Revisit #4

This is the fourth in a series of revisits, trying to rehash breweries visited and beers sampled.  The next brewery I visited was Stone Brewing Company (http://stonebrew.com/) on 3 July 2009.  My brother was in town visiting and we decided to taste some great San Diego beers.  This was my third time going on the Stone tour.  My first visit was in January with David, Natalie, and Sarah.  The second time was with Cy, Jason, and Sean, where we were part of a group of 10 or so and we tried all the beers on tap in the store/tasting room.  Anyways, for this visit, we got our tickets and then headed out to the beer garden where we hung out until it was time for the tour.

Some of the brewing equipment

Sean, Colin and I on the tour

The tour guide talking about the natural ingredients and Sean listening.

The tour is a good one, learning about the brewing process and the craft beer culture.  Our tour guide, Phil MacNitt, was great and made for an enjoyable tour. Having seen much smaller brewery operations thus far, it was interesting to see things on a much larger scale.  Stone also acts as a distributor through Southern California and has a large cooler with other craft beers, such as Victory Brewing Company, awaiting distribution.

Me, Colin, and Sean enjoying our tasters.

Following the tour, we headed back to the store where the tasting commenced. Here is what we sampled at Stone:
         Stone Pale Ale--The flagship ale, it is Stone's Southern California interpretation of the classic British pale ale style.  Deep amber in color, Stone Pale Ale is robust and full flavored.  A delicate hop aroma is complemented by a rich maltiness.  This is an ale for those who have learned to appreciate distinctive flavor.  5.4%
         Stone Smoked Porter--So you think you don't like dark beer?  Prepare to believe.  This is no ordinary porter.  And if you are already among the enlightened who appreciate a fine ebony-hued ale, we think you will find Stone Smoked Porter to be a poignant addition to your repertoire.  This beer pours a gorgeous deep mahogany crowned by a creamy head.  Dark, smooth, and complex, with rich chocolate and coffee flavors balanced by a subtle smokiness, this brew is equally delicious with meats or fine chocolates.  5.9%
         Stone IPA--An "India Pale Ale" by definition is highly hopped and high in alcohol - you'll find our Stone India Pale Ale to be true to style with a huge hop aroma, flavor and bitterness throughout.  If you're a hop head like us, you'll love Stone India Pale Ale!  Medium malt character with a heavy dose of over the top hops!  Generous "dry-hopping" gives this beer its abundant hop aroma and crisp hop flavor.  6.9%
         Stone Arrogant Bastard--This is an aggressive beer.  You probably won't like it.  It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality or depth.  We would suggest that you stick to safer and and more familiar territory -- maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it's made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal.  Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better.  Perhaps you're mouthing your words as you read this.