Stone Brewing Closes Epic First Quarter

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

ESCONDIDO, CA (May 2, 2017) – Stone Brewing, is off to a hot start in 2017, reporting 18% growth versus the prior year.  Stone Brewing’s performance is far outpacing both the year-to-date, IRI-stated grocery craft category growth of 4.4% and the category’s 52-week growth rate of 6.4%.

Stone Brewing’s explosive growth is fueled by its core beers both familiar and new.  First, the familiar stalwart Stone IPA, launched 20 years ago and refreshed just over a year ago, is up 8.2% demonstrating continued opportunity to convert more hop heads to its iconic West Coast style.  Relative newcomer, Stone Delicious IPA, launched nationally in 2015, is up a whopping 142% over the same period.  Stone buttressed these core beer advancements with two new year-round beers: Stone Ripper and Stone Tangerine Express IPA.

Launched in southern California in December and nationally in January, Stone Ripper is one of the top five new six-packs in US Food according to IRI.  And launched in late January, Stone Tangerine Express IPA depletions year-to-date make it both the fifth largest draft IPA brand and the hottest new 22oz.

Rounding out its quarter one performance is Stone’s seasonal mixed pack offering.  The Stone All IPA Mixed Pack, including four different IPAs: Stone Pataskala Red X IPA, Stone Ruination Double IPA 2.0, Stone Delicious IPA and featuring an in-pack exclusive, first-ever Stone Hop Revolver IPA is up 14.7%.

“2017 is off  to a great start for Stone Brewing both on premise and off premise and it‘s showing us that craft beer fans nationwide appreciate our genre-defining styles of IPAs and our new complementary San Diego style Pale Ale – in Stone Ripper,” said Dominic Engels, Stone Brewing CEO. “In a category that seems to be talking more and more about slowdown, we are pleased to be talking about continued double-digit growth.”

From local to global distribution

Stone Brewing Distribution is expected to expand availability to all states, in addition to District of Columbia and Puerto Rico by May.  On the international front, they are in 35 countries, including more than 20 in Europe, plus Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Costa Rica and more. Stone Brewing – Berlin in its first full year is on pace to brew and sell over 20,000 Hectoliters.

“It’s been really amazing to see the traction on a global basis with fans and retailers thus far,” added Engels.  “We’re excited as we look toward the horizon with even more expansion and distribution plans across the European market and beyond.”

Celebrating success

Stone Brewing was recently recognized by RateBeer with awards in six categories, including being named “Best Brewery in California”.  On August 18-19, they will celebrate the Stone 21st Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival, in San Marcos, CA.

about stone brewing

About Stone Brewing

Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, the groundbreaking San Diego-based Stone Brewing is the 9th largest craft brewer in the United States. Recognized as an industry leader, Stone has been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list 12 times, has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice, and was named the “Top Rated Brewer in California” by RateBeer Best in January 2017. The multifaceted company is the first American craft brewer to independently build, own and operate their own brewery in Europe (Berlin, Germany), and also opened a production brewery in Richmond, Virginia in 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…and pledging never, ever, to sell out to the man.  For more information on Stone Brewing,  please visit stonebrewing.com or the company’s social media sites: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and The Stone Blog.

Stone Brewing Releasing Stone Doublicious Double IPA

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

ESCONDIDO, CA (March 1, 2017) – Hopping up for one of the biggest sporting months of the year, Stone Brewing announces a brand new player to the Stone Brewing lineup. While rabid fans of basketball will soon gather to make predictions about who their big winner will be, beer fanatics will hoist a pint as Stone Doublicious Double IPA takes to our court along with Stone’s all-star lineup of IPAs, including:

• The Aptly Named: Stone Delicious IPA
• The Tropically Inspired: Stone Tangerine Express IPA
• The Hop Mosh Pit: Stone Ruination Double IPA 2.0
• The Uniquely Malty IPA: Stone Pataskala Red X IPA
• The Gin-Inspired Double IPA: Stone Jindia Pale Ale
• The Devastatingly Dank Freshness Trendsetter: Stone Enjoy By 04.20.17 IPA
• The Historically Inspired: Stone Give Me IPA or Give Me Death
• The Elegantly Simple: Stone Hop Revolver IPA
• The Heavy Metal-themed Collaboration: Marble / Odell / Stone Megawheat Double IPA
• The Iconic: Stone IPA

…all delivering fanatics more than enough amazing IPA choices this March to create a fantasy team.

