Brewery: Stone Brewing
Country: USA
Size: 65cl
ABV: 8.5%
Price: 119kr
Systembolaget: 11884
I have never made my own beer, but I would like to start. I think it would be really interesting to create my own brews, though I doubt the first ones would be very good! Stone Brewing has a competition every year where home brewers can send in their own beers. The winner is then made professionally in the brewery and released as a limited edition run. This beer was the winner of the 2017 competition and was created by Paul Bisheri and Patrick Martinez. I bought two bottles for myself and I liked it so I thought it would be a great way to end the Halloween tasting.
The stout was unsurprisingly pitch black and had rather low carbonation. It laced the glass well and the head was a hazelnut foam that vanished after a few sips. The chocolate and vanilla came through strong on the nose along with a small amount of sweet licorice and espresso. The bitter chocolate and coffee combo increased in the taste, with strawberry jam coming through towards the end of the taste. The aftertaste was warming, rich and creamy as it enveloped the palate.
This was great and I wished I had bought a few more bottles. OK, it’s rather expensive but it was delicious. I would say it’s a beer to share but I could easily drink this on my own. They aimed for a chocolate, vanilla and strawberry beer and they delivered well. If I could end up making beers like this I would be over the moon. I will use it as inspiration in the years and beers of home brewing to come.