December 24 - Stone's Vertical Epic

This is our last beer in the 24 Days of Beer.  I hope all of you have enjoyed our beer journey together and enjoy our "Epic" last beer.  MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Why we picked it:  We wanted to buy a unique beer for Christmas Eve.  We liked the story and how it is only made once a year.  It's also larger, at 22 ounces. 

About Stone's Vertical Epic:  The tenth in an "epic" series. 

As with any good epic, herein lies the promise of larger-than-life experiences, heroics and twists & turns as the adventure unfolds. This bottle-conditioned ale is chapter 10, and is specifically designed to be aged until sometime after December 12th, 2012. Provided you can wait that long. At that time, enjoy it in a "vertical" tasting along with it's ten Stone Vertical Epic Ale brethren. Each one unique to it's year of release. Each with its own "twist & turn" in the plotline. Each one released one year, one month and one day from the previous year's edition.

To remind you, the release dates are:  02.02.02  03.03.03  04.04.04  05.05.05  06.06.06  07.07.07  08.08.08  09.09.09  10.10.10  11.11.11  12.12.12

This year's Stone Vertical Epic Ale might justifiably be considered the non sequitur edition.  We somehow came to the conclusion that adding Anaheim chilies from New Mexico's Hatch Valley, plus whole cinnamon sticks, to an amber-hued brew fermented with Belgiun Flanders Golden Ale yeast (which provides fairly intense character with lots of clove and banana overtones) would create a very tasty result.  And we believe it does!  The Anaheim chili is known for it's rich flavor more than endorphine-inducing heat, and the cinnamon adds a nice twist...part of the promise behind the Vertical Epic Ale series itself.  As with any epic, remember that it is not just the destination, but the journey!

ABV: 9.4%

Case Cost: $180 (yes, $180!  They are $9 for a single beer)

December 23 - Bell's Christmas Ale

Why we picked it:  It's a Christmas beer and we like Bell's beers...and Katy liked the Christmas tree on the front.

About Bell's Christmas Ale:  The basic inspiration for Bell's Christmas Ale was to create a sessionable holiday beer, using locally grown malt, which would stand apart from the array of spiced winter warmers that are typically introduced this time of year. In contrast to many other seasonals, Christmas Ale doesn't contain any spices: all of the dry, toasted notes & subtle toffee flavors come from the 100% Michigan-grown barley, custom malted by Briess Malting, while a blend of hops from Michigan & the Pacific Northwest lend earthy, herbal aromas. At 5.5% ABV, it stands as a smooth, highly drinkable beer intended to complement holiday menus, not overshadow them.

ABV: 5.5%

Case Cost: $35

December 22 - Sierra Nevada's Celebration

Why we picked it:  Recommended by Norm

About Sierra Nevada's Celebration:  The long, cold nights of winter are a little brighter with Celebration Ale. Wonderfully robust and rich, Celebration Ale is dry-hopped for a lively, intense aroma. Brewed especially for the holidays, it is perfect for a festive gathering or for a quiet evening at home.

GOLD MEDAL WINNER
United States Beer Tasting Championship (IPA: 1994)

FIRST PLACE
Chicago Beer Society — 1996 Fall Beer Tasting

SILVER MEDAL WINNER
California State Fair (IPA: 1999)
Great American Beer Festival (IPA: 2002)

ABV: 6.8%

Case Cost: $32

December 21 - Anderson Valley's Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale

Why we picked it:  How could we not drink a beer named Winter Solstice on the actual winter solstice? 

About Anderson Valley's Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale:  The holidays are a special time in Anderson Valley. The days are darker, weather colder, and foods richer. And Anderson Valley’s Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is perfect for this time of year. Deep amber in color, with an inviting aroma of spice and nutmeg, it was made for the turkeys, cranberries, hams, and yams of the holidays. Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale evokes a crackling fire, drifting snow, and smells of home. A hint of spice and hop bite to balance out the creamy and smooth mouthfeel, and medium sweetness.

As with all of our products, Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized.

ABV: 6.9%

Case Cost: $39

December 20 - Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

Why we picked it:  Total wine rated it a 97 out of 100  

About Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier:  The oldest existing brewery in the world, The Bavarian State Brewery, Weihenstephan, dates back to the year 1040. Internationally recognized as a site for brewing science and education, Weihenstephan combines tradition and craft to produce high-quality premium brews.