But wait, there’s more! Making its debut this March is the draft-only Stone Doublicious Double IPA, a more aggressive double dry-hopped version of Stone Delicious IPA, with an amped-up ABV. Loyal fans will recognize hints of citrus, herbs, lemon candy, melon, and fresh-cut grass. The flavors of kumquat, peach and lemon culminate in what tastes like a hard piece of “Hop Candy.” Overall balanced bitterness and sweetness make this highly drinkable beer a round-the-back-through-the-legs-reverse-slam-dunk.

“Stone Delicious IPA is a beer we really love,” said Jeremy Moynier, Senior Innovation Brewing Manager. “El Dorado and Lemondrop were two hops we embraced early on and were blown away by the intense flavors and aromas we got when using these hops together. Last year we started to toss the idea around of making an even bigger version of Delicious. When we tried Stone Doublicious Double IPA for the first time off of the tank, we knew we had a winner!”

A playful series of events to celebrate Stone IPA Madness and engage with fans will be taking place at several Stone Brewing locations as well as select accounts across the nation during the month of March. The kickoff event, Stone IPA Madness - Festival of Hops, will take place from 11am-5pm on Saturday, March 5^th, at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido. For more information about the event, click here.  Also available for fans everywhere is an IPA-inspired Spotify playlist featuring 70's court jams to crank while enjoying Stone IPA Madness. To find an event near you, please visit: find.stonebrewing.com

Stone Doublicious Double IPA

Quick Facts

Name: Stone Doublicious Double IPA
Stats: 9.6% ABV, 80 IBUs
Availability: Limited National distribution during Stone IPA Madness. Draft only.
Hop Varieties: Nugget, Calypso, Lemondrop and El Dorado
Find Beer: find.stonebrewing.com

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Medium gold with an off-white foam.
Aroma: Citrus, lemon candy, melon, herbal, fresh cut grass, with some gourd and spices.
Taste: Tastes like a hard piece of “Hop Candy.” Lots of kumquat, peach and lemon.
Palate: Medium/full bodied. Very easy drinking for such a high ABV beer. Balanced bitterness and sweetness.
Overall: This is Stone Delicious IPA on steroids. Same great beer but with an amped-up ABV.

Stone Delicious IPA

Quick Facts

Name: Stone Delicious IPA
URL: StoneBrewing.com/Delicious
Stats: 7.7% ABV, 75 IBUs
Availability: Year-round, 12-ounce bottles in six-packs and twelve-packs, 22 ounce bottles and draft
Hop Varieties: Nugget, Calypso, Lemondrop and El Dorado
National Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI and Puerto Rico
Find Beer: find.stonebrewing.com

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

about stone brewing

Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, the groundbreaking San Diego-based Stone Brewing is the 10th largest craft brewer in the United States. Recognized as an industry leader, Stone has been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list 12 times, has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice, and was named the “Top Rated Brewer in California” by RateBeer Best in January 2017. The multifaceted company is the first American craft brewer to independently build, own and operate their own brewery in Europe (Berlin, Germany), and also opened a production brewery in Richmond, Virginia in 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…and pledging never, ever, to sell out to the man. For more information on Stone Brewing,  please visit stonebrewing.com or the company’s social media sites: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and The Stone Blog.

Stone Brewing Releasing Encore Edition of Stone 6th Anniversary Porter

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

ESCONDIDO, CA (April 18, 2016) – Stone Brewing’s 20th Anniversary celebration continues with the encore edition of Stone 6th Anniversary Porter. Beginning this week, this imperial smoked porter conditioned with American and French oak chips will arrive in 22-ounce bottles and on draft. True to the Stone 20th Anniversary Encore series, Stone maintained the original recipe and features artwork evocative of its first time on store shelves. Fans will find either the classic label or a new version with back-label text that pays homage to the beer’s history.

What unfolds on the new 2016 label is a tribute to the recipe experimentation and an oak chip fermenter mishap that occurred while attempting to amplify Stone Smoked Porter. Stone celebrated its first five anniversaries by increasingly intensifying the hop character of Stone 1st Anniversary IPA (aka Stone IPA). By 2002, we reached a point where additional hops could not realistically be added to the recipe. So instead, to keep up with the same “go big” philosophy, Stone cranked up its year-round mainstay porter not one…but three notches! More malt, more hops and the component of French and American oak were introduced to accentuate the smokiness, chocolate and roast coffee flavors along with adding subtle notes of toffee, dried berries and vanilla. To recap the mishap, oak chips jammed a fermenter valve that, when we attempted to clear the issue, resulted in this dark-as-night wonder shooting out of the fermenter like a fire hose…and sending a lot of beer down the drain. This resulted in significant losses, which made it one of our rarest anniversary releases.

