MINI-REVIEW--Stone Vertical Epic 10.10.10

The tenth in Stone's Vertical Epic series. This series started in 2002 and will end in 2012, where all 10 beers are supposed to be sampled as a vertical tasting. The style changes every year and this year's is a Belgian Strong Pale Ale at 9.5%. What makes this one really different is the use of Chamomile and a juice blend of Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Looks like bubbly apple juice in our glass with a minimal white head. The aroma is what we can only describe as Belgian. A unique scent from the Belgian yeast with a spicy fruitiness. The flavor is of Belgian spices fused with grapes and honey with a vinous mouthfeel. Refreshingly effervescent but finishes silky like a wine. This would be wonderful on a hot summer day!

We gave this 3.5 stars out of 5 as we felt a bit of age might do wonders for the flavor. Tasty and we can certainly recommend it now, but we're looking forward to revisiting a bottle of this next year!

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