Tag Archives: Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Stochasticity Project Hibiscusicity by Stone Brewing

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10422218_10102190596134750_7715211206727571292_nRating: 4.5/5

Stochasticity Project Hibiscusicity by Stone Brewing is a 7.4% ABV Belgian Strong Pale Ale brewed with Hibiscus Flowers and Orange peel.

Label:
STOCHASTICITY
STO-KAESTI-CITY
There is no happenstance or coincidence. Dumb luck is a fallacy and randomness a commonly accepted mistruth. Much of what seemingly falls into place and seems so natural is a result of Stochasticity, a concept embraced and exalted by this special and unpredictable series of beers, where exotic notions, ingredients and ideas coalesce at an interesting and often unexpected endpoint.

Stone Stochasticity Project Hibiscusicity
In pushing the beer envelope, we aim to advance imbibers’ options for something far beyond run of the mill with this immensely thirst-quenching alternative. As original as the tongue-twisting name we coined for it, this robust Belgian-style ale is brewed with wheat, hibiscus and orange peel, bringing forth floral and citrus notes against a brilliant pink hue.

HOP VARIETIES: Magnum & Sterling

MALT VARIETIES: Pale Malt and Wheat malt

SPECIAL INGREDIENT: Orange Peel

SPECIAL INGREDIENT: Hibiscus Flower

==Introduction==

Stochasticity Project has been an ongoing project by Stone brewing for a while where they release special experimental beers or in some cases beers that were draft only once but now see public release. Almost like from the book of Monkish, this beer uses hibiscus. However, Monkish brewing makes a saison with Hibiscus and chamomile called Floraison. Makes me wonder what just orange peel will do for this one. Either way, I’m open minded to try it and I love Jamaica/Mexican Hibiscus Flower punch as well so this beer could possibly hit the right spot. Let us see what this one is about.

Aromas:
Oranges, citrus, hibiscus, floral hops, honey, citrus blossom honey, biscuit bread, wild bee honey, apples, lemons, caramel, vanilla, stone fruits, raspberry hints, brown sugar and cinnamon hints.

Flavors:
Oranges, Hibiscus flower punch/Jamaica, citrus blossom honey, wild bee honey, biscuit bread, lavender, grapefruit, lychee, stone fruit apricots, peaches, mango hints, apples, lemons, caramel, vanilla, raspberry notes, floral hops, green tea hints, cinnamon hints and mild white grapes.

Aftertaste:
Orange, hibiscus, honey, vanilla, stone fruit hints and floral hops. No alcohol in the taste, crimson light to medium body, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, easy to drink.

Overall:
This one is very good indeed. While I like the Floraison better, this is very damn refreshing and delicious. Still a great beer that many people will find tasty. This would of made a great beer in the summer if I had tried it then. Either way, it still a great beer now and worthy the buy. Lots of good flavors here that I definitely recommend it.

Anime Corner:
Original samurai character was used in this pairing to represent the bad assery of the beer but also the crimson and rose pink colors that are represented by the label, hibiscus flowers, beer color and flavors. Stone is always making bad ass beers so I figure another bad ass artwork was called for in this instance of the pairing.

Sources:
http://souzanurafrianto.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/konachan-com-73976-gray_eyes-japanese_clothes-kimono-original-red_hair-scarf-short_hair-sword-weapon.jpg

Stochasticity Project Varna Necropolis by Stone Brewing

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10447528_10101935651640560_7351138857085732387_nRating: 4.75/5

Stochasticity Project Varna Necropolis by Stone Brewing is am 8.6% Belgian Golden/Strong Pale Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Label:
STOCHASTICITY
STO-KAESTI-CITY
There is no happenstance or coincidence. Dumb luck is a fallacy and randomness a commonly accepted mistruth. Much of what seemingly falls into place and seems so natural is a result of Stochasticity, a concept embraced and exalted by this special and unpredictable series of beers, where exotic notions, ingredients and ideas coalesce at an interesting and often unexpected endpoint.

For many, the verbiage “Belgian Golden Strong Ale” conjures the mental visage of a chalice of straw-hued liquid nearly overflowing with tight, fluffy, white bubbles. Though that effervescent European classic was a solid base for this, the sophomore release from our center for beer experimentation, but to test its unexplored possibilities, we added a sufficient lode of hops to up the ale’s bitter character and dry finish. Next came a lengthy aging period in bourbon whiskey barrels, quite the rarity for this style. Named for the Bulgarian site from which the largest golden treasure in history was excavated, this beer presents a wealth of next-level nuances including vanilla, wood and spice.

