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Vertical Epic Ale 12.12.12

California
United States
Retired Stone 12.12.12 Vertical Epic
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
88
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

The final chapter in an "Epic" series. First impressions are of cinnamon and allspice, combined with fruity banana esters and hints of clove from the Belgian yeast. As the beer warms in the glass, swirl it around and take in the aromatics one more time-caramel, dark toffee and molasses notes come into play as well. The end result is a wonderful juxtaposition of roasted malts, yeast esters and baking spices.
Stone couldn't think of a better way to sign off this Epic series of beers. This beer will transport you to a very warm place; the house is warm, a fire's going and grandma's in the kitchen baking away.

Judges Review 
BC Review's picture
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

The last in a distinguished string of Vertical Epic Ale releases, 12.12.12 is Stone Brewing’s homage to Belgium’s dark, powerful and spicy Bières de Noël. Overflowing with spicy notes of ginger, cinnamon, and clove, all punctuated by a dark pumpernickel bread maltiness, this brew imbues the room with aromas reminiscent of a country bakery. Pete enjoyed the bright licorice and cinnamon notes wafting above the dark, espresso roast maltiness, but found the nose was “tilted just a bit too far into the spices.” Contrarily, Tom felt the “prodigious notes of rum raisin, currants, and treacle” more than kept the spices in check, yielding a very complex, deeply intriguing nose. Stygian in its blackness, yet crowned by a dollop of creamy beige foam, this is one supremely dark, mysterious beer, draining light from the room. Rich, savory notes of hearth baked bread, pecan pie, and cinnamon dominate the flavor, with hints of licorice and French roast coffee riding in the background. Tim found the flavor “laced with bitter chocolate, blackstrap molasses, and ginger snaps,” enjoying the beer but having difficulty finding any “Belgian” character. Overall, he opined the beer was “intensely rich and filling – like a torte in a glass.” Sadly, this is the final installation in Greg Koch’s decade-long exploration of the Vertical Epic – do whatever you must to get your hands on a bottle.

Brewery Introduction

Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, Stone Brewing has come a long way since opening up in San Diego, California in 1996. We have been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list 11 times, and has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate ... Read More

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