Stone Belgo Anise Report, Spring 2012

I too have two bottles in the cellar and was wondering the same. I may crack it open midweek and will get back to you on that.

 

Funny you should bring this up. I found nearly a case worth at Cap N Cork in Fort Wayne, IN just this past weekend. NO idea how well it was kept or anything like that. (Top shelf in the back corner of the store)

I plan on giving one a try in the near future.

 

I had a 2011 two nights ago, took one sip and down the drain it went. Was expecting not to like it because I dont like Anise and grabbed it on accident thinking it was just the regular RIS. Well it didnt go down the drain because of the Anise, had a REALLY strong smoke smell and taste. I would describe the taste as what Beggin Strips dog treats smell like. I dont know if it was improper storage at the store I bought it because I had just purchased the 2011 last month.

 

Was wondering the same thing actually. I was one of the few that actually liked this beer fresh. Kinda wish I had another one to try it again. Was looking for a new one this year but I haven't seen it yet. Anyone know if they are even doing it again this year?

 

i didn't see any info on it on beer news assuming, it was a one of release.

 

Next year. Odd beers for Odd years. It might not even be anise next year though. Personally I really enjoyed the Belgo Anise as well; but looking forward to whatever they come up with next year for OG and IRS.

 

This beer was a mess...the only Stone beer i've drain poured... I don't think age can help this one, but Godspeed to those who still have a few!

 

Wow, really! I have 6 now, bummer!

 

I personally wasn't a fan either. To me, there was a black licorice flavor present (last year's release), which I'm not into (just me, not slamming this beer : D).

 

I've got one, and it was cellared at the package store until a few weeks ago.. I'm cellaring it now, hope I can enjoy it... not sure if I will agree with it either.

 

Not a fan at all smoked licorice and over cooked bacon greese, an acquired taste for sure. To each his own.

 

Part of me wonders how age could possibly make this better. The other part wonders how it could possibly get worse.

 

OK, is there anyone who LIKED it (i.e. likes anise) and has tried it aged? Obviously if you don't like the style/flavor, you're not going to like it aged.

If there's nobody with a useful opinion, I might have to open one of mine...

 

I bought 6 bottles when it was released and tried one fresh, one at 6 months and one at a year.

I do like the flavor of anise so I did enjoyed it fresh though something weird happened to it at 6 months. It just tasted like a mess.

However, at one year the anise seems to have faded some and the belgian yeast seemed to me to be the dominant flavor. Certainly a lot better than at 6 months. Would rather just have regular Stone IRS over the Belgo version anyday, but the Belgo is good (not great). Gonna try another bottle next year and see if anything interesting happens.