Stone Brewing Co.

[legionnaire]

Just curious, what do you guys think of this beer?

- Shane

[Tweek]

which one? They make several. As a brewery they are one of my favorites, but tend to lean on the BIG side, so I have to be in the mood. Just so happens I am frequently in the mood :D

[legionnaire]

Well, any of them. I just picked up some 22s at John's Market (store in Portland), namely Old Guardian (winter 2005 release), Smoked Porter, Vertical Epic (I'll be damned if I'm waiting until 2012 to drink this), and the Ruination IPA. Being from San Diego I'm proud to call Stone my local Brewery, but I was just wondering what you nonbiased folks thought of their beer.

- Shane

[Tweek]

All those are good beers imo. Hope you enjoy them!

[Wilson]

I'm a fan of Arrogant Bastard. I've had the Ruination once, and cant say that I liked it too much. I thought they tried to do too much, but to be fair I was kinda looped at the time. I have a 22'er of Double Bastard I'm holding for a special occasion, and really would love to try the Oak Aged Bastard.

[xtalman]

Those are all pretty big beers wiht the smoked porter being the least big of the lot. I also find them quite good since I tend to like big beers.

[Grog]

I'm a big Stone Brewing fan. The Ruination grows on you, the first time I had it I was not that impressed, but now I look forward to my month end treat! (I have a clone batch in the secondary that I have high hopes for...)

[newportstorm]

Stone is an excellent brewery. They aren't my favorite and they have released a couple beers that didn't really do it for me (7th Anniversary). I'm not a huge fan of their Arrogant Bastard, but their Smoked Porter is great, as is the Ruination, Double Bastard, Old Guardian, etc.

In my "unbiased" opinion - one of the top 10 breweries in the country. And growing strong!

Cheers!

[unkle bik]

Not only great beers, (love their IPA), but nice bottles as well.
They are in my top five.

[chazwicke]

I generally like their beers as I do like hops. I've had the good fortune to sample many of them on tap around San Diego and we get most of the bottled product in DC area as well.

The Stone brewery does have quite the national reputation and usually the breweries that enjoy that type of reputation deserve it. Bell's, Great Lakes, Victory, Old Dominion, Sierra Nevada, and others.

[BeerMeShorty]

While Stone does a nice job with most of their beers, their bottle art can't be beat. They must have a full time staff coming up with all the creative use of adjectives to tell me how unworthy I am to drink their beer.

IMHO, the Oaked Arrogant Bastard was a little lackluster out of the bottle, but was really nice on tap. Ruination was really good at the GABF beer garden this past year, and is definitely one of my favorites. I'm not a big fan of the Double Bastard, I felt that wasn't as good of a beer as the Arrogant Bastard normally is. Although I only had that out of the bottle and that could have contributed to the less then appealing flavor.

As a side note, anyone going to the National Homebrew Competition next week in Baltimore, should stop by Club Night on Thursday and sample some of my Arrogant Bastard clone being served at the Cincinnati Malt Infuser's booth. It's actually more of a Triple Bastard based on gravity, but it's a pretty enjoyable beer if you like them big.

Shorty...

[fretlessman71]

IMHO, Stone falls into the category of Three Floyds, Sierra Nevada, and Capital, among others: They are simply incapable of brewing a bad beer, or even a mediocre one. :)

[BluesHarp]

one word...outstanding!!

[legionnaire]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I went home to San Diego for the weekend for my little sister's graduation so I took the liberty of stopping by the Stone brewery. They were taste testing so I got to try a few of their beers I've never had. Nice brewery.

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Wait til the new one opens. It'll have tastings ( and growler fills ) 7 days a week. That'll be really nice. Glad you could enjoy the visit. Unfortunately they have gotten a little " uppity " the past few years but the what does one expect from an arrogant bastard. I'm looking forward to their 9th anniv.

[ratman03]

Stone is one of the what I call '3rd Generation' breweries.
Like DogFish, their lineup includes non-traditional beers and aggressive marketing. But nonetheless their beer is excellent and high quality. Also try their Levitation Ale -- it's only available in CA and a few select markets. The big beef I have with them is their prices, which in some places hover around $10 for a six-pack. All that marketing gets expensive:rolleyes:

[xtalman]

Originally posted by ratman03
Also try their Levitation Ale -- it's only available in CA and a few select markets.

One of my favorties. I hadn't had it in a while and forgot how drinkable it really is. A good session beer IMHO.

[i]The big beef I have with them is their prices, which in some places hover around $10 for a six-pack. All that marketing gets expensive [/B]

Ouch! I think the most I have seen it for is 7.99 a six, thought there bombers can get pretty expensive. Of couse I have seen SA for 7.99 a six also.:rolleyes:

[unkle bik]

Originally posted by BeerMeShorty
While Stone does a nice job with most of their beers, their bottle art can't be beat. They must have a full time staff coming up with all the creative use of adjectives to tell me how unworthy I am to drink their beer.


Must be them Keebler Elves at work again.:D

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by unkle bik
Must be them Keebler Elves at work again

Those are some arrogant little bastards! :)

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by ratman03
. The big beef I have with them is their prices, which in some places hover around $10 for a six-pack. All that marketing gets expensive:rolleyes:

Watch for craft beers to become more expensive all the way around. At the brewers convention in Philly they held discussions about positioning craft brews in a super premium niche. There was talk of $9.00 bottles of beer. I think they felt that the beer snobs or geeks would be willing to shell out just a little more for good beer. I guess it might sort of become like bottles of wine. Lets face it. Brewers are in business to make money. They may share our passion as well but they need to be profitable to succeed. I'm already seeing a bit of a price creep. I don't really let the price infulence what I buy but I know many do.

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I don't really let the price infulence what I buy but I know many do.

I have to - it's one of the main reasons I started homebrewing. Not for a cheap buzz, but to get a good beer for the price of a Natty.

[Grog]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Watch for craft beers to become more expensive all the way around. At the brewers convention in Philly they held discussions about positioning craft brews in a super premium niche. There was talk of $9.00 bottles of beer. I think they felt that the beer snobs pr geeks would be willing to shell out just a little more for good beer. I guess it might sort of become like bottles of wine. Lets face it. Brewers are in business to make money. They may share our passion as well but the need to be profitable to succeed. I'm already seeing a bit of a price creep. I don't really let the price infulence what I buy but I know many do.

I've noticed the price of beer creeping up over the last year or so in this area, and I have to say, I have actually been priced out of the market for the DFH, Stone, Avery type beers for all but special occasions. I can't justify spending more than $5 per bomber and $12 per 6 pack. Of course brewing good beer at home helps ease the pain ;) !

[legionnaire]

Originally posted by ratman03
Stone is one of the what I call '3rd Generation' breweries.
Like DogFish, their lineup includes non-traditional beers and aggressive marketing. But nonetheless their beer is excellent and high quality. Also try their Levitation Ale -- it's only available in CA and a few select markets. The big beef I have with them is their prices, which in some places hover around $10 for a six-pack. All that marketing gets expensive:rolleyes:

I'm from Escondido (5 miles south of San Marcos) and I never paid more than 7.50 for a six. Stone is pretty expensive up here in Portland though. It costs 60 bucks for the 3 liter of Arrogant Bastard, which they will refill at the Stone Brewery for 12 bucks. Third Reich Prices...

[fretlessman71]

Stone 6ers have always been in the same range as everything else here; stuff goes from $7 to $9 depending on what you get. Usually it's higher ABV or seasonal stuff that costs a little more.

We get Levitation Ale here; it's pretty good. I think of it as the ale equivalent of Sam Adams Light (get it - levitation, light, you know? Clever, clever, they are...).

[TOBP_Steve]

I read an article within the last few months regarding the beating the hops crops were taking in the Pacific NW. What's the latest there, and is that likely to affect the price of beer?

My enjoyment of beer comes from the thrill of trying a new beer each time, so I go for the variety of commercial examples. I will still be buying beer, even if that price goes up, unfortunately. I don't know, maybe after paying inflated prices for a year I too might switch to homebrewing.

[Goban]

I really liked their Arrogant Bastard Ale, although I seem to be the only one around here that does (friends, family, etc.). Well, at least of those whom I’ve asked. It’s nice to see that I’m not alone. Great ale.

Gobán

[fretlessman71]

Just means that you get to be the only Arrogant Bastard in your particular clique. Lucky you! Don't worry if they don't like it; saves more for the rest of us that recognize Stone as one of the few breweries that can't screw up a beer. Welcome to the boards!

Always thought of Arrogant Bastard as a more drinkable version of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (although barleywines aren't supposed to be too terribly quaffable, if you know what I mean)... ;)

[HarkJohnny]

Originally posted by BeerMeShorty
As a side note, anyone going to the National Homebrew Competition next week in Baltimore, should stop by Club Night on Thursday and sample some of my Arrogant Bastard clone being served at the Cincinnati Malt Infuser's booth. It's actually more of a Triple Bastard based on gravity, but it's a pretty enjoyable beer if you like them big.

you're a CMI?? :D

ever been to a Bloat meeting? you should come by sometime.... lots of fun. We meet on the 15th at Listermanns this month.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Goban
I really liked their Arrogant Bastard Ale, although I seem to be the only one around here that does (friends, family, etc.). Well, at least of those whom I’ve asked. It’s nice to see that I’m not alone. Great ale.

Gobán

Welcome to the board. Glad to hear you support your local brewery.;)

[SoxyinMO]

The Smoked Porter is one of my favorites and one I miss the most. I'm sure I've bored everyone with this story before, but it used to be a tradition to take a bottle of smoked porter and one of arrogant bastard along with a picnic lunch to the Wild Animal Park in San Diego on Christmas. We'd hike up the hill, eat lunch and watch the train go around the WAGASA trail.

Everytime I have the Smoked Porter I'm there.

[ratman03]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
We get Levitation Ale here; it's pretty good. I think of it as the ale equivalent of Sam Adams Light (get it - levitation, light, you know? Clever, clever, they are...).

Fretlessman, I'll assume you're joking about the levitation thing. If you're not: You're out of your mind! Levitation is 50+ IBU, super tasty, and an awesome sub 5% abv session brew! There's not a lot of good beer coming out of SoCal, but I give credit where it is due.

Also: I've seen $10 6-packs of Stone on the east coast many times. Personally, my philosophy is this: I don't mind paying for quality, because this is a get what you pay for world. But beer isn't an expensive product to produce, so if it's above a certain price point I'll question that. That said, I could see collusion at the retail level continuing to push prices up. I look at beer as everyday sustenance; it's nourishment. Sustenance shouldn't be expensive.

Ratman

[fretlessman71]

Actually, I'm not - I enjoy them both quite a bit. And both are heavier on the hops than the malt (Stone being WAAAAAY heavier). Have another Sam Adams Light sometime and give it a fair shake. :)

[golden boy]

what do guys think about fat tire.

[fretlessman71]

Fat Tire is a beer that gets rave reviews from the BMC crowd and a lot of ho-hum from the beer geeks. But after more than a decade of bashing it (and complaining that Odell Brewing, which is just up the road, barely registers as a blip on the national craft beer radar screen), I've learned to appreciate it for what it is, which is a very well balanced not-very-sweet beer, and for what it ISN'T, which is just another amber ale. Fat Tire is about the taste of biscuits more than anything... it's very different, it's very light flavored by comparison, and really, like 90 Shilling, ought to be in its own category. When it's fresh, it's an amazing brew... but I have to say that it doesn't keep very long IMHO.

[elalex]

arrogant bastard and double bastard are the best............ i really like this brewry

[Mad Scientist]

Originally posted by Grog
I've noticed the price of beer creeping up over the last year or so in this area, and I have to say, I have actually been priced out of the market for the DFH, Stone, Avery type beers for all but special occasions. I can't justify spending more than $5 per bomber and $12 per 6 pack. Of course brewing good beer at home helps ease the pain ;) !

$12.00 for a six? you need to shop somewhere else. Sheesh I can get 90 minute for around $9.00 a four pack, and that is on the slightly pricey side. Dogfish ales are the most exspensive I buy, and they never exceed 9 to 10 a six (or four) pack.

