It appears we might be on a little bit of an Anniversary Beer kick, between this and the recent review of Port Brewing Company's 3rd Anniversary Double IPA. The combination does make sense, though, seeing as Port Brewing is now creating beer in Stone Brewing Company's former brewery. Stone actually sold it to Port/Lost Abbey when they built their new, much larger facility. OK, but that's enough about the land owned by brewers... let's move on the the beer.
If you want to know our first impression of this beer it was, "Whoa, that's hoppy smelling!" Right away you get some major American hops in the nose, piney and a bit dank. There is some major malt aroma to this thing as well. The beer itself pours a gorgeous dark ruby and the beer is quite clear. A light tan head fills half the glass and hangs around for a little bit before receding into a little bit of residue on the glass. After looking at it and smelling it, we'd swear this was a Barleywine, but the the brewery says "Imperial Amber."
Upon first taste, it confirms our suspicions... Imperial Amber is just another word for Barleywine. Its super hoppy? Check. Its got a serious malt backbone with high alcohol? Check. Yeah, it's a Barleywine. But it's a good one!
The flavor is bitter hops up front and dark bread malt sweetness, followed by a hint of chocolate then finishing up with a bit of pineapple from the hops. This is an interesting beer for sure! It's not too sweet, just enough so that it has some semblance of balance. This is a hop-forward beer for sure, though. If you've ever enjoyed Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine, you'll enjoy this (and it came out serendipitously on the other side of the calendar from Bigfoot... hmmm, it makes you think, no?). Lastly, the alcohol does start to come out as it warms. But it's not overwhelming or even negative. It's just there and let's you know you have to take heed.
So this is definitely another delicious Anniversary Ale from Southern California, and Stone Brewing specifically. Next up from them? Vertical Epic 09.09.09. And from the rumors circulating, it's going to be quite the interesting brew!
I haven't seen this yet, but I've read a lot of good things about it. Maybe I'll give it a try if it ever reaches my neck of the woods! (NJ) Great picture BTW, nice thick head on that beer!