Name of beer: Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Brewing Company: Stone Brewing Co.
Brewing Location: Escondido, CA
Type of Beer: American Black Ale – ABV: 8.7% – IBU: 90
Beer Description: From website: We’re brewers whose substantial mettle and idiomatic approach to brewing allows us to consistently create works of art such as this justifiably self-righteous ale. Its bitterness hits our sweet spot. Its blackness lightens our hearts. Its liquid dichotomy pulls it all together in this sublimely sacrosanct ale. Yes, we damn well know our stuff here at Stone, and it would be irresponsible of us not to acknowledge how remarkable this heavenly creation of ours is. Thus the name we are compelled to give it — Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale — serves as a reminder of just how good we are, in both liquid and verbal form.
We’re certainly not perfect. Too often, we allow our modesty to get the best of us as we’re simply not inclined towards senseless braggadocio. When you’re good, you’re good. And when you do something great, the least you can do is acknowledge it. Others benefit from knowing. In this case, we find that we are compelled to point out how amazing this ale is that we rightly call the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale.
First brewed in 2007 as the Stone 11th Anniversary Ale, this ale was an instant hit. With us. Other folks with great taste loved it too, but we were focused on how much we liked it, and we felt it was truly sublime. That euphoria didn’t last long though, as it was soon replaced with the grim reality that when we sold out of it there wouldn’t be any more. For us. And that was simply unacceptable. So, we are now blessing ourselves, and you the enlightened, with this ale. Thusly, you may now revel in your own self-righteousness as you see fit with this glorious example of ours. You are genuinely welcome, as it is our pleasure.
The Beer Guy Review: Holy cow, did you just read the beer description above? I read the same thing on the bomber bottle of this Stone Brewing beer, when I was in the store. Immediately upon reading it, I knew it would be the ideal choice for this week’s review for a number of reasons.
It’s been a long past few weeks for The Beer Guy. Last week, we celebrated TWAACBW with 5 straight days of writing, having met 4 breweries along the way. On Tuesday, I announced a new competition, TBGNANLC. And today, I hosted a playdate with my two brothers-in-law and their kids. (Yes, The Beer Guy has kids and plays the role of “Dad” as well.) My previous 4 reviews have consisted of 2 brown ales, an American Porter (or “smoke” beer, in that instance) and a bock. Time to relax and get back to the IPA world (my favorite) and introduce you to a Black IPA, and a great one this is indeed.
Technically classified as an American Black Ale, this beer can be referred to as a Cascadian Dark Ale as well. Much like the traditional IPA, the Black IPA tends to be quite hoppy. What differentiates itself are the color and malty, roasty notes incorporated into the beer as well.
For beer lovers out there, you know this beer. It’s nothing new. For any of you out there looking to venture out into something other than your traditional “macrobrewery” beers, I would highly encourage you to try this Stone Brewing creation. Heck, if you are a wine connoisseur and appreciate the many elements that can make up a creation from our grape-loving counterparts, try this beer out in order to appreciate the complexities that make up the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale.
Upon opening the bottle, I knew I would be in heaven after first whiff. Whenever I can smell an intense hoppiness (whether citrus or pine) in a beer, I know the tasting of it will be just as satisfying of an experience. It poured almost like a stout, in that it was black in color with a tan head. The beer has a medium body: not too heavy, not too light. As for taste? Stone Brewing packed the hoppiness into the 90 IBU’s, that’s for sure. A true pleasure. But then, when you sit back after having swallowed and just let the flavor of the beer sit in your mouth, breathe in and out a few times. The malty smokiness is detected here. This beer is so complex. And at 8.7% ABV, you’re feeling pretty good before finishing the first pint.
As for The Beer Guy rating, I give the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale a:
That’s right, folks. This beer gets my perfect score. It is a Life of Dad Beer Champion. I am going to be honest, it’s the first time having this beer. I am sorry I missed out for so long. Again, to beer lovers, I am certain this is no surprise. To this fairly new beer blogger and reviewer, I kept on thinking about what would make the perfect beer. Now I know: excellence in the complexity of the different sensations that come together in a beer through appearance, smell & tasting in its own unique way. How fitting that review #7 gets the 7 out of 7 score. Triple 7’s…go buy yourself a lottery ticket, ok? Just make sure to share your winnings with me. In return, I’ll share some of my Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale. We’ll all be winners then.
So, what do you think? Have you had this beer? Do you like it? Do you not like it? Send me a note at The Beer Guy’s mailbag, TheBeerGuy@lifeofdad.com. You can follow me on Twitter (@TheBeerGuyLOD), Facebook and LinkedIn as well. Take care, happy (and safe) drinking, and enjoy your weekend
About The Beer Guy – A dad, husband, friend and drinker of beer. I review & blog about it all on LifeOfDad.com, the premiere social networking website for Dads. The Beer Guy enjoys IPA’s and Pilsner’s, but will really try any kind of beer. You may disagree on some of his opinions. Let The Beer Guy know. Reviews are published on Thursdays. Blogging is done on Tuesdays. Read more here to learn about The Beer Guy, who he is and his beer rating methodology.
The Beer Guy, and Life of Dad, promote responsible drinking. Never drink and drive.