Just another note, I have no problems buying large 22 oz for prices ranging 4.00 to 10.00 a bottle. As a homebrewer, I justify this to the wife as "research and development". All I get is rolled eyes.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by elalex
arrogant bastard and double bastard are the best............ i really like this brewry

Welcome to the board. Stone does a nice job.

[Goban]

I have just tried the Levitation Ale: Good stuff.

And, My wife bought it for me. How did she know......?:cool:

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Yes, the Double arrives soon. Yum.

[Degarth]

Stone is one of those breweries that I appreciate, but don't really like. I'll drink gallons of the smoked porter, but I don't like (what I consider) over-hopped beers and most of the rest of their line falls into that category. I don't mind big beers in terms of abv if they are balanced, but excessive hops, to me, is like too much salt in a meal. I can still eat it, but I don't enjoy it as much.

I think the Ruiniation is almost oafish and the Arrogant Bastard isn't any more refined. I know that makes me a pariah among hop heads, but that is just the way my tastes lean.

[fretlessman71]

Yeah - if you're not a hop fiend, Stone is not your brewery. I'm a pretty big hop fan, but anyone who knows me on this board at all knows I'm a porter freak. Got a bottle of last year's Stone Smoked Porter just waiting for me to get to it - can't wait!

I like hoppy porters, too, like Avery New World Porter. Best of both worlds! :)

[hopjack13]

Originally posted by Degarth
I think the Ruiniation is almost oafish and the Arrogant Bastard isn't any more refined.



somebody get a rope!!! :mad:
thats blasphemy!!!!

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

As we all have opinions, just like.............. just try the Imperial Stout. Thats not too hoppy.
PS Fret, I still have a 7, which is a Porter. Have no clue as to whe to drink it.

[fretlessman71]

Waste no time! It's two years old, and who knows when they're turning. Enjoy while you can!

[yankee]

Stone IPA transcends. I wish it came in 12ounce bottles- is it available in kegs? I didn't know it came from San Diego; I guess that means San Diego is a lot cooler than I thought.

[Otis_The_Drunk]

Originally posted by Degarth
Stone is one of those breweries that I appreciate, but don't really like. I'll drink gallons of the smoked porter, but I don't like (what I consider) over-hopped beers and most of the rest of their line falls into that category. I don't mind big beers in terms of abv if they are balanced, but excessive hops, to me, is like too much salt in a meal. I can still eat it, but I don't enjoy it as much.

I think the Ruiniation is almost oafish and the Arrogant Bastard isn't any more refined. I know that makes me a pariah among hop heads, but that is just the way my tastes lean.

To me it depends on the style of beer. Me being a traditionalist, some beers belong in the Highly Hopped category. IPAs for example are known for their high Alpha rates and I don't mind that.
Others though go a little above the call of duty.
But I really have to be drunk to drink a BMC beer.... Damn I can't stand fizzy yellow water.

As far as Big Beers, I tend to gravitate towards Triples and Dubles out of Belgium breweries... Some of which go into the $15.00 range (we don't get much good beer here in the Texas Panhandle, freakin' savages)

But I have been brewing big beers all year, so I will start brewing some small beers (5% ABV) for the next few months.

Fret, I wouldn't mind sampling some of your porter...

[zoom6zoom]

Their Smoked Porter is probably my favorite from them. I recently had the 9th Anniversary which was very good too. I don't know if my taste memory is working correctly, but it reminded me very strongly of Pizza Port's Doheny IIPA, which I really miss here on the east coast!

[chazwicke]

If you like smoked porters, I'd recommend heading up to Sly Fox Phoenixville for a sample of theirs. OUTSTANDING as is their rauch. I have a couple of growlers of their smoked beers in my beer fridge right now.:D

[Goban]

I’m in the middle of drinking a Double Bastard right now. My first one in fact and let me tell you that I am not disappointed. Very good!

What a price! I bought it at the exchange (7-Day) at MCAS Miramar for $3.99 for a 22. A heck of a lot cheaper than the other beers I’ve tried there ($8+) and just as good if not better, IMO.
Very good job Stone Brewing CO. You’ve definitively have a fan-boy here.

[fretlessman71]

Dude, it's not even 9AM where you are - please tell us you're splitting a bomber over 2 nights! :D

[beerking]

Phantom Canyon in CO Springs makes a great smoked porter. It is called Zebulon's Porter, named after the first guy to climb Pike's Peak.

