Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale (Alex's take)

Brewery: Stone Brewing Company
Style: Black IPA
ABV: 8.7%
Country: USA, California

Roy had reviewed this previously here. As a fan of both stouts and IPAs, I couldn't really resist the appeal of this since a black IPA is a mix between, well, a stout and an IPA. The pour was pitch black with no sign of any brown around the edges. It had a big and thick head which was fluffy and tan. Left a sticky lace and rings the whole way down.

Aroma contained plenty of citrusy hops up front with lots of roasted flavors as well. More hops were found in the taste. Somewhat pine-like with oranges and lots of sweet malts. Roasted coffee and oak show up after the hops subside. Tasted like what I was expecting as a mix between a stout and an IPA. Roasted notes transition into a big wave of bitterness that lingers a long time. Bitterness really takes control and overpowers everything else. Stout and IPA flavors battled the entire time for dominance. While good, this was more or less what I was expecting. I'd prefer a bit less bitterness. B

Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale

Brewer: Stone

Style: Black IPA

ABV: 8.7%

Another fine brew from the guys at Stone. I had the pleasure of trying this a Stone tasting/dinner a few months back and then again at a local tasting. I figured it would be good to pick one up and review.

Pour is deliciously dark but when some light passes through becomes a dark amber/cherry color. Head is thick and recedes slowly to a light brown lace, not unlike a lot of stouts.

Roasted malt and smokey notes hit the nose. A slight aroma of toffee after a few deep inhales.

Flavor is no doubt different to me, the best way I can explain it is a porter's coffee, toffee and roasted malt combined with the bitterness of an IPA then finishes with a nice smokiness. Nice complexity and I would expect nothing less from the guys at Stone. A light to medium body brew that I could see myself enjoying more of.

Overall B+

-Roy

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