~ Second Tasting ~
November 19th, 2004 (7 Months, 15 Days)
Click on a photo for Tasting Notes

Steve Wagner President & Brewmaster	Lee Chase Head Brewer	Greg Koch Chairman & CEO

Arlan Arnsten Vice President of Sales	Chris Cochran Marketing & Promotions	John Egan Packaging Supervisor Stone Brewing Co.

('03 Vertical Epic and '04 Double Bastard also tasted during this session)

Steve Wagner President & Brewmaster Appearance: Straw gold, clear with white head and tight bubbles. Aroma: Big, fruity, spicy aroma! Flavor: Lime, slight astringency (yeast?) balances the malt, sugar sweetness. Palate: Medium-body, soft mouthfeel with perfect carbonation. Overall: More time for spices to recede and blend better.

Lee Chase Head Brewer Appearance: CO2 is right on! Looks like it will be fun to drink. Small, active & tight bubbles…reminds me of something… Aroma: Lime leaf is really there. Some mix of Belgian yeastiness…I dig that citrus character. Flavor: Tangy tart lingering bitterness with citrus hints. Really pretty fresh tasting, some alcohol warmth and dryness --- I think it is getting better. Palate: Medium body, soft texture, and nice finish. Very drinkable. Could develop more depth --- it's flavorful but the 03.03.03 was more complex. Overall: Let's see what it is like in another…what…year?

Greg Koch Chairman & CEO Appearance: Bright orangey-gold. Lingering head with good carbonation. Aroma: Citrusy, hoppy (not extreme, but present), hints of white pepper and coriander. Flavor: Hoppiness more subdued now than in the initial tasting…only natural. Citrusy and Belgian spiciness, lightly sweet, but not cloying --- could benefit from being dryer. Palate: Bright, crisp, delicious. Wow! This one is really coming along. A little too sweet before, but now starting to dry a little. Overall: Gimme more! Certainly on the right path in my opinion.

Arlan Arnsten Vice President of Sales Appearance: Crystal golden in color with mucho bubbles. Big tight white head with lots of lace --- look of champagne! Aroma: Aroma of wheat and spice with a hoppy crispness on the nose! Flavor: Banana, clove and spice…yes spice, with a little crushed pepper! Nice. Slightly alcoholic daring me to drink more. Palate: Effervescent as all get out…light on the tongue and dances through my mouth. Medium bodied, but light feeling. It's a Big beer in disguise --- watch out! Overall: This is MY lawnmower beer!

Chris Cochran Marketing & Promotions Appearance: Bright golden blonde straw-like color, decent CO2 and just the right amount of head. Aroma: Mmm spices! Really a tremendous welcoming aroma like walking into a bakery that is cranking out some seriously special bread! Flavor: A nice mix of citrus and spice, with a slightly sweet component. Like an interesting Thai soup…but WAY better! Palate: Lively and active on the tongue from the CO2 and I think that helps keep the spices from being too overwhelming. Overall: Another young beer, but seems to be aging nicely so far. If you didn't get the 02.02.02, this is a close “brother” that is worth seeking out!