[Goban]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Dude, it's not even 9AM where you are - please tell us you're splitting a bomber over 2 nights!

Yeah, I work Mid-check, so it’s like 10 P.M. by my reckoning. My day starts when most people’s end. Besides, it’s 5 o’clock some where. :)

[fretlessman71]

OK, fair enough, someone's got to be working graveyard shift, right? :)

[beerking]

In 2004 I was in Germany on active duty. I worked 7 PM to 7 AM. The hotel we were staying at had a hot breakfast (German style). That was my dinner. They would not serve beer from the bar at breakfast (no bartender on duty). Solution: I bought a couple of cases of different .5 l bottles at the Exchange ($.95 each!), and kept them in the mini-bar in my room (put all the other stuff from the mini-bar in the dresser). Every morning, I got back from my shift, went to the room and brought down 2 beers. Then I went into the dinning room and asked for a beer glass to go with my "dinner."
:D

[zoom6zoom]

Yeah, we always got strange looks at the Silver Diner when we'd order steak and eggs with a beer when we got off our overnight shifts.... sure tasted good after a twelve hour shift, though!

[smeyrt]

Originally posted by legionnaire
Well, any of them. I just picked up some 22s at John's Market (store in Portland), namely Old Guardian (winter 2005 release), Smoked Porter, Vertical Epic (I'll be damned if I'm waiting until 2012 to drink this), and the Ruination IPA. Being from San Diego I'm proud to call Stone my local Brewery, but I was just wondering what you nonbiased folks thought of their beer.

- Shane
I to am a local and am a big fan of stone. and yes it is pretty hard not to drink to vertical epics but I do still have an 03 and a 04

[fretlessman71]

Thought I'd revive this for a bit - got to have the Smoked Porter on tap locally (!!!!) and it was OUTSTANDING. Also am becoming a big fan of Levitation for being a lighter, quaffable brew with a great aroma and a small body. VERY enjoyable. :D

[Goban]

Agreed, I have never been disappointed or unhappy with Stone brews (except for the hellacious hangover a few weeks ago). :)

I can’t wait for the Imperial Russian Stout to be released again. IIRC the date is sometime in April…

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Now that they can call it Russian again. I'm actually waiting for the Old Guardian, which is in 2 - 3 weeks. Yum. I'm gonna be drinking the Bigfoot while I'm waiting. :D Oh yeah! and I just found a new Rogue Old Crusty! New bottle, exhorbitant price, but I can't wait.

[xscotto]

My brother brought me a bottle of "Double Bastard," (not available in TX) I was pleasantly surprised with it. It's a really big powerful beer, and I expected to have a hard time polishing off 24 ounces of it. But it was smoother than expected for a 10% monster, which isn't easy to pull of, but they did.

I'd still probably rather have the regular bastard though, or their IPA.

[legionnaire]

I find it interesting that in all this discussion of Stone brew, that no one mentioned Stone's flagship...their pale ale. I find this pale ale to be delicious and one of their top beers...if not their best. Your thoughts?

Shane

[Goban]

I really like their Pale Ale and their IPA. I usually buy a sixer of 12oz bottles when I’m hankering for a beer on the weekends. The Levitation is good as well.

All in all, I like everything they brew. Stone, IMO, is a very good all around brewery. I am still (patiently) waiting for the Imperial Russian to be released...

[ClockworkOrange]

One of the best in the country.

[mookow]

Originally posted by Goban
I really like their Pale Ale and their IPA. I usually buy a sixer of 12oz bottles when I’m hankering for a beer on the weekends. The Levitation is good as well.

All in all, I like everything they brew. Stone, IMO, is a very good all around brewery. I am still (patiently) waiting for the Imperial Russian to be released...

Have you had their Imperial Stout yet? I thought the '05 wasnt as good as the '04. I too eagerly await the '06.

In other news, I was visiting my not-quite-local-but-very-good-selection paint store today and saw that he had at least 4 bombers of the '05 Stone Imperial Stout. I picked up one, giving me 15 total. I think I'm going to drink one tonight, though.

