FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 1/15/2005 -

San Marcos, San Diego County, CA --- When the days are short and as the chill in the air continues its white-knuckled grip, fans of Stone Brewing know exactly what time it is..."Old Guardian Time."

Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine typically arrives a month or two into each New Year, but will hit shelves this year on Monday, January 31st. "Our fans wait 12 months for this beer, so we stepped up the brewing schedule to make it available a little earlier this year...yes, we're that nice!" states Stone Head Brewer Lee Chase.

A popular beer with fans and industry professionals, Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine has won medals at the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Championships, and the Alaska Barley Wine Festival.

Every year Stone changes the recipe a bit, and this year also holds a few changes in store. Back is the familiar Stone gargoyle and the handsome, red and gold graphics. Filling the back label is another random, longwinded, and profoundly wordy soliloquy. And according to Chase, this year's recipe tweaking has resulted in a mammoth 11.26% abv brew that is both huge in character and delightful on the palate. "This is a full-bodied beer with a fairly light texture for a barley wine," said Chase, "but don't let the relative drinkability fool you."

One thing that hasn't changed about the Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine is the ability to age the beer. With its complex character, high alcohol and bottle conditioning, this massive brew can be cellared for at least a year or more.

The 2005 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine will be released in 22oz bottles --- the only size bottle capable of containing such an immense beer, and such a volume of vicariously rambling text.  Additionally, a limited number of kegs will be available at limited select pubs in limited areas at limited times to limited people on a limited basis.

Stone Brewing Co. is located in San Marcos, San Diego County, CA and is one of the fastest growing breweries in the country. Additionally, Stone Brewing is one of the highest rated breweries in the world according to both RateBeer.com and BeerAdvocate.com. Stone Brewing is open for tours and tastings on Fridays from 3-6pm and on Saturdays from11-3pm. For more info go to www.stonebrew.com, or call the brewery at 760.471.4999, x102.

For a high-resolution photo of the 2005 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine bottle and specialty glass email art@stonebrew.com.

Greg Koch / Stone Brewing Co. (760) 471-4999 xt102