Stone Brewing News With Commentary – RuinTen IPA, Sours, Smoked Porter + More

We caught up with Stone Brewing Co. for a little Q & A about their current products and a look into the future. Much like Apple Computer, Stone runs a very tight ship with regards to giving away too much info before they are ready to, so with that said, please enjoy.

TFP: Will Stone Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA/ Stone RuinTen IPA be released once a year now?

Stone: “There is no doubt that this beer is one of our fan favorites, and one of our own team’s favorites, too. After brewing it last year to commemorate Stone Ruination IPA’s 10th anniversary, we really had no plans to bring it back. But our vocal fans and even our own team made us realize that we should! As for the future, haven’t decided yet.”

Ed: This beer was well received last year, and did well in a few TFP polls this beer was included in. I’ve maintained that with the Vertical Epic Series being over, there would be some voids to fill, and this looks to be an example of that.

Can we expect a full Stone market saturation of Stone Enjoy By IPA?

Stone: “No, not in the near future at least. The logistics and production of this beer would make it difficult to produce one huge batch of beer that could go to every state we distribute.”

Ed: Shortly after I asked this question, I began hearing nightmareish stories of people in eastward states finding bottles past their EnjoyBy dates, and for well above suggested retail price. Totally counterproductive to the freshness movement, so I am glad Stone hasn’t gone full saturation with this particular beer.

We’ve heard Stone is getting close to their Sour program.  The number we were given was 1000 – 1100 wooden barrels dedicated to the program initially. Could we get as much info as possible on this initiative.

Stone: “At this point, the barrels ain’t talkin’!”

 Ed: I feel Stone knows the ramifications of producing shitty sours, and want to nail this out of the gate. All signs point to this becoming a reality in the next 6-12 months, and wouldn’t be surprised if a Stone Sour pilot showed it’s head at their annual Sour Fest in two weeks.

Can we expect Stone Smoked Porter variants this year? If so, which ones?

Stone: “No, we don’t have any Stone Smoked Porter variations planned for this year. Some of our staff has been able to create their own variants through our cask program. Microbiologist Technician Eric Jorgenson created a Stone Smoked Porter w/Dried Cherries & Vanilla Beans cask, Brewer Josh Jordan created a Stone Smoked Porter w/Bacon & Maple Syrup cask and Graphic Artist Jade Blessinger created a Stone Smoked Porter w/Toasted Hazelnut cask. These were all delicious but we have no plans to bottle any of them in the near future. ”

Ed: While Stone Smoked Porter is a wonderful entry level craft beer, it never got the attention from enthusiasts that it did until Vanilla Bean and Chipotle was added to the mix. I think they should do this once a year, and in bombers instead of 12 oz. bottles.

Has Stone prototyped can packaging?

Stone: “No.”

Ed: We had to ask, as there are very few popular craft brewers not canning at this point.  With that said, I don’t see them ditching the silk screened bombers with 4,000 word essays on the back in favor of a 12 oz. can in my lifetime.

Has there been any forward movement with the European initiative?

Stone: “No, we’ve been really busy with the opening of Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station. We also anticipate moving into our new Stone Packaging Hall in June so these projects have taken center stage.”

Ed: RIP Stone Brewing Europe….. It was a very ballsy idea, and as a spectator, I’