San Marcos, CA --- Stone Brewing is known for big beers. As a result, it is no small news that one of their biggest, Stone Brewing's yearly edition of its Old Guardian Barley Wine, has just been released. A stunning representation of all that is big and bold in beer, Old Guardian's malt character weighs in with a huge 9.91% alc.vol. and is accented by a near-critical level of hops. Stone Brewing won a Silver Medal in the barley wine category at the 2000 Great American Beer Festival with the 2000 edition of the Old Guardian. To honor this great award, Stone brewed the same recipe for the 2001 edition of the Old Guardian. Now for 2002 in what Stone CEO Greg Koch describes as "a shining example of how we at Stone are simply not able to leave well enough alone," the recipe for Old Guardian is changing. "The 2002 Old Guardian starts out with a beautiful, big malty sweetness" says Koch, "which then transforms half way through to a stunningly profound hop flavor and bitterness. The experience is a dance party for the palate!" With the significant alcohol content of this brew, the legs might feel compelled to join in the dance party. "I love this beer so much I'd like to drink it all day long" muses Koch. "However, part of the reality of barley wines is that they are self-limiting and having just one ends up being perfect." Also due to the high alcohol and hopping of the Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine, many folks will enjoy dancing several bottles on down to their cellar for aging. Stone estimates that the brew can be aged for several years at least. Koch suggests that a bottle be opened from the collection every six months or so to get a full appreciation for the changes in maturity the beer --- and the drinker --- will experience. The 2002 Old Guardian can also be enjoyed right away in order to experience the brashness of its youth. Old Guardian is available in 22oz bottles. A list of regions and retailers can be found at <http://www.stonebrew.com/tasting/special/OG2002/index.html>. Draft will also be available at a handful of select pubs in limited areas. Stone Brewing is located at 155 Mata Way in San Marcos, CA. For more info, go to www.stonebrew.com or call the brewery at (760) 471-4999. |
