Like planning a moon colony, the Stone Vertical Epic is a creative and aspirational idea, but one that may prove impractical in execution. After investing a lot of time and money, it may not satisfy. Say what you want about the beers, fresh or aged. We can enjoy discussing our opinions about what is essentially a matter of individual preference. But, come ON! This is a great idea! My brother (DarkAleMonkey) gave me and our other brother a bottle of 07.07.07. Since then, I have purchased one or two bottles every year, storing one and drinking the extra. I currently have 5 bottles set aside and I will be in line for the 12. Where ever we are in the world on Dec 21, 2012, the three of us brothers are going to crack the 07.07.07 and toast the winter solstice. As for me, I am going to have a few thirsty friends around with whom to share and taste the second half of the epic. I like the idea, but not enough to pay huge cash for the 02, 03, 04, 05, and 06 versions. I believe the beers were designed to be aged. Look at the complex ingredients in the first few. Has anyone tried home-brewing any of these? The fact that Stone shares the recipe and encourages copy-cats is another interesting part of this whole idea. Hey, I just bought a bottle of Noble Rot, so you know I am into concept beers and taste is almost secondary. I'd rather try something different than have the same old thing every day.

This thread reminds me to drink my 11.11.11 that I recently purchased...

quote: Originally posted by FoamDome Like planning a moon colony, the Stone Vertical Epic is a creative and aspirational idea, but one that may prove impractical in execution. After investing a lot of time and money, it may not satisfy. Say what you want about the beers, fresh or aged. We can enjoy discussing our opinions about what is essentially a matter of individual preference. But, come ON! This is a great idea! My brother (DarkAleMonkey) gave me and our other brother a bottle of 07.07.07. Since then, I have purchased one or two bottles every year, storing one and drinking the extra. I currently have 5 bottles set aside and I will be in line for the 12. Where ever we are in the world on Dec 21, 2012, the three of us brothers are going to crack the 07.07.07 and toast the winter solstice. As for me, I am going to have a few thirsty friends around with whom to share and taste the second half of the epic. I like the idea, but not enough to pay huge cash for the 02, 03, 04, 05, and 06 versions. I believe the beers were designed to be aged. Look at the complex ingredients in the first few. Has anyone tried home-brewing any of these? The fact that Stone shares the recipe and encourages copy-cats is another interesting part of this whole idea. Hey, I just bought a bottle of Noble Rot, so you know I am into concept beers and taste is almost secondary. I'd rather try something different than have the same old thing every day.

If these beers were meant to be aged then don't you think the recipes would have been properly planned accordingly? The first seven years or so would almost have to have been Barleywines, Dark Belgian Strongs, Imperial Stouts, etc... not Golden Belgian Ales with delicate spices and other moderately strong ales. The last five years could then have been more experimental in my opinion. It takes an extremely well crafted recipe to be able to withstand (note I didn't even attempt to say "improve") this many years of intended aging. I had no problem buying a bottle or two to enjoy back when they were $5-$6 once they hit the $10 mark I bid adieu.

quote: Originally posted by kinger If these beers were meant to be aged then don't you think the recipes would have been properly planned accordingly? The first seven years or so would almost have to have been Barleywines, Dark Belgian Strongs, Imperial Stouts, etc... not Golden Belgian Ales with delicate spices and other moderately strong ales. The last five years could then have been more experimental in my opinion. It takes an extremely well crafted recipe to be able to withstand (note I didn't even attempt to say "improve") this many years of intended aging. I had no problem buying a bottle or two to enjoy back when they were $5-$6 once they hit the $10 mark I bid adieu.

Agreed in full. $10? Yikes. They only seem to be a buck more than the 5.99 bombers round here...

quote: Originally posted by Stoutlover72 quote: quote: Originally posted by kinger If these beers were meant to be aged then don't you think the recipes would have been properly planned accordingly? The first seven years or so would almost have to have been Barleywines, Dark Belgian Strongs, Imperial Stouts, etc... not Golden Belgian Ales with delicate spices and other moderately strong ales. The last five years could then have been more experimental in my opinion. It takes an extremely well crafted recipe to be able to withstand (note I didn't even attempt to say "improve") this many years of intended aging. I had no problem buying a bottle or two to enjoy back when they were $5-$6 once they hit the $10 mark I bid adieu. Amen.

quote: Originally posted by slowrunner77 Agreed in full. $10? Yikes. They only seem to be a buck more than the 5.99 bombers round here... quote: quote: Originally posted by Stoutlover72 quote: quote: quote: Originally posted by kinger If these beers were meant to be aged then don't you think the recipes would have been properly planned accordingly? The first seven years or so would almost have to have been Barleywines, Dark Belgian Strongs, Imperial Stouts, etc... not Golden Belgian Ales with delicate spices and other moderately strong ales. The last five years could then have been more experimental in my opinion. It takes an extremely well crafted recipe to be able to withstand (note I didn't even attempt to say "improve") this many years of intended aging. I had no problem buying a bottle or two to enjoy back when they were $5-$6 once they hit the $10 mark I bid adieu. Amen.

quote: Originally posted by Suds McDuff and eagle, you're so jaded its gotten almost ridiculous.. ... [img]http://www.ratebeer.com/images/smilies/19.gif[/img]

It was a great selling point. I liked the 2009 and 2010. But the Breuery did it better with their epic....

For what it's worth, I just popped open a bottle of 07 and it was really, really tasty. I looked back on my initial review which was in 2008, and it beared no resemblance of that beer what-so-ever. It reminded me of a blend of a Belgian ale, Belgian golden strong ale like Duvel and a saison. Very fruity, very orang-y. Sweetness and fruit took center stage with this beer, this weekend.