Paradox Posted August 15, 2004 Share Posted August 15, 2004 Bob has asked if anyone has tried Stone's IPA before, but I finally got to try their Smoked Porter. I've had mixed feelings about porters because some I find to be not powerful enough when it comes to bitterness and others have been 'off the hook' bitter (overly bitter) with a finish that makes one gag. This one from Stone seems to walk that fine line in-between both. Typical porter color and aroma but the initial taste is actually quite different and good. It's hard for me to explain the taste, but I do get somewhat of a smoked flavor in it but not like a fire roasting of the ingredients smoke flavor. Almost reminds me of the way a red pepper tastes different when you fire roast the skin for making fire roasted salsa. After a few seconds it finishes with a more typical porter flavor but still not too powerful. A bottle from Stone Brewing that I am saving for Bob's next visit is their Arrogant Bastard Ale. Bob's a hop head from hell, so read their site and you'll understand why I am saving to open that one with him! Also, if you care to check out some of their other brews, visit Stone's website here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratcheer Posted August 15, 2004 Share Posted August 15, 2004 It sure looks good!Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted August 16, 2004 Share Posted August 16, 2004 Yes indeed, I AM a hop head from hell! And I'm proud of it! In fact, I'm enjoying a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale at this very moment. This is released each year prior to Christmas, so although it's August, I'm thinking ahead. BTW, I picked up 2 other Stone Brewing products today...the "Ruination IPA" (that one's making me hoppy already ; and the Stone Imperial Russian Stout. That should be a good one as well. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff Posted August 16, 2004 Share Posted August 16, 2004 Bob, I love the Ruination IPA, but I have to save it for the last beer of the evening, as my taste buds are fried and I can't taste anything else Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paradox Posted August 16, 2004 Author Share Posted August 16, 2004 I'm enjoying a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale at this very moment. This is released each year prior to Christmas, so although it's August, I'm thinking ahead. Yet another seasonal brew to add onto my list to look for this winter. Have you had Samuel Smith's Celebration Ale Bob and if so does Sierra Nevada's compare? Or are they two totally different things? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff Posted August 16, 2004 Share Posted August 16, 2004 A bottle from Stone Brewing that I am saving for Bob's next visit is their Arrogant Bastard Ale. Bob's a hop head from hell, so read their site and you'll understand why I am saving to open that one with him! Let me know what you guys think of this one. To me, it is the strangest beer I have ever tasted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paradox Posted August 16, 2004 Author Share Posted August 16, 2004 We'll be sure to right here Jeff... It'll be getting cracked open in just 2 weeks time! Was it real hoppy Jeff, or just plain ol' weird? The site for it makes it sound like it is bitter as holy hell... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted August 16, 2004 Share Posted August 16, 2004 Mark, They are 2 totally different things. One is the easy drinkin' SS Celebration Ale; the other is the SN CA, which is a hop devils kinda brew. I, for one, prefer SSCA, its to my liking! Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted August 16, 2004 Share Posted August 16, 2004 Yeah, it sounds like the devil's drink! I bet I'm gonna love it, but I'm not sure about Mark! Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paradox Posted August 16, 2004 Author Share Posted August 16, 2004 Really, you prefer the brew that is not a "hop devils kinda brew"? And all along I thought you were a hoppy hop head! Really though, glad I asked to find out that they were different. I really enjoyed that SSCA alot and think I will pick up another when I pass that small place in NJ that still had em'. I'll still buy some SNCA this winter as well though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff Posted August 16, 2004 Share Posted August 16, 2004 I don't really remember the hops standing out so much as just a 'plain ol' weird', extra-strong maltiness unlike anything I have ever tried. As the bottle says, maybe I'm not worthy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted August 16, 2004 Share Posted August 16, 2004 OOOPs, my mistake! That's what I get for using abbreviations! I'll get it right this time, I much prefer the Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale over the Samuel Smith's Celebration Ale. Phew, that was a close one. I hope the hop devil will forgive me. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff Posted August 16, 2004 Share Posted August 16, 2004 I think I went through 4 sixers of SNCA this year. Hell, you can still find it at Liquor Barn, though it's getting a little past its prime. My first homebrew IPA kinda turned out like the SNCA. I'm down to my last 3 bottles of that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paradox Posted August 16, 2004 Author Share Posted August 16, 2004 As the bottle says, maybe I'm not worthy That's too funny Jeff! I do find their marketing both on that site and what is written all over the bottle pretty amusing... Sounds like it will be an interesting one to try! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 FWIW, they also brew a "Double Bastard" if you like the AG. I guess you could also call it an "Imperial Bastard". Sometimes I think there can be too much of a good thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paradox Posted August 30, 2004 Author Share Posted August 30, 2004 WE ARE WORTHY! Wow, this beer was alot different than both Bob and I thought it would be. Not as hoppy as I was expecting, I found it to have just the right balance. We were both pleased by the color it poured and the wonderful aroma. Initially this brew has an almost sweet fruity taste that finishes with a wonderful hop bitterness. Oddly enough it lingers in the back of your mouth for quite some time after swallowing. I say oddly because initially there is no real bitterness present but it all comes on at the end. I really liked this beer and will definitely try another at some point and I take it Bob was pleased as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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