Stone Xocoveza

Nothing yet up north. I've been asking for weeks and I'm met with a blank stare like most of my requests, so I crossed the border into Michigan where I bought three six packs. I find Indiana distribution less than desirable and do most of my shopping in neighboring states. Good luck in your search!

 

But the hype adds that extra layer to the beer that pulls all of the ingredients together, things like butt-hurt flavor from people who can't get it and the feeling of superiority over that individual. Some of those flavors are lost now that it's more readily available.

 

Was able to get a case at Target in Chicago for 8.99/six pack.

Pretty sure someone screwed up, but it said "Stone Six Packs -8.99", and I wasn't about to question it.

 

Oh damn. Almost as good as when I found lady years in the $1 bottle box in early May. Bought every bottle they had.

I'd take it for $9 a pack easy.

 

I missed this last year, but after having it this year I am not that impressed, it was solid but nothing too exciting. I've read that people feel this year's isn't as good as last years, though.

 

I've never felt my palate was sophisticated enough to detect possible small changes in beers from year to year. But I'm not enjoying this year's batch nearly as much as last year's. It feels like some of the sweetness is gone, and I'm almost getting a black pepper taste instead of whatever peppers they actually use to add a bit of heat on the finish. Maybe its just my taste preferences are evolving. Whatever the case, i'm sticking to just the one six pack I already got instead of the case I bought last year.

 

This year is a bit spicier.

 

Honestly I felt the opposite, to this year's detriment.

Did a side-by-side last night, and last year's was way spicier. Obviously that could partially be an effect of the aging (chocolate and coffee probably fall off quicker than the pepper) but the difference was striking, and since I like my spiced stouts spicy, I preferred the '15

 

I've still got a sixer from last year left and will do a side by side shortly, but for the most part, it's the same beer I remember.

It's also the most perfect beer to blend with bourbon county.

 

Truly shows have flavors are different for different people. I didn't do a side by side. But did them on back to back days. The 16 had noticeable heat and I know my 15 (I'd been drinking a lot of it) was really mellow and low heat.