ESCONDIDO, CA (September 21, 2015)
– Two decades of innovative craft brewing is a big deal. Only a small
percentage of craft beer companies can boast such a tenure. The
significance of this milestone is not lost on Stone Brewing Co.’s
co-founders, Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, who have decided to spend more
than a full year celebrating the big 2-0 in grand style by re-releasing previously brewed fan-favorite beers now through the 20th anniversary
in 2016. Enter the Stone 20th Anniversary Encore Series. To officially
launch the celebration, the encore version of Stone 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale
will begin arriving today in 22-ounce bottles and on draft to select
retailers, restaurants and bars in markets where Stone beer is sold.
“While we’re immensely proud of the many quality beers we’ve brewed over
the past 19 years, it’s our fans’ love of those beers and their support
of Stone that has allowed us to do what we do, and do it our way over
that span,” said Stone CEO and co-founder Greg Koch. “We’re excited to
be closing in on two full decades of craft brewing and are pleased to
provide this special way of saying thank you to our supporters.”
The Stone Encore Series will encompass some of the most well-received
beers from the company’s nearly 20 years of brewing. From September 2015
through December 2016, Stone will revisit the recipes of a number of
fan favorites, beginning with the encore release of Stone 08.08.08
Vertical Epic Ale. That beer, a strong Belgian-style IPA originally
released in 2008 as part of the vaunted Stone Vertical Epic Ale series,
will be brewed to the exact specifications of the original so that fans
who’ve enjoyed it in the past can relive that experience, and those who
are new to the beer (or heaven forbid haven’t tasted it) can find out
what they missed the first time around.
Thanks to a Belgian yeast strain used during fermentation, Stone
08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale has a complex aroma with clove, pepper and
tropical fruit character. These qualities extend to the overall taste,
creating a prevalent banana, spice and citrus flavor. Like the original
batch from 2008, this beer is ready to be consumed fresh or may be
stored at proper cellaring temperatures (55°F or lower) for several
years. Over time, it will become a smoother and more refined beer that
still maintains a surprisingly bright hop character.
A number of other Stone Anniversary Ales will be brought back,
along with past Stone Collaborations and special release beers, all
featuring artwork evocative of their first time on store shelves. No
single day can contain something as momentous as the 20th anniversary of
Stone Brewing Co., but with any luck, part of 2015 and all of 2016 will
provide enough time to celebrate this landmark occasion to the fullest.
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| Courtesy of Stone Brewing |
Quick Facts
Stone 20th Anniversary Encore Series: 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale
Name: Stone 20th Anniversary Encore Series: 08.08.08 Vertical Epic Ale
Style: Strong Belgian-style IPA
URL: stonebrewing.com/encore080808/
Stats: 8.9% ABV, 45 IBUs
Availability: Limited 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning September 21
Hop Bill: Ahtanum, Amarillo, Simcoe
National Distribution: AK,
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA,
MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC,
TN, TX, VA, VT, WA and Puerto Rico
International Distribution: Australia; Alberta and British Columbia, Canada; Japan; Singapore; Sweden; and United Kingdom
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| Courtesy of Stone Brewing |
About Stone Brewing Co.
Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. is the 9th largest craft brewer in the United States. Stone has been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list 11 times, and has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine
twice. The multifaceted company will be the first American craft brewer
to own and operate its own brewery in Europe, and is also building a
production brewery and destination restaurant in Richmond, Virginia.
Brewing at both locations is anticipated to begin in early 2016. Known
for its bold, flavorful and largely hop-centric beers, Stone has earned a
reputation for brewing outstanding, unique beers while maintaining an
unwavering commitment to sustainability, business ethics, philanthropy
and the art of brewing. For more information on Stone Brewing Co.,
please visit stonebrewing.com or the company’s social media sites: Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and The Stone Blog.
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