Stone Brewing Company 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Belgian Golden Strong Ale at 8.9% ABV | 45 IBU (C$13.49 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 650 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 5-Nov-2015, reviewed 17-Feb-2018)
Appearance: clear medium gold with one finger of creamy white head diminishing gradually to a thick persistent cap, moderate clingy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: banana, doughy yeast, apples and stone fruit, black pepper. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet tending slightly high, moderate-high bitter, mild peppery spice. (8/10) Palate: medium slightly syrupy body, moderate-low carbonation, medium duration warming finish. (4/5)
Seems to have aged well compared to the much younger one of the same vintage I did a couple of years ago (of which I have literally zero recollection, but my notes say otherwise, so….) Still very sweet for my preference, especially since the label wants to compare this to a Tripel, but it’s not bad overall. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
