Stone Vertical Epic 08.08.08 Returns

Discussion in 'Beer Releases' started by elektrikjester, Sep 21, 2015.

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  1. elektrikjester

    elektrikjester Initiate (0) Nov 15, 2008 Georgia

    Apparently, Stone has re-released Vertical Epic 08.08.08. Ale Yeah! in ATL reported receiving it today. Definitely a quiet return for this venerable beer.

    Here's some more information courtesy of a BSJ article:

    "Stone 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale could see the light of day again soon. The Escondido, California brewery is celebrating the 20 year mark with 20th Anniversary Encore Series.

    The Vertical Epic Series was an 11 beer series that ending in 2012. The entire series was meant to be cellared until 12.12.12, and drank shortly after. This month, Stone marks their 19th birthday with their usual festival, and Stone Thunderstruck IPA. Later this year, it looks like an Encore Series will bring a host of throwback beers, including Stone Vertical Epic 08.08.08.

    Stone chose to bring this beer back out of nostalgia for their “Summer of the Triple” which arose after an extensive trip through Belgium.

    Ah, 2008, We remember it well. ’Twas a year of Belgophila for us… especially Stone Brewmasters Steve Wagner and Mitch Steele. That year, they embarked on a tour of Belgium, sampled numerous ales and became inspired by the beery country’s overall magnificence. It’s a big reason 2008’s summer season came to be know as Ston’e “Summer of the Triple.” Upon their return, they churned out AleSmith/Mikkeller/Stone Belgian Style Triple Ale and a batch of our special Sawyer’s Triple (a charity beer benefitting Fight ALD, crafted in honor of our dear friend Sawyer Sherwood). Those ales were brewed in the style of Belgian triples, pale ales and IPAs. Beers that hand taken a cue from the U.S. craft brewing movement and inspired us to return. The 7th beer in the 11-beer Stone Vertical Epic Ale series was the result. Packed with floral, spicy essence from Belgian yeast plus plenty of hoppy New World character, it was impressive enough to pave the way for our West Coast/Belgian hybrid, Stoen Cali-Belgiue IPA, which debuted during that Summer of the Triple and remains a staple in our portfolio to this day.

    The Stone 20th Anniversary Encore Series kicks off in late 2015, and runs through 2016. Stone Vertical Epic 08.08.08 will be a draft, and 22 ounce bottle offering.

    The brewery has not yet announced this offering (again)."
     
    #1 elektrikjester, Sep 21, 2015
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  2. rather

    rather Initiate (0) May 31, 2013 California

    another ipa from stone, oh wait
     
    #2 rather, Sep 21, 2015
  3. jageraholic

    jageraholic Pooh-Bah (1,632) Sep 16, 2009 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Anyone have this beer fresh? When I had it, it was part of the vertical epic and was 4 years old. Interesting choice in bringing this specific year back.
     
    #3 jageraholic, Sep 21, 2015
  4. NeroFiddled

    NeroFiddled Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,276) Jul 8, 2002 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I've had the 08.08.08... don't particularly remember it.

    BUT, if they're going to re-do one of the Vertical Epics why not go totally EPIC and create the 01.01.01 that never happened!!!!!!!!!!
     
    #4 NeroFiddled, Sep 21, 2015
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  5. Phil-Fresh

    Phil-Fresh Initiate (0) Feb 19, 2015 California

    I’ve had the beer fresh and it was delicious, one of the better Vertical Epic offerings. However, since there are so many new hop varieties now compared to when this beer was released (2008) that it may make sense to update the recipe's hops. I know I'd be tempted to update it!
     
    #5 Phil-Fresh, Sep 22, 2015
  6. caplone

    caplone Initiate (0) Jun 23, 2010 California

    I had them both side by side last weekend, and the opinion from all tasting was that the cellared one was more complex.
     
    #6 caplone, Sep 23, 2015
  7. hophugger

    hophugger Grand Pooh-Bah (3,434) Mar 5, 2014 Virginia
    Pooh-Bah

    Worth a try...I know, I know, lots of IPAS, but.........if you don't like them, don't drink them..
     
    #7 hophugger, Sep 23, 2015
  8. gillagorilla

    gillagorilla Pooh-Bah (2,691) Feb 27, 2013 Maryland
    Pooh-Bah

    Had it, but that was during a vertical of this that was the capstone to a bottleshare. Couldn't tell ya what it tasted like.
     
    #8 gillagorilla, Sep 27, 2015
  9. Patches826

    Patches826 Pooh-Bah (2,479) Aug 28, 2013 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Oh boy, I was just told what the next beer to be revived is. Some of you are gonna lose your shit.
     
    #9 Patches826, Sep 27, 2015
    StoneBrewing likes this.
  10. Dunkelganger4

    Dunkelganger4 Initiate (0) Nov 19, 2011 Colorado

    it's already on the shelves in Colorado
     
    #10 Dunkelganger4, Sep 27, 2015
  11. Pahn

    Pahn Initiate (0) Dec 2, 2009 New York

    wasn't a huge fan of 08.08.08, except when it was barrel aged at later stone events.

    wish they were bringing back 09.09.09. i drank like 2 cases of that fucker and never got tired of it. i mean come on:

    looking back at my review, i clearly should have rereviewed it. "doubt i'll drink another bottle before 2012". try "you will be overwhelmed by The Thirst and pick up 2 bottles every time you hit a beer store, you smug fuck."
     
    #11 Pahn, Sep 27, 2015
  12. Billolick

    Billolick Grand Pooh-Bah (5,559) Dec 20, 2003 New York
    Society Pooh-Bah

    10-10-10 I recall being truly "Epic"
     
    #12 Billolick, Sep 27, 2015
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