Adding more to the backstory is the classic 2002 label, which was dubbed a “logophobic nightmare.” At the time, Team Stone was asked to submit words for Stone CEO & co-founder Greg Koch to incorporate into his notoriously verbose back bottle copy. Words like “lurpy” and “Huggy Bear” proved to create such nonsense that, well, this very short-lived anniversary tradition didn’t last a year longer. Consider this label an invitation to identify all the ludicrous offenders.

logophobia
[law-guh-foh-bee-uh, log-uh-] 
1) Refers to the condition of having an abnormal, extreme, and persistent fear of words.
2) Something Greg Koch never experienced prior to 2002, but has periodically since then.

The Stone 20th Anniversary Encore Series lineup can be found online here. In addition to rebrewing fan-favorite beers this year, Stone is celebrating twenty years of true craft with a historical timeline chronicling the company's two decades. Fans are encouraged to share their own personal Stone memories throughout the year using #Stone20.

Stone 6th Anniversary Porter is ready to be enjoyed fresh or stored for several years. With age and proper cellaring temperatures (55°F or lower), the smokiness may subside, resulting in a beer that further highlights sweet chocolate flavor.

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

Quick Facts

20th Anniversary Encore Series: Stone 6th Anniversary PorteR

Name: 20th Anniversary Encore Series: Stone 6th Anniversary Porter
URL: stonebrewing.com/encore6th
Stats: 8% ABV, 60 IBUs
Availability: Limited 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning April 18
Hop Varieties: Tomahawk
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; Germany; Hong Kong; Japan; Korea; Mexico; Panama; the Philippines; Singapore; Sweden; Thailand; United Kingdom
Find Beer: find.stonebrewing.com

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

about stone brewing

Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, San Diego-based Stone Brewing is the 10th-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 independently build, own and operate a brewery in Europe, and is also building a production brewery and destination restaurant in Richmond, Virginia. Brewing at both locations will be underway in summer 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, please visit StoneBrewing.com or the company’s social media sites: Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and The Stone Blog

Stone Xocoveza Is Back for the Holidays & the New Year

Courtesy of Stone Brewing CO

ESCONDIDO, CA  – Some things are just too good for the world to be deprived of them. This is true for Stone Brewing Co.’s rerelease of the delicious and wildly popular beer that was introduced last year in 22-ounce bottles as Stone Xocoveza Mocha Stout. It was an instant hit. Because craft beer enthusiasts voiced fervent adoration via social media and online forums, Stone was inspired to embrace the joyous spirit of giving and rebrew this milk stout infused with cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Starting this week, the beer is making a comeback in 12-ounce six-packs and on draft at select retailers, restaurants and bars nationwide.

First brewed in 2014 with San Diego homebrewer Chris Banker, this Mexican hot chocolate-inspired creation was named the champion of Stone’s annual homebrew competition. Thanks to the adoring public, this creamy, spiced stout has gone from initially being a one-time offering to a yearly limited release. While returning with new, winter-influenced packaging and a new name, “Stone Xocoveza for the Holidays & the New Year,” the tasty, complex recipe remains the same.

Courtesy of Stone Brewing CO

“Since this beer first arrived on store shelves and on tap, Stone fans and team members have clamored for more,” said Stone CEO & co-founder Greg Koch. “We felt compelled to bring back one of our most popular and beloved beers as a way of thanking those who voiced their opinions. Now, Stone Xocoveza for Holidays & the New Year will be a yearly tradition we can all eagerly anticipate.”

When re-creating Banker’s original recipe, unconventional brewing ingredients were used to emulate the rich, robust flavors of Mexican hot chocolate. Cocoa and milk sugar added during the brewing process gives the beer another level of sweetness. Coffee provided by San Diego-based roaster Mostra Coffee, pure cocoa from Southern California’s ChocoVivo and vanilla give the beer a rich, roasty flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg and a small dose of pasilla peppers create a medley of piquant aromas. The malt bill offers the beer a strong backbone for all those flavors and aromas, while English Challenger and English East Kent Golding hops provide the perfect amount of bitterness to harmonize with the flavorful diversity. 

Stone Xocoveza for the Holidays & the New Year may be enjoyed fresh or stored at proper cellaring temperatures for months or even years. Over time, the malt character will evolve, making the cocoa and coffee flavors more prevalent.

 

Quick Facts Stone Xocoveza for the Holidays & the New Year

Name: Stone Xocoveza for the Holidays & the New Year
URL: stonebrewing.com/xocoveza
Stats: 8.1% ABV, 50 IBUs 
Availability: Limited 12-ounce six-packs and draft, beginning November 16
Hops Bill: English Challenger, English East Kent Golding
National Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, 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; Hong Kong; Japan; Singapore; Korea; Sweden; and United Kingdom
Find Beer: stonebrewing.com/xocoveza#extra

Tasting Notes
provided by Brewmaster Mitch Steele

Appearance: Pours black with a thick brown head. 
Aroma: Intense cinnamon, cocoa and coffee are followed by nutmeg and peppers. As the beer warms up, the flavor combinations evolve and the cocoa and vanilla notes really start to open up.
Taste: Cocoa and cinnamon are at the forefront. The coffee, nutmeg and vanilla follow, and the fruitiness and heat of the pasilla peppers come through nicely on the finish.
Palate: Full bodied and very smooth with a light bitterness. The sweetness adds a lot to this beer without being syrupy.
Overall: When we first brewed this beer in 2014, I think everyone on the brewing team was blown away by its multiple layers of flavor. The inspiration came from Mexican hot chocolate combined with coffee. We loved how wonderfully this beer showcases the spices, cocoa and subtle coffee roast flavors, so much that we were excited to bring it back as an annual Stone special release.   

 

 

Suggested Pairings
provided by Stone Craft Beer Ambassador "Dr." Bill Sysak

Appetizers: Bacon-wrapped figs, roasted pecans sprinkled with cinnamon, jalapeño poppers, candied salmon, coconut shrimp
Soups & Salads: French onion, beef stew, pork chili, butternut squash, clam chowder 
Entrees: Chicken mole, coffee-dusted filet, vegetarian green curry, stuffed poblano chilies, mushroom stroganoff, lamb chops
Cheeses: Camembert, Hook’s EWE CALF to Be KIDding, Beehive Cheese Big John’s Cajun, Point Reyes Original Blue, Maytag Blue
Desserts: Cinnamon rolls, pecan pie, chocolate lave cake, tiramisu, vanilla ice cream float
Cigars: Alec Bradley Prensado Robusto Corojo, Casa Magna Colorado Extraordinario, Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary Robusto, La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor, Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro  

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 spring 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.

 

2015 Double Bastard Ale and Arrogant Bastard Box Unleashed Nationwide

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

ESCONDIDO, CA  – It’s far from every day that something of this grandeur is unleashed into the world. Few possess the capacity to appreciate the exemplary magnitude of what has become infamously known as “Liquid Arrogance.” Rather than be wasted on the tentative or weak as an everyday offering, Double Bastard Ale graces Earth’s presence for but a finite period of time each year. That glorious window begins today.

Originally birthed to sanctify the first anniversary of Arrogant Bastard Ale, Double Bastard Ale was unleashed upon the earth in November 1998 and has since returned only once a year. “Warning: This is one lacerative muther of a beer. It is unequivocally certain that your palate is grossly inadequate and thus undeserving of this liquid glory...and those around you would have little desire to listen to your resultant whimpering caused by Double Bastard Ale.”

What’s that, you say? You can handle more than one Bastard? Although doubtful, enter the Arrogant Bastard Box, as if one could ever adequately grasp such concentrated ecstasy.

While trudging through the mundane selection on store shelves, you start to experience an inner feeling of emptiness. Then, there they are… taunting you from within their immaculate box: Arrogant Bastard Ale, 2015 Double Bastard Ale, the revered OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale, and the first-ever appearance of 2015 DEPTH-CHARGED Double Bastard Ale. They represent the highest order of possibility, hope and redemption. Or at any rate, something that is more tasteful than the lowest-common-denominator “beer” that for so long has defined America’s brewing heritage. One Bastard in particular is making a triumphant return—OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale—spawned from the same abundant arrogance as its notorious counterpart and aged on American oak chips.

Now, we sense your interest has been sparked by the more pristine title “2015 DEPTH-CHARGED Double Bastard Ale,” perhaps because you’re really into espresso. Nothing wrong there, but we suggest getting your cinnamon mochaccino fix elsewhere. This is strictly for adult women and men who don’t require sticking out their pinky finger to rest on the culinary crutch of added sweeteners and fat. Expect a bold, brave, java-infused incarnation of Double Bastard Ale, one that’s only appearing with its Liquid Arrogance brethren in the Arrogant Bastard Box.