Nothing refreshes more than this naturally cloudy weissbeer with its wondefully rich yeasty taste.  Goes very well with light meals, which are not too strongly flavoured - veal sausage in particular.

ABV: 5.4%

Case Cost: $35

December 19 - Salzburger's Stiegl Beer

Why we picked it: Liked the name and recommended by Norm. 

About Salzburger's Stiegl Beer:  The path to success leads up ‘The Red Staircase’.The private Salzburg brewery combines tradition and innovation, forming a concept for success that makes Stiegl the strongest beer brand in Austria. The “beer with the red staircase” is an unmistakable symbol in Austria for “the art of brewing at the highest level.” Since 1998, Austria’s leading private brewery has consistently borne the conspicuous and unique brand logo. This means that the symbol of the Stiegl brewery can now be found everywhere, in circulars, TV ads, promotions, on glasses, advertising materials, and even on the furnishings in our house restaurants and shops. Stiegl is the largest private brewery in Austria, and is counted among the most successful companies in the country. The secret of this success: Top quality raw materials and production process, Europe’s most modern brewing technologies, innovative variety of products, motivated employees, commitment to tradition, economic sustainability, down to earth quality and the flexible decision-making structures of a family business.

An elegant, refined beer with a pleasant hop bitterness. Lighter kiln-dried malt gives Stiegl Pilsner a light golden colour. With a marvellous bouquet of the finest Saaz hops, a characteristic bitterness and liveliness, it’s a favourite of beer connoisseurs who love a delicate hop note and fine, aromatic flavour.

Since 1492. Imported Goldbrau Premium Lager Beer. Brewed and bottled by the Stiegl Brewery Salzburg, Austria. Brewed from malts, hops, yeast, mountain spring water according to the “Purity Laws of 1516″.

ABV:  4.9%

Case Cost: $34

December 18 - Terrapin's Rye Pale Ale

Why we picked it:  It's by Terrapin and Dave Johnson is a University of Maryland alum, so if this one sucks, it's Dave's fault.

About Terrapin's Rye Pale Ale:  By using an exact amount of rye, a grain seldom found in other micro brewed beers, the Rye Pale Ale acquires its signature taste. Made with five varieties of hops and a generous amount of specialty malts, it offers a complex flavor and aroma that is both aggressive and well balanced – a rare find among beers.

The Terrapin Rye Pale Ale was released in Athens, GA in April of 2002 at the Classic City Brew Fest. Six months later this beer which was sold only in Athens was awarded the American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival, the most prestigious competition in North America. We hope you will agree with our peers in the brewing industry that this is truly one of the best pale ales in the country.

Food: This beer cries out for spicy foods to match it’s hoppy flavors…jerk chicken to shrimp and grits.

ABV:  5.5%

Case Cost: $32

December 17 - New Belgium's Snow Day Winter Ale

Why we picked it:  Thought the name "Snow Day" goes with our holiday theme.

About New Belgium's Snow Day Winter Ale:  In 2003, we had a massive 37-inch snowstorm over two days in Fort Collins. Everything shut down for a couple days – no work, no school, no cars. The only way you could get around was by ski or toboggan. When we began brewing Snow Day, we looked to this one storm for inspiration. The dark characters of the malt bill reflect the dark stormy sky at the beginning of the snowfall. But on the third day, the sun broke through and everything was glorious! The name Snow Day evoked joyful freedom. Everyone remembers waiting for the school report as little kids. When you heard your school was closed, you suddenly had all day to play in the transformed, white landscape. Well, that’s the kind of emotion we put into this beer.

Pleasantly hoppy, Snow Day carries the subtle chocolate and caramel flavors of a new brewing malt known as Midnight Wheat. The Styrian Golding, Centennial and Cascade hops bring the backbone of hoppy bitterness to complement the roasty undertones. This beer is the deep garnet of a roasted walnut and presents a creamy tan head, floating artfully atop. Snow Day is bold and hoppy, drinkable and strong.  It reminds you to enjoy the unexpected

Serve at 37° F

ABV:  6.2%

Case Cost: $35

December 16 - Franziskaner Weissbier

Why we picked it: Liked the name and the Franciscan friar on the front.