Beer Facts
OG 16°P
TG 0.21°P
IBUs 48
ABV 8.6% v/v
Color: 6.4 °L/ SRM (Standard Reference Method)
pH 4.22

Malt Varieties
Pale Malt and Flaked Oats

Hop Varieties
Simcoe and Amarillo

Aged in
Bourbon Barrels
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The second beer on my journey during the World cup quarter finals and Anime Expo was this beer. I had initially traveled to Long Beach then the heart of downtown and Pasadena California all in a days worth to be able to get my hands on this piece of gold. This beer can only be obtained if you visit one of the Stone Company Stores only as it was not give a wide distribution. Not sure why, but anyways, I wanted to bring this forth as I have been wanting to try this since April of this year. Cheers!

Aromas:
Peppercorns, Piney, grassy, floral and grapefruit hops, oak, vanilla, biscuit bread, butter scotch, bourbon hints, citrus, oranges, coriander spice, cardamom,waffle cone, brown sugar, mango, pineapple, honey, musty grapes, farmhouse hay, flowers, honey and herbs.

Flavors:
Rich vanilla, oak, bourbon notes, flowers, peppercorns, banana clove spice, flan hints, caramel, piney, grassy and grapefruit hop notes, old oranges, wine grapes, farmhouse yeast, mushrooms, lemon peel, apricots, mango, coconut hints, coriander spice, wine and cheese party, honey, herbs and waffle cone.

Aftertaste:
Finishes Tart citrus, grapefruit, peppercorns, oak, bourbon, vanilla, honey grapefruit hops and old mango. No alcohol in the taste, light body, medium drinkability and medium mouth feel.

Overall:
While this is a very good beer, it starts to get to that perfect level once it starts to warm up. I have had other beers that really come close to this one but the bourbon really adds that extra level of complexity that I have not seen in such a beer. A Belgian Pale/Gold Ale in bourbon? It happened, and it seems to definitely work here. However, the bourbon barrel only gives it a slight sweetness as it leads more towards a sweet and tart taste as the hops still come on a little strong. A beer that probably comes close is the White Oak from the Bruery (Wheatwine Aged in Bourbon). Definitely give this one a try and see if this one works magic for you!

Anime Corner:
Original artwork by bcnyart at deviantart.com was used in this pairing because I wanted to pay tribute to the history that is represented in this beer. Liquid Gold and the name Varna Necropolis which is the tomb that holds the oldest treasures in the world. As you can see, the character is wearing all sorts of golden goodies dating even back into the Egyptian times as an example. I wish I could have found something relating to Bulgaria, lots of treasure and anime but Egypt serves as a great example in terms of age and some of the Egyptian tombs are just as old or maybe younger but still a good representative of treasures.

Sources:
http://bcnyart.deviantart.com/art/Dragons-with-Egyptian-Treasure-454386743

Stone R or StoneR by Birrificio Brùton

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10306249_10101807725470630_582395371907052910_nRating: 5.2/5

Stone R or StoneR by Birrificio Brùton is a 7.5% ABV Italian Special Blonde/Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Label:
Blonde ale produced with high fermentation and with natural procedures at Brùton brewery. Our ale is not filtered, not pasteurized, it does not contain preservatives and refermentation in the bottle makes the ale , if stored om a fresh place and protected from light, acquire complextiy and become more harmonic with time. Serving temperature 10-12 degrees Celsius.

Ingredients: water, malted barley, malted wheat hop, yeast.
___

As part of the Rare Beer club for April, 2014, they released this beer from Italy. This beer is

Aromas:
Like the fruity pebbles of Belgium, lots of stone fruits like apricots, peaches, plums, mango, lychee, canteloupe, cherries, matured oranges, citrus, tangerine, grapefruit, apples, pineapple, tangerine marmalade on rye, biscuit bread, vanilla icecream, waffle cone, biscuit bread, candi sugars, herbal spices, peppercorns, floral hops, brown sugar, bananas, clove and coriander spices.

Flavors:
Like A Belgian beer soaked in fruity pebbles, vanilla ice cream, waffle cone, candi sugars, stone fruit apricots, peaches, plums, mangoes, lychess, canteloupes, cherries, blueberry hints, apples, matured oranges, citrus, tangerines, grapefruit, apples, pineapple, mandarin orange preserves on biscuit bread, honey on rye, candi sugars, bananas, clove and coriander spices, flowers, peppercorns, almonds milk, honey dew, grapefruit, flan and crème brulee.

