Beer #207 - W/C 11 February 2019
BREWERY // It all started when founders Steve Wagner & Greg Koch discussed their mutual obsession for beer after meeting at a weekend college course named "A Sensory Evaluation of Beer". In 1996 they opened their brewery in San Marcos, California with their first customer being Pizza Port Solana Beach. The years that followed have seen huge growth and Stone being named "All Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth" twice by BeerAdvocate magazine. Stone recently opened breweries in Berlin and Richmond, Virginia. We reckon it's about time they opened one in the Southern Hemisphere too. You beer tourists should definitely be adding 'Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens' in California, Berlin and Virginia to your list.
BEER // Have you ever had Mexican hot chocolate? They are rich, creamy, spicy and all round delicious. Homebrewer Chris Banker thought so too and used the traditional flavours as inspiration for his entry to Stone's annual home-brew competition. American fans couldn't get enough of this Imperial Stout with coffee, pasilla peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and loads of chocolate so Xocoveza has entered Stone's annual rotation as a Christmas favourite. Imperial Stouts are generally big, rich and full flavoured. The delicate balance of English hops, dark malts. and a whole array of adjuncts make for a complex but exquisitely balanced beer. The cacao beans in this beer is sourced directly from Belize and made into a special chocolate (with no butter or sugar) specifically for the brew. Take a look at the video below to hear the full story. This is a glorious Winter warmer but we couldn't wait until our Southern Winter for you Jerks to try it. Maybe you could drink it standing in front of your open fridge?
BREWERY // Stone
BEER // Xocoveza 2018
STYLE // Mocha Stout
ORIGIN // Escondido, California
ABV // 8.1%
TEMPERATURE // Cellar - 10-13C
FOOD MATCH // Bitter Dark Chocolate. Mole Fajitas. Mushroom Stroganoff. Bacon Wrapped Figs. Coconut Prawns.
GLASS // Goblet