Stone Vertical Epic 12.12.12

Eleven years in the making, starting with February 2nd, 2002 (02.02.02), Stone Brewing’s Vertical Epic series has come to a close. For those not familiar, every year since 2002, Stone has released a special brew on the repetitive date of that year (02.02.02, 03.03.03, etc). The styles and flavors have varied over the years. Some, like the VE 08.08.08, have had fruity elements in a Belgian Pale Ale, and others, like the 06.06.06, have Stout-like qualities with spices.

Last year I had the 11.11.11 at Avenue Pub, just after midnight the night of Rhea’s and my wedding rehearsal. We also managed to grab a pour of the 10.10.10 that night. I remember enjoying both of them immensely.

This year, being the final chapter, Avenue Pub was having a VE tasting, where owner Polly Watts had some cellared VE 05.05.05 through 11.11.11, and tapping 12.12.12 at 12:01am on 12/12/12. (Hey, why not 12:12am?) We didn’t do the tasting since we were out past our bedtimes for a Tuesday night, but we did grab a 06.06.06 and an 08.08.08 while we waited for midnight. Both of them were delicious and aged very well.

Anyway, you don’t care about my trip to the bar. On to the review!

The 12.12.12 poured a very deep, dark color. As it was leaving the tap and going into the glass, I think I caught some purple coloring in the stream, but maybe it was just the lighting. Atop the beer sat a very thick, beautiful brown head. The head remained throughout my entire time drinking it and laced decently.

It had a sweet aroma, with notes of cloves and nutmeg. Its body was very thick, but not syrupy, though noticeably heavier than most.

You instantly taste the cloves and nutmeg, followed by a hint of cinnamon giving it a slight bite in the back of the throat. Allspice then takes over in the finish, giving off more nutmeg and clove. It tastes fantastic, though I feel like there was a bit more clove than I’d like. It did, however, get better with every sip.

I would say that this is not only a perfect winter beer, but a fantastic way to end the series. Absolutely well done by Stone, and Avenue Pub nailed the event and quality of aged beers as usual.