Stone Brewing Company recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with a special release of Escondidian Imperial Black IPA. We were quick to snap up several bottles of this fine ale. Four years ago the brewery commemorated its 11th birthday with Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, another example of this dichotomic style. The name itself is an oxymoron: Black India Pale Ale.
This relatively new style is not recognized as an official style by the BJSP Style Guideline but is gaining momentum in the craft beer movement. Dark like a stout but hoppy like an IPA, the style reminds of other classic combos like peanut butter and jelly, burgers and fries, and bacon and more bacon.
Appearance
Extremely dark brown. A hint of amber when held to the light. Creamy tan head rests at two fingers and leaves a wonderful lacing on the glass.
Aroma
Strong West Coast hop notes. Floral, piney and resiny with plenty of citrus: lime, tangerine, and even a bit of mango. A hint of roasted malt floats in the peripherals. Incredibly inviting in the nose.
Taste
Big hop flavors invade the mouth. Pine needles and a bitterness like the rind of a grapefruit are well balanced against a surprising amount of malt sweetness in the form of caramel with faint roasted notes and a small amount of dark chocolate. Finish is very long with hop bitterness lingering on the side of the tongue.
Mouthfeel
Fuller bodied than a typical IPA. Carbonated to just the right level to keep the beer feeling fresh.
Drinkability
Nothing small about this beer. If the 8.7% ABV doesn’t put hair on your chest, the 90 IBUs will. Despite the strong hopping, this is a well balanced pint. One whiff will have you chomping at the bit to guzzle this ale down. Half way through the bottle, we were already ready to go buy another 22oz. bomber. There is a reason this beer was ranked number 11 in Zymugy Magazine’s top 50 beers of 2011. Overall grade for Stone Brewing Co.’s Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale: A
Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Up next on Tuesday Tastings: Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers.