My two longtime buddies and I attended the Stone Brewing Co's Vertical Epic Final Chapter event on 12.12.12. The three of us have been interested in this project since we were awakened to the San Diego Beer scene around 2007. The idea behind it was so clever that we immediately got hooked. So we made sure every year to buy a few bottles so that we could enjoy some fresh and put some away. We don't have the entire collection, so we knew that come 12.12.12 Stone will have an event with them all.
When the announcement of the event was made months ago, I asked Dan and PJ about attending. No Response. Then just a few weeks ago, I asked again. No Response. And then an email pops into my inbox with PJ's receipt. Well, I guess I know what the wife is getting me for Christmas. Our big hesitation came because of the price tag - $150. This is steep and afterwards still not sure it's worth the price, but I had one of my better beer experiences ever.
We arrived around 3 (the earliest I could get off work since 12.12.12 conveniently landed on a Wednesday) to a pretty relaxed atmosphere especially for the Stone World Bistro. This place has really erupted in the past years and is always packed. The three of us were trying to decide the order of our Epic tasting, I took the initiative and asked the expert. I twated
Dr. Bill, the Beverage Supervisor at Stone Brewing, for his opinion - "Oldest first, while your palate is the freshest". So that was our technique, but I heard others do it by the food pairing options (appetizer, main course, dessert).
Lets get right into each course and our commentary:
Stone 02.02.02 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Quince, Granny Smith Apple and Cherry Crisp
Stone 03.03.03 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Truffled Deviled Egg
Stone 04.04.04 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Milk Chocolate Mousse
Stone 05.05.05 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Duck Confit PB&J
Stone 06.06.06 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Milk Chocolate Truffle
Stone 07.07.07 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Mashed Potato Pierogi
Stone 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Traditional Lobster Roll
Stone 09.09.09 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Braised Short Rib
Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Pleasant Ridge Reserve Cheese
Stone 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Pork Crepinette
Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic Ale - Tasting Notes
Paired with Spicy Quail Knot
Stone Vertical Epic Ale - Cask and Wine Versions - Tasting Notes
The cask version of a few of the beers really missed the mark for me. I just don't think that Belgian style beers work with the lower carbonation levels. The complex flavors got muddled and the perception of dryness was gone.
However, the wine barrel aged versions were my favorite of the night. The oak flavors were present, but I don't think they over powered. I declared at dinner that I might just need to oak age all my beers from now on. These were just the beers needed to cap off a great night.
It was a fun experience and I'm looking forward to trying the bottle versions at a tasting in the coming months.
Such a great night, one of my favorite experiences ever.
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