Those who aspire to experience 2015 Double Bastard Ale, the Arrogant Bastard Box and other of these most highly coveted ales can do so using Arrogant Bastard Beer Finder: find.arrogantbastard.com.

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

Quick Facts
2015 Double Bastard Ale

Name: 2015 Double Bastard Ale
URL: arrogantbastard.com/doublebastard
Stats: 11% ABV
Availability: 22oz bottles and draft, beginning October 26
National Distribution: (The lucky states of…)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

 

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

Quick Facts
Arrogant Bastard Box

Name: Arrogant Bastard Box
Stats: 7.2%-11% ABV
Availability: Limited 22-ounce-bottle 4-packs, beginning on October 26
National Distribution: (The lucky states of…) 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; Thailand; and United Kingdom

About Arrogant Bastard Brewing Co.

Since Arrogant Bastard Ale was first unleashed upon the unsuspecting public in 1997, the brand has been braving bold territory, and upsetting dandies, milquetoasts and fizzy yellow beer drinkers in great numbers. Massively successful, and ever full of vip and vinegar, Arrogant Bastard Ale split off from the restrictive confines of the Stone Brewing Co. in 2015. And now, the brethren of Liquid Arrogance is free to explore, cavort and roam how they damn well see fit. For those Worthy few that wish to gaze upon the musings of Arrogant Bastard Ale, Double Bastard Ale, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Arrogant Bastard or other Bastard beers, follow along via Facebook, Twitter and Arrogantbastard.com.

Stone Brewing Releases Stone Coffee Milk Stout

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

Stone Brewing Co. Releases Freshly Brewed
Stone Coffee Milk Stout

 Escondido, CA (Oct. 6, 2015) – Back for the cold(er) weather months, Stone Brewing Co. is releasing freshly brewed batches of Stone Coffee Milk Stout. While the recipe remains essentially the same, this year the bittersweet, creamy, coffee-laced stout has a slightly elevated alcohol content, ringing in at 5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Beginning this week, the beer starts arriving in 12-ounce six-packs and on draft at retailers, restaurants and bars where Stone beers are sold.

 Mild ale malt was used as a base grain to help create a rich, roasty character, and other specialty grains contribute cocoa, licorice and subdued coffee flavors. Magnum hops bring a clean bitterness, gently contrasting with the beer’s malt-forward qualities. Brewed with whole coffee beans from San Diego-based roaster Ryan Bros Coffee, the bitterness of the coffee is balanced out brilliantly by the addition of milk sugar, which provides sweetness and creaminess to the stout’s smooth, easy-drinking texture. Those inviting flavors are supported by a bumped-up malt bill, giving this year’s version more body and a bit more oomph in the ABV department (from 4.2 to 5 percent).

“The recipe for this beer was originally brewed on the 10-barrel pilot system at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station as an experimental, one-time offering,” said Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele. “Since we were really pleased with the original brew of Stone Coffee Milk Stout and how well received it was among our fans, we decided to make it available nationwide as an annual release, making only minor adjustments to this year’s recipe. Fans should still expect to enjoy the same roasty malt character but now with a richer mouthfeel and slightly fuller body. ”

Stone Coffee Milk Stout is a smooth combination of sweet and bitter coffee flavors that work well with a diverse selection of foods. For the purpose of maximizing enjoyment or exhibiting appreciation for the beer, fans are encouraged to share photos of their favorite Stone Coffee Milk Stout food pairings on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest using #PairedWith.

This beer will only be available during fall and winter, the ideal seasons for savoring rich, coffee-accented ales. Enjoy Stone Coffee Milk Stout fresh or store it at proper cellaring temperatures (55°F or lower) for up to one year after its “bottled on” date, which can be found on the shoulder of the bottle.  

Courtsey of Stone Brewing Co

Quick Facts Stone Coffee Milk Stout

Name: Stone Coffee Milk Stout
URL: stonebrewing.com/coffeemilkstout/
Stats: 5% ABV, 40 IBUs
Availability: 12-ounce bottles in six-packs and draft, beginning October 5
Hops Bill: Magnum
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; Hong Kong; Berlin, Germany; Japan; Singapore; Korea; Sweden; Thailand; and United Kingdom
Find Beer: find.stonebrewing.com

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.

