Sunday, September 4, 2011

Stone 15th Anniversary Ale- Escondidian Imperial Black IPA

My fiancee tried to order one beer on the menu at Blue Monk in Buffalo, but the waitress said that it had been kicked. But what was in its place? It was the Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA, and I excitedly ordered a glass. The beer pours a black color with a frothy tan head that leaves lacing on the glass. The aroma consists of lemon, grapefruit, pine, chocolate, coffee, and caramel. The taste is smooth and chocolaty with mocha, coffee, molasses, and lots pine, grapefruit, and lemon hops. It really should be stated that this beer has a big hop profile and is not for the faint of hop-hearted. Cocoa nibs come out in the finish, bringing the tongue back to the chocolaty goodness. The alcohol content is 10.8% ABV. I thought Stone provide a wonderful black ale without being too chocolaty, as they made this beer about the hops in their typical arrogant way, and I love it.

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