Stone - 15th Anniversary - Escondidian Imperial Black IPA

If you know anything about Stone Brewing and about Stone beers, you know they push the boundaries and challenge people to trying something beyond the normal.  While Stone is unabashedly forthright with “in your face” labeling and text, they back up everything by brewing excellent beer.  The 15^th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA (India Pale Ale) – 10.8% ABV is a great example of Stone bravado and another wonderful beer.  Stone is poking fun at the debate over the style that is classified by the Brewer’s Association as American Style India Black Ale.  There was a big debate over the name, Black IPA to Cascadian Dark Ale, and the people from the NW were not happy about the decision by the Brewer’s Association.  What a great opportunity for Stone to have some fun.  15^th pours black with a large frothy tan head that does not quickly reside.  This is a hoppy beer and you can smell the fruity hops and dark malts.  The taste is excellent and it is a wonderfully bitter and dark malty beer.  This is what you expect from Stone – they do not disappoint and I wish Stone a Happy Anniversary.  Just keep doing what you do - you are one of the best brewers in the U.S.