop there, though, as it keeps improving until about 3 years. After that it starts to fall off. So yeah, 2012 is drinking pretty awesome, but if you want a real treat, track down a 2011 or a 2010!

 

Stone IRS 2010 is definitely a treat.

 

I'm sitting on a couple 2012's right now. I think I'll wait another year. Thanks for the updates!

 

I haven't tried IRS with more than a year on it, but last year did a side by side with 2012 and 2011 and got the same results the year old bottle had great chocolate flavors and was very good. I actually enjoyed so much more with a year one it the I haven't had a fresh 2013 and every bottle I buy goes straight to the cellar.

 

Drank an 08 a few months back very stellar brew for sure.

 

I've had an 08 and 09 that were done of the best imp stouts I've had. 07 wasn't shabby either but was starting to get a bit oxidized. Either way, it'll easily sit for 5 years.

 

Visited Stone back in February and had an '06...Have to agree with afrokaze. IMO, 5-6 years is probably the max for these guys. I think it started to lose some flavor but still great and glad I bought it. If you got 06-07, you should crack 'em open!

 

This is true of so many beers. Unfortunately too many breweries have... what's it called again? Ah, yes. Integrity.