About Franziskaner Weissbier:  From the moment you pour the beer, your nose is greeted with a welcome scent of orange peel and coriander, which is a wheat beer’s magic at work.

The word Naturtrüb appears on the label, which probably doesn’t mean a lot to many of you. It’s German for unfiltered, which explains the cloudiness you’ll see as you pour it into your stein. The Germans prefer a tall glass for this beer, so plenty of head can develop plenty on top and you can enjoy its golden color, yeast sediment and all.

The flavors are fruity, with a touch of citrus, especially orange, mixed with spice, such as clove beyond the coriander. There’s a touch of other tropical fruits, such as banana. But what’s also noticeable is how smooth this medium-bodied hefeweizen goes down and how clean the finish is. Don’t expect too many hops or too much bitterness.

Some serve this with a slice of orange to complement that orange peel quality; others think that’s sacrilege and far too sweet. Do what you like. Just enjoy it.

ABV:  5.0%

Case Cost: $32

December 15 - Kingfisher Premium Lager Beer

Why we picked it: Liked the name.

About  Kingfisher Premium Lager Beer:  The World's No.1 Selling Indian Beer!

Kingfisher Premium Lager is a conventionally fermented beer, with a perfect balance of flavor congenors. It is brewed to the highest international standards, from the finest quality malted barley and hops.

Kingfisher Premium Lager has won numerous international awards for its excellence & exceptional quality.

Kingfisher Premium Lager is available in over 55 countries. In England, Kingfisher Premium is the lager of choice at the over 7000 Indian restaurants. It is also available at stores such as Sainsbury's & Safeway. In the US, Kingfisher is the largest selling lager in Indian restaurants nation-wide!

Kingfisher Premium Lager enhances the taste sensation of many foods - From the savory spiciness of Indian cuisine, to the wholesome taste of steaks, burgers, hot dogs, pizza & pasta!

ABV: 4.8%

Case Cost: $32

December 14 - Allagash Tripel Ale

Why we picked it: Received a 92 out of 100 rating from Total Wine.

About Allagash Tripel Ale: This strong golden ale is marked by passion fruit and herbal notes in the aroma, with suggestions of banana and honey in the complex palate. The Tripel has a remarkably long and smooth finish.

Description: Strong Golden Ale

Profile: Honey, Passionfruit, Herbal

Serving Temperature: 40°-50°F

Food Pairings:  Crab Cakes, Stilton, Fresh Fruit

ABV: 9.0%

Case Cost: $53

December 13 - Bitburger Premium Beer

Why we picked it:  Liked the name.

About Bitburger Premium Beer:  Bitburger guarantees premium quality and enjoyment. Drawing on almost 200 years of expertise, the full-bodied, light Bitburger Premium Beer is of course brewed according to the German Purity Law. Its popular, dry-finished, hoppy taste has secured Bitburger Premium Beer its position as Germany’s no. 1 draught beer.

ABV: 4.8%

Case Cost: $24

December 12 - Boddington's Pub Ale

Why we picked it:   Received a 94 out of 100 rating from Total Wine.

About Boddington's Pub Ale:  Boddingtons has been enjoyed by beer drinkers in England for more than 200 years, and is well known for its creamy head and smooth body. It is now sold in over 30 countries worldwide and can be drunk on tap in places as far afield as New Zealand and Hong Kong.

Boddingtons is a refreshing, smooth beer renowned for its golden colour, full-bodied flavour and malty, moreish taste with smooth, tight creamy head.

ABV:  4.7%

Case Cost:   $40

December 11 - Orkney Brewery's Skull Splitter

Happy Birthday Mark Bolter and Dave Johnson

Why we picked it:  Liked the name. 

About Orkney Brewery's Skull Splitter:  Skull Splitter is our strongest ale: which is named after Thorfinn Einarsson who was the 7th Viking Earl of Orkney. Sophisticated, satiny smooth with a deceptively light character, it is a tribute to our colourful forbear.

On the nose, this strong beer has a fruity malt character, with hints of dark fruit, spicy hop, dates and figs.

On the palate, rich and complex with sweet toasted malt, molasses, fresh and dried fruit and hints of warming spices.