Aftertaste:
Lots of stone fruit, honey, peppercorns, Belgian bread with clove and coriander spice in the finish. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer with some crisp and refreshing aspects and medium mouthfeel.

Overall:
Holy shit, I was damn surprised by this one. If you want to try something similar, try Tripel Karmiliette. That was very similar, although I will admit, this one had more fruitier flavors. This was like biting into a fresh fruit. It was very fruity. Definitely recommend this one to the masses if you like extra fruitier Belgian Pales/ Tripels/Blond Ales.

Anime Corner:
Aquarius from the Saint Seiya Golden Angels series was chosen in this pairing to show case the colors of the label and the flavors. There are a variety of Stone fruits that relate to the beer name and even though Aquarius is not stone, unless you mean the fact that Aquarius holds the liquid fruit in a stone pitcher or ceramic pot, then sure I guess it could work. Aquarius is the free flow of sweet nectar that hold it in the pot ready to be poured. The beer is in a pot like fat bottle and like Aquarius pouring the water, we pour the sweet nectar of gold to enjoy and bring forth the great treasures of the beer. Can you find any other things that pair well with this beer?

Local 1 by Brooklyn Brewery

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1904161_10101692688460720_338863845_nRating: 5.2/5

Local 1 by Brooklyn Brewery is a 9% ABV World Class Belgian Strong Pale Ale.

Label:
In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, we forge barley malt and hops from Germany, aromatic raw sugar from Mauritius and yeast from Belgium into our latest beer, Brooklyn Local 1. Behind the golden color, find a dynamic complex of flavors, Belgian flair, Brooklyn fortitude and a dusting of our special yeast after 100% bottle re-fermentation. Enjoy it locally or globally, as an aperitif or with your favorite dishes.
___

This is my first beer from Brooklyn Brewery out in New York. This was very generous donation from my good friend Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com. Thanks again Aaron as we don’t get these beers here in California so it is awesome go get a chance to try this stuff. There is definitely a lot good things said about this beer for sure.

Aromas:
Lots of stone fruits like nectarines, peaches, apricots, peppercorns, biscuit bread, honey, guava, melon, citrus, oranges, lots of papaya, mango, tripel like caramel and candi sugars, herbal hops, coriander spice, pears, apples, vanilla, bananas, bubble gum and passion fruit.

Flavors:
Papaya, guava, peach, nectarines, lychee, citrus, oranges, passion fruit, honey dew melon, honey comb, biscuit bread, bananas clove and coriander spice, bubble gum, peppercorns, caramel, candi sugars, herbal and floral hops, flowers, lavender, apples, pears, vanilla, guava, pineapple, lemon and grapes.

Aftertaste:
Lingering stone fruit and tropical fruit goodness along with honey, biscuit bread and peppercorns. The alcohol is lightly hinting in the taste but the sweetness and herbal notes take over. A sipping yet refreshing and crisp beer.

Overall:
Damn!! This just beat my other ratings for top Belgian Strong Pale Ale. Although, Eschatological is delicious in its own right, this wins because of its increased amount of exotic fruitiness. Drinks almost like a Tripel, but this is no tripel. A definite recommend and a great first beer review. Awesome stuff!!

Anime Corner:
Matsumoto from Bleach was chosen for this beer to compliment the label colors and mainly the colors of the beer and the flavors. Yes she has big melons . Regardless though, she is a strong Soul Reaper in the show and uses abilities of ash that dissolve from her sword to disintegrate her opponents. Like the richness of the Belgian yeast forward, this beer beer can knock someone out.

Paardebloem Lips of Faith series collaboration by New Belgium and Red Rock brewery

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1185754_10101360003354340_899459529_nRating: 4/5

Paardebloem Lips of Faith series collaboration by New Belgium and Red Rock brewery is a 9% ABV Belgian Strong Pale Ale brewed with Peach juice, Grains of Paradise and dandelion greens blended with wood aged beer

Label: 
Using dandelion greens to bitter a Belgian-style ale blossomed from our brewers collaborating with Red Rock Brewing. This being our sixth interpretation together since 2008, expect a wonderfully complex ale fermented with wild Belgian yeast and blended with just a touch of wood-aged beer. Bitterness imparted from dandelion greens and grains of paradise will have you blowing wishes for sips.
___

Got this one as an extra to go when buying beers. I have not tried this one nor the other one (Pluot) which were the summer releases for the Lips of faith series. The ones from spring were pretty good. This one is made with fruits and flowers so I am hoping it will be good.