Stone Brewing To Search For New CEO

Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

ESCONDIDO, CA (Sept. 11, 2015) – Today, San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. is pleased to announce that co-founder Greg Koch will be promoted (with the blessing from his business partner, of course) from CEO and transition into a new role as Executive Chairman. The incoming CEO is expected to lead day-to-day operations and initiatives. Ultimately, once this future candidate is selected and the onboarding process is complete, Koch will focus on long-term and higher-level strategic planning for the company.

Koch has served as CEO for the past 19 years. Since starting the company with President, co-founder & original Brewmaster Steve Wagner in 1996, Stone has become one of the fastest-growing and highest-rated breweries in the world, thanks to dedicated fans and Koch and Wagner’s commitment to brewing amazing craft beer. The ninth largest craft beer company in the United States now employs more than 1,100 employees and operates multiple locations in Southern California, including two Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens restaurants. In July 2014, it was announced that Stone would become the first American craft brewer to independently own and operate a brewery in Europe.

Greg Koch - Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

“This is a natural progression once companies reach our size and complexity,” explains Koch. “I see this as an opportunity to focus on future direction and projects for Stone Brewing. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can contribute to our executive team and understands our vision for craft beer.”

Koch will continue working closely to complete the development of Stone Brewing Berlin and oversee the company’s expansion into Richmond, VA. There is no set timeframe or expected hire date for an incoming CEO. The priority is to find an individual with the necessary skillset, passion for Stone and all things craft beer, and one who can support the efforts to provide high-quality craft beer worldwide.

“The ‘co-founder’ part of my title won’t change…that will never change,” says Koch. “I get to keep that one for life, with all the beer privileges of course!”

About Stone Brewing Co.

Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. is the ninth 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 a 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: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest and The Stone Blog.

Stone Brewing Releases Your Father Smelt Of Elderberries

courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

– By Royal Decree –
Stochasticity Project lineage extended to include medieval brew:
Your Father Smelt of Elderberries
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ESCONDIDO, CA (Sept. 8, 2015) – Hear ye, all brethren and sisteren embattled in the quest for fine ales, seekers of the holy grail of fermented potables—we share in your unquenchable thirst for adventure, flavor and experimentation and bringeth thee a quaff built to satiate all three: Your Father Smelt of Elderberries. More mysterious than a Trojan rabbit, more unexpected than the abrupt intervention of peacekeepers at the close of a cinematic epic, this modern take on a medieval beer recipe celebrates the brewsters of yore, forging forward while harkening back to ancient times. When the Earth’s rotation brings it to a space and time wherein the moon and Jupiter find themselves in perfect alignment (i.e., September eighth of the year two thousand and fifteen), Your Father Smelt of Elderberries shall take its rightful place on the shelves of many apothecary and elixir merchants, and as a means of draft-borne imbibing pleasure at taverns, inns, ale houses and grog shops throughout the kingdom. Your Father Smelt of Elderberries bridges the realms of historic and contemporary brewing, extracting the tartness of elderberries as brewsters in medieval England once did. This noble fruit has since fallen out of favor along with other spicing agents of eras long past (e.g., mugwort, grains of paradise), with the flowers of the mighty hop bine rising to prominence and providence. So much so, Brewmaster Mitch Steele and his round table of brewing knights saw fit to include Target and Goldings cultivars, thus birthing a complex 10.3 percent alcohol-by-volume ale of unique stock fit for historians and the most fervent of forward-looking beer geeks alike. Stochasticity Project Your Father Smelt of Elderberries shall be presented in artfully adorned bottles measuring roughly three-fifths of a litre (i.e., twenty-two ounces, for ye of yon New English colonies) and in casks forged of stainless steel. Thine inventive brew is limited in nature and should be sought out and swigged at its freshest or stowed at proper cellar temperatures (55°F or lower).

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Particulars  Stochasticity Project Your Father Smelt of Elderberries Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co

Name: Stochasticity Project Your Father Smelt of Elderberries
URL: stochasticity.com/beers/your-father-smelt-elderberries
Stats: 10.3% ABV, 50 IBUs
Availability: Limited 22-ounce bottles and on draft, beginning September 8
Spicing: Elderberries; Target and East Kent Golding hops
For Thou Whom Seeketh: 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

ABOUT STOCHASTICITY PROJECT

There is no happenstance or coincidence. Dumb luck is a fallacy and randomness a commonly accepted mistruth. Much of what seemingly falls into place yet 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 more information on Stochasticity Project, please visit Stochasticity.com.