Mike's Beer of the Week

Beer Information

Brewery: Stone Brewing Company

Beer Name:Vertical Epic 11/11/11

Beer Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Abv.: 9.4%

Serving Glassware: Chalice, snifter

Serving Temp.: 50-55 deg. F.

Packaging: 22oz bottles

Price: ~$10

Availability: Limited

Pairings: Seafood (shrimp scampi, linguine w/clams)

Mike's Ratings (1-5)

Overall Grade: B

Appearance: 3.5

Aroma: 3.5

Taste: 4

Mouthfeel: 3.5

Drinkability: 4

BeerAdvocate Avg.: B

Mike's Description

Thanks to Cory for recommending this distinct beer.
 
Appearance - Mahogany beer with an off-white 1/4" head that leaves without a lace :D. Very dark for a pale ale, but I guess that's why it's also a strong ale...it looks like an American strong ale.

Aroma - This variety seems to be the Belgian equivalent of the American strong ale because many of the aromatic notes are the same. Dark fruits (mainly raisin), cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup. The bottle says that Anaheim Chilies have been added to this beer, but I can't sense anything chili-like here.

Taste - I have no idea how the chilies evaded my nose, but they are at the forefront of the taste. The peppers do a great job in balancing this beer...in an unexpected way. Based on the aroma, it was expected that this beer would be on the sweeter side of the spectrum, but the chilies provide a spiciness that almost completely balances the beer. The chilies also block out any hop presence, so it's impossible to tell if the hops are playing any part in the balancing act.

Mouthfeel - The peppery spiciness really plays a part here as well. Most of the time the hop bitterness would linger, but it's almost as if nothing lingers here (maybe some peppery heat). The initial spicy flavor was there to keep the sweet character in check, but it's as if it died out after accomplishing it's sole mission.

Overall - This is a very different beer. Nothing was to be expected and I was led astray at every point possible. Each facet of this beer is decent (nothing fantastic), but I enjoyed how this beer seemed to be a puzzle that provided some new trick at each turn.