Aromas are of honey, peach, grapes, pineapple, apricot, light biscuit bread, light flower scent, citrus scent, peppercorns, coriander spice, a touch of a caramel and wine notes

Flavors are of grapes, honey, peach, white wine, apples, pears, pineapple juice, plums, biscuit bread, waffle cone, orange juice, coriander spice, light oak notes, caramel, floral bitterness and slight tart nectarine.

The aftertaste is sweet and tangy but finishes dry. The alcohol is somewhat hidden but comes out sweet. This one can be drank easy to moderately

Overall the beer turned out to be very good but nothing too new or mind blowing, simply very good. Reminded me of the Fejoia but more orange juice, floral notes and a bit of oak. For the price I would go with another beer that is just as good or better. This is actually worth trying at least once to get a good feel for it. Also, I apologize about the label, seems like the label paint was peeling from the bottle. I had noticed it after the first pour. As long as the main part of the label is still good.

As follows Eschatological Ale by Stillwater Artisanal 2013

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1004512_10101346420020450_310169627_n

 

Rating: 5/5

As Follows Eschatological by Stillwater Artisanal is a 9% ABV Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Label:
===========

1. To come or go after; proceed behind 2. To move along the course of; take 3. To adhere to; practice 4. To engage in (a trade or occupation); work at 5. To come after in order, time, or position 6. To occur or be evident as a consequence of 7. To grasp the meaning or logic of; understand.
==============================

I have done several reviews on this beer and still to this day, freaking awesome beer. One of my favorite Belgian Pale Ales. The 2013 version now comes in 4 packs with a different description (Belgian Style Golden Ale vs. Eschatological Ale). The beer is pretty much the same but I think the 750ml bottle had more body too it. This still does not detract from the awesome flavors this beer provides. It is more available than ever and still… mysteriously evil and creepily delicious 😛 

2012 Review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/as-follows-eschatological-ale-by-stillwater-artisanal/

As follows Eschatological Ale by Stillwater Artisanal

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Rating: 5/5

The End is near. What you face here is the beginning of the end. If you thought you were a bad ass before, well forget it. The end comes to those whose time is up. If it really is true about the whole 2012 deal then this is what this ale is all about. Even if it doesn’t happen, there is always a free for all between who is gonna keep your soul. Only chance you got is how you lead your life. Whether God or the Devil…who will be the higher bidder?…If you believe that stuff of course..meaning you either go to heaven or hell and all. As Follows by definition as stated in the bottle means

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1. To come or go after; proceed behind 2. To move along the course of; take 3. To adhere to; practice 4. To engage in (a trade or occupation); work at 5. To come after in order, time, or position 6. To occur or be evident as a consequence of 7. To grasp the meaning or logic of; understand. 
==============================
This means that if things will end then the the time will come whether you like it or not. Whatever meaning you choose to grasp it is irrelevant in the perception of others. What matters is what you choose to make out of it. As Follows by Stillwater Artisanal is a Belgian Pale Eschatological Ale at 9%ABV. Eschatological as in the study of the apocalypse. This brew is made to celebrate Stillwater Artisanal’s Anniversary 2 year anniversary where they first poured the very first Stateside Saison in Baltimore Maryland. Also celebrating the end of the world as who knows if he will be able to brew up anymore beers after this year ends…if the Apocalyptic stories of the Mayan calendar are true of course. I am sure zombies enjoy good beer too, they won’t pass up any good ones like these. I know I wont >:P….. SO about this beer….Evil and disturbing as the bottle may look, we have to take in the abstract art as art. Take the taste and experience once sip at a time. When I first opened this bottle, I was rushed with a lot of hoppy bread and floral honey fragrances. They say the devils water it ain’t so sweet. Whoever was drinking that stuff may not have been this stuff. It is a mix of sweet and minor bitterness. Mild citrus, piney, and grassy notes followed by honey, bready saison, peach, mangos and flowers as well as some other spices. It is like taking an IPA and aging it with fruits and yeast. Simply remarkable. If really is gonna be the end of the world, I would drink a glass of Judgment Day Ale, followed by Eschatological ale and finish with Trois Pistoles. Reminds me of the movie Scanner darkly where Freck was told all his sins for all eternity…and in the end he though “At least I had a good wine”…except for me…”At least I finished off with a good beer”…maybe Ill be told all my good deeds since I tell my friends about good beers 😉