[caudio51]

I can't wait, they should be available in Jersey sometime this month! :D

[chazwicke]

Welcome to the board Caudio51.

[caudio51]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Welcome to the board Caudio51.

Thanks :cool:

[mookow]

Originally posted by caudio51
I can't wait, they should be available in Jersey sometime this month! :D

Which one? The Old Guardian, or the Pale Ale?

[caudio51]

Originally posted by mookow
Which one? The Old Guardian, or the Pale Ale?

Stone doesn't distrubute at all in NJ right now. Just becoming available this month.

[chazwicke]

We get most of their products in VA and DC. I'd imagine with that new larger brewery they built they'll be distributing nation wide.

[ClockworkOrange]

Their IPA is very tasty.

[mookow]

Originally posted by chazwicke
We get most of their products in VA and DC. I'd imagine with that new larger brewery they built they'll be distributing nation wide.

I really wish Stone would distribute their all their products in 12oz bottles. Drinking a bomber of barleywine results in both the drinker and the beer being wasted by the end of the bottle, unless you take a long time to finish the bottle. I say the beer is wasted because you cant appreciate a bottle of 10+% beer very well by the end of a bomber consumed in a reasonable amount of time. And personally, for me, while I like Double Bastard and Old Guardian, I'm rarely in the mood for 22oz of them at once. This is the biggest reason why, while I love Stone's products, I quite often pass them by on the store shelves.

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was wondering why my paint store got a few extra cases. I LOVE 22oz. beers. You only need one.

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was wondering why my paint store got a few extra cases. I LOVE 22oz. beers. You only need one.

[Mad Scientist]

Yeah...yeah...we heard you the first time.....

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Hey, I didn't realize I had clicked twice. Getting a little testy aren't we?? Maybe 12 oz bottles ARE better.

[Mad Scientist]

No, not testy.....just goofy.....

[HarkJohnny]

on the 14th of this month I'm going to a tasting event with Old Guardian on tap (22oz bottles too) and also IPA, AB on tap. Oaked AB (3L bottle) and VE's 03-04-05..... not to mention A FIRKIN!!! style unknown on that one. Even the bar doesn't know what it is!

they are BA's top 50 beer bars in america and the only in the "tri-state" of Ohio, KY and Indiana.

http://www.dillydeli.com/home.html

[mochunk]

Stone rocks! (err, ok pun accepted)... Can't get them in IL. I was only treated to AB a few times when out west, then I learned IN has it and I usually stop by a place just across the border when I'm out that way. So far I've nabbed a bunch of AB, Ruination, IPA, and 9th Anniversary. Thankfully it's usually on my way to or from Three Floyds, so it's like a beer run through heaven! Neither can do wrong like many have said.

Hopefully their recent expansion and new hires will mean better distribution so I can get it on my own local shelves finally.

[fretlessman71]

From your lips to FFF's ears... wish THEY'D get with the program too!

[Mad Scientist]

Yeah, I'd be nice to see an expanded Stone selection, and ANY FFF in Texas

[Grog]

Originally posted by HarkJohnny
on the 14th of this month I'm going to a tasting event with Old Guardian on tap (22oz bottles too) and also IPA, AB on tap. Oaked AB (3L bottle) and VE's 03-04-05..... not to mention A FIRKIN!!! style unknown on that one. Even the bar doesn't know what it is!

they are BA's top 50 beer bars in america and the only in the "tri-state" of Ohio, KY and Indiana.

http://www.dillydeli.com/home.html

The Oak Aged AB is the best beer I have ever had. I had it served from a beer engine at cellar temp...OH GAWD it was good! I had two at $7 per Imperial Pint (and I am a tight wad since the kids.)

[nitro4040]

A Bastard a day keeps the doctor away. Best beer I have found in a bottle. And reading the bottle is a kick too.

