Hump Day Happiness

I apologize for this being late. I picked up a contract to work on yesterday so my blogging has been delayed all over the place but notice its YOU I’m taking care of first. That’s right, because there is beer involved.

I had this last Friday on tap at the Bocktown Beer Dependence Day Celebration which we recorded at and published as Episode 53 of Should I Drink That.  Give it a listen but not until you’re done reading this of course

Stone Brewing 13th Anniversary Ale
brewery: Stone Brewing – stonebrew.com
beer website: www.stonebrew.com/13th/ale/
style: American Strong Ale
abv: 9.5%
serving size: 22oz
glass used: snifter
price: $8

Overview
Stone 13th Anniversary Ale pours brilliant deep red with a light tan foam. Up front, the aroma is all piney, resinous and citrus hops. Upon tasting, the hops are still on the front, and they are balanced with the malty, toffee like flavors contributed from the blend of crystal and amber malts used in the brewhouse. The finish is deliciously bitter, with a touch of warmth provided by the 9.5% alcohol. Bitterness comes in at 90+ IBU.

What I think
Deep red? Understatement. Hop bomb? absolutely. The flavor profile is completely different from when I had this on tap. I love hops and this isn’t mouth puckering but I’m having a difficult time getting into this. The aroma is medium to strong hops with a punch of citrus. Appearance is very dark red and closing in on a deep brown. I’m guessing if you can get the lighting right this would be some kickass beer porn. The taste is dry to start with a medium carbonated body that refuses to carry past the front and finishes rough and tough (hence the high IBU’s). The lingering chinook hops are really beating this up for me. I took a little break and enjoyed sipping this for a few while watching TV and as it warmed up a bit more the bite from the hops wasnt as bad and this became one smooth ass beverage.

This is a one time buy for me out of the bottle but a must if I find it on tap.

Spoon’s rating: C+