Appearance:  A crystal-clear, rich tawny-red colour beer; a tight, smooth head with hints of red and amber colour

Aroma:  Juicy, almost fruity malt character, together with a medley of fresh and dried fruits, dates and figs, hints of ginger and cinnamon spice, hints of vanilla

Palate:  A rich, fruity, wine-like complexity on the palate includes fresh and dried fruits, warm exotic spices, and light summer citrus fruits

Key Ingredients:  Very best pale ale malt – and plenty of it – together with crystal and chocolate malts provide a rich, fruity backbone which is perfectly balanced by the spicy herbal character of East Kent Goldings hops

ABV:  8.5%

Case Cost: $50

December 10 - Troegs The Mad Elf Ale

Happy Birthday Tony

Why we picked it:  Liked the name. 

About Troegs The Mad Elf Ale:  The Mad Elf, a cheerful creation to warm your heart and enlighten your tongue. The combination of Cherries, Honey, and Chocolate Malts delivers gentle fruits and subtle spices. Fermented and aged with a unique yeast, this ruby red beer has significant warming strength that underlies the pleasant character of this intriguing yet delicious Ale. The Mad Elf, a jolly and delicious beer for the Holidays.

ABV:  11%

Case Cost: $53

December 9 - Hofbrau's Dunkel

Why we picked it: Received a 97 out of 100 rating from Total Wine.

About Hofbrau's Dunkel:  Dark beer existed in Bavaria long before light beer. This was the first type of beer to be brewed at Hofbräuhaus when it was founded. Today, when beer-lovers all over the world talk about dark beer, they usually mean a Munich style beer.

Today, Hofbräu Dunkel - the archetypal Bavarian beer - is still as popular as ever. With an alcohol content of around 5.5% by volume and a subtle spicy and rich flavor, this is a refreshing beer that suits all kinds of occasions. A beer in the traditional Munich style!

Type: Bottom-fermented, dark "Münchner Bier

ABV: 5.5%

Case Cost: $32

December 8 - Affligem's Blond Ale

Happy Birthday Phil (Bob) Evans

Why we picked it:  Katy liked the name.

About Affligem's Blond Ale:  Affligem Blonde, the classic clear blonde abbey ale, with a gentle roundness and a 6.8 alcohol percentage.  Low on bitterness, it is eminently drinkable.

The Pour:  Serve Affligem at cellar temp (44-48 F) Pour slowly into a wide mouthed glass careful to leave the yeast in the bottle. If you prefer a nuttier taste feel free to pour the yeast into the glass.

About the Brewery:  Founded in 1074 by Benedictine monks, Affligem is a high quality, well-balanced genuine Belgian abbey beer. Affligem takes its name from the abbey in which it originally was brewed. Affligem is the oldest abbey in Flanders. Benedictine monks live according to the rules of St. Benedict, which meant that the monks had to be completely self-sustaining within the abbey walls. So in addition to brewing beer, the monks also farmed and harvested their own dairy prodimages. Artifacts indicate the abbey was brewing beer for pilgrims as early as 1129. Eight centuries later, a Friar, by the name of Tobias, married the traditional Affligem recipe with modern techniques. He called the result "Formula Antiqua Renovata".

Following the Friar's rules, only all-natural ingredients are used: artesian well water and hops and malt from the Abbey's own fields. A fine dosage of yeast lets Affligem mature and mellow in the bottle. The result is a true "Belgian Burgundy" - the perfect beer to sip and enjoy slowly. Belgium's abbey ales are known as "the Burgundies of Belgium" because of their intense flavor.

ABV:  6.8%

Case Cost:  $46

December 7 - Lagunitas A Little Sumpin Sumpin Ale

Why we picked it:  Just because of it's name.

About A Little Sumpin Sumpin Ale:  Sneaky Smooth with a Touch of What We Call Wheatly-esque-ish-ness. Crispy Wheat and Pale Malt flavors with a Big Round & Juicy Hop Finish. Everyone Needs A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Sometimes.

ABV:  7.5%

Case Cost:  $35

December 6 - Founder's Dirty Bastard Scotch Style Ale

Why we picked it:  We chose this beer on name alone.