[HarkJohnny]

Originally posted by HarkJohnny
on the 14th of this month I'm going to a tasting event with Old Guardian on tap (22oz bottles too) and also IPA, AB on tap. Oaked AB (3L bottle) and VE's 03-04-05..... not to mention A FIRKIN!!! style unknown on that one. Even the bar doesn't know what it is!

they are BA's top 50 beer bars in america and the only in the "tri-state" of Ohio, KY and Indiana.

http://www.dillydeli.com/home.html

forgot about this post....

anyway, they didn't get the firkin that night (Stone didn't send it! Bastards!) ah-hem...

but I did have the 03-04-05 vertical tasting and remember liking each of them for what they were and the 04 was my fav.

but we got the last of the Oaked AB and it was freaking heavenly. So much smoother than regular AB and with a whisky nose and slight kick to it. very VERY good.

[ratman03]

Stone is great but they are undergoing a huge expansion and have aims to distribute nationally. I *think* they are
softening their beers a little bit. They're still hoppy, but
there has been a transition with a couple of them. The Bastard and the Levitation are not as aggressively hopped as they once were, in my opinion. I could be wrong, but that has been my experience in the past year. That said, Stone is a solid brewery and retains my support.

[hopjack13]

i hate it when that happens !

[cewldre]

Originally posted by ratman03
Stone is great but they are undergoing a huge expansion and have aims to distribute nationally. I *think* they are
softening their beers a little bit. They're still hoppy, but
there has been a transition with a couple of them. The Bastard and the Levitation are not as aggressively hopped as they once were, in my opinion. I could be wrong, but that has been my experience in the past year. That said, Stone is a solid brewery and retains my support.

Ratman, how often do you drink the levitation and the Bastard? It's very possible that if you, like I, drink it almost every night that your palate is becoming a little more accustomed to it, and thus it tastes a little less hoppy now...

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

True, but as was stated before, it has changed somehow. It is NOT the same. The AB that is. I have no clue about the Levitation.

[ratman03]

Originally posted by cewldre
Ratman, how often do you drink the levitation and the Bastard? It's very possible that if you, like I, drink it almost every night that your palate is becoming a little more accustomed to it, and thus it tastes a little less hoppy now...

This is not the case here. I know this because I actually taste tested the Levitation against an older incarnation. I keep a rainy day beer stash, and I had a bottle of Levitation in there. I broke it out and did a direct side by side comparison and found that there was no comparision. The old Levitation Ale was absolutely delicious -- rich body, hoppy, and clean. The newer bottle was a toned down version of this with a distinct diacetyl taste. I even emailed Stone with this information.

Not coincidentally, the change occurred at the time of the move to the new brewery. At first I thought they had only to work out some kinks, but I am now convinced that they have mellowed some of their recipes. The Pale Ale tastes the same though. But as has been mentioned, the AB has changed as well. Arrogant Bastard used to be intense; I had a bottle of it the other night and it is just not there.

I am not saying Stone doesn't make tasty beer, because they do. They are a great brewery. Whether it's the new location or a planned shift, some of their beers simply are not the same as they used to be. And again, this is not surprising when you consider that they have intentions to aggressively expand the brand's reach. I still drink Stone but I wish they would put the balls back in to the Levitation Ale!

[cewldre]

well, I am just saying, in my personal experience, since the move to the new brewery my Arrogant Bastards have been good. In my tastings, they have been just as sharp as ever.

[ClockworkOrange]

Originally posted by cewldre
well, I am just saying, in my personal experience, since the move to the new brewery my Arrogant Bastards have been good. In my tastings, they have been just as sharp as ever.

Agreed. No complaints here.

[ratman03]

I GUARANTEE if you guys had an old Bastard or Levitation (like I did) and did a side by side test that you would be able to taste the difference. Often the only way to know for sure is to directly A-B them in a test. It's amazing what you learn when you do that.

I still like the Arrogant, and I'm glad you guys still like it but I do suspect that they backed it off a wee bit. But there cannot be a debate about the Levitation -- it is noticeably different now. This particularly bothers me because Levitation Ale was one of my favorites.

[chazwicke]

Do you think the aging on your cellared comparison bottles might have contributed to the better flavors?

[ratman03]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Do you think the aging on your cellared comparison bottles might have contributed to the better flavors?

In this case, no. The bottle was no more than 6 months old.
And the differences were not subtle -- the old bottle tasted like I remembered Levitation to taste, and the new bottle was a shell of this. I've bought a few six packs over the past year of the 'new' Levitation Ale, and it is simply not the same beer.