StoneWall Ale

Beer as life marker. Received my bottle upon initial release. Had my dogs names put on the bottle. The oldest was put down this past Thursday. At the time of release, I was working for the man and hating it . . . I’ve since made a series of decisions that led to me working for myself. This beer sat in my fridge while time passed and life changed . . . and when the bottle was opened it was good, really good. Deep, thick texture and golden belgium yeasty goodness. 1 of a kind; never to repeat. I like it that way.

Sampled in 9/09 at Dr. Bill’s shindig at the falling rock, GABF 2009: Pours amber and has a thin ring of suds. THe nose smelled of orange-raped molassis. Candy is the flavor profile here...and it’s mellow, aged, and tasty in a flufy, soft subtle way.If only this were a vertical epic we’d have 1 less vertical epic to taste like shit in 2012.

Bomber courtesy of s generous West Coaster. Pours mahogany and hazy with some spotty white carbonation. Smells of caramel, dark fruit, cognac, spicy, earthy. Tastes sweet with a nice underlying peppery bite. As the beer warms, some fruity elements emerge. Complex and enjoyable.

"An incredible Barleywine style ale from Stone...a special release we were lucky enough to get a taste of. Dark and malty, raisiny sweet in the best way, with enough hops to balance, but that’s it. Great beer!"

3 L Bottle personally poured by Greg Koch at the 2009 Stone Winter Storm (01/25/09). Poured a cloudy orange brown. Lots of sweet caramel malt to the nose. Flavors were liquid caramel with some nice honey and toffee tones. Mouth was one of the smoothest I can remember with a nice bitterness to it. Probably the best of the day! Of course it never hurts to sample it with the CEO of the best brewery! Would love to have this again!

22oz bottle. thanks to mark for letting one of these go!.... cloudy orange caramel reddish brown pour with a circular film of light tan head and still holding lots of life.... aroma of boozy honey and toffee, sweet malt. very smooth.... sweet caramel and sugary flavors up front and then turns pretty dry. quite drinkable, nice full mouthfeel, and just a touch of bitterness in the finish.

22oz bottle. another massive thanks to pantanap for once again sharing a brew I never thought I’d get a chance to try. pours glowing amber with off white head. cotton candy sweet aroma with some cheese, and tobacco. flavors of plum, cotton candy, cherry, tobacco, and a very dry alcohol finish that leaves the palate clean and very dry. full and sticky body. this could probably use a few more years. thanks Kan!

Bottle at Bistro. Deep golden in color with a littlel head. Caramel malty and citrusy aroma. Caramel and piney hoppy flavor. Grapefruit notes. Sweet tasting. Finish is bitter. Well balanced. Very drinkable.