About Founder's Dirty Bastard:  So good it's almost wrong. Dark ruby in color and brewed with seven varieties of imported malts. Complex in finish, with hints of smoke and peat, paired with a malty richness and a right hook of hop power to give it the bad attitude that a beer named Dirty Bastard has to live up to. Ain't for the wee lads.

ABV:  8.5%

Case Cost:  $35

December 5 - Smuttynose's Robust Porter

Why we picked it:  Received a 94 out of 100 rating from Total Wine.  Received an A rating from BeerAdvocate.com

About Smuttynose Robust Porter: 

GOLD MEDAL WINNER - Porter , 2001 Great American Beer Festival

JUDGED GRAND CHAMPION - Best Porter in the USA - 10th Annual US Beer Tasting Championship

GOLD MEDAL WINNER - 2010 Mondial de la Biere, Strasbourg, France

This hearty, mahogany colored ale is brewed to evoke the dark, full-bodied ales that were a favorite of dockworkers and warehousemen (hence the name “Porter”) in 19th century London. It is a good bet that when Dickens’ Mr. Pickwick sat down for a pint, we would have been drinking an ale much like our Robust Porter.This is a smooth and very drinkable beer, characterized by its well-balanced malt and hops, plus subtle notes of coffee and chocolate.

“Full-bodied and malty with undertones of coffee and chocolate and a bright, hoppy finish, in style it’s like Cary Grant's accent: the best of British and American.” - The Boston Globe, November, 2005

ABV:  5.7%

Case Cost:  $35

December 4 - Southern Tier's Old Man Winter Ale

Why we picked it:  Norm from Norm's Beers recommended it.

About Southern Tier's Old Man Winter Ale:  With the onset of winter, the brewer’s mind turns to providing warmth. For our winter seasonal, we offer a rich and complex amalgam of hops and barley that will put the feeling back in your toes and lift your spirits above the snow. OMW throws a deep and inviting hue with a thickness that clings to the glass and the warmth of an open flame. Because of its high alcohol content, Old Man is a heady brew that encourages sipping and pondering its essential richness. Drink it fresh now, or cellar a few bottles to see how this old man becomes wiser with age.

ABV:  7.7%

Case Cost:  $30

December 3 - Hofbräu Hefe Weizen

Why we picked it:  Received a 95 out of 100 rating from Total Wine. 

About Hofbrau Hefe Weizen:  Hofbräu Hefe Weizen is a really special kind of beer. Characterized by its sparkling rich foam and naturally by its unforgettable refreshing and fruity taste. It is brewed according to an ancient tradition. Savor the pure, refreshing enjoyment!

ABV:  5.1%

Case Cost:  $32

December 2 - Belhaven's Scottish Ale

Why we picked it: 90 out of 100 rating from Total Wine.

About Belhaven's Scottish Ale:  Malty and hoppy, we at Belhaven love the classic Scottish Ale and we've been brewing it longer than any of the other beers we produce. Delivering a sweet, smooth and creamy finish, Scottish Ale has a stunning ruby colour in the glass. Magic.

ABV:  5.2%

Case Cost:  $46

December 1 - Hoegaarden

Why we picked it:  96 out of 100 rating from Total Wine.

About Hoegaarden: The original wheat beer is the oldest and most famous of Hoegaarden’s range. When poured, it forms a soft, white creamy head and leaves a generous lacing on the glass. Its naturally cloudy, pale hue shimmers when viewed through the glass.

With an aroma of orange peel, coriander and spice, its characteristic taste is entirely unique: smooth, light-bodied, and simultaneously sweet and sour, with a subtle, spiced citrus flavour. Best served in its traditional hexagonal glass.


The Pour: There is a specific way to pour a Hoegaarden that maximises both the aroma and the taste experience.

When pouring from the bottle, the hexagonal glass should first be rinsed and, ideally, laid in ice to ensure it is perfectly chilled.

When ready, tilt the glass to a 45-degree angle and pour two-thirds of the bottle. The bottle should then be swirled as this awakens the head of the beer and enlivens the yeast that may have settled during storage.

Stand the glass in an upright position, and twist the bottle around as you pour out the remaining beer to create a thick head of creamy foam.

ABV:  4.9%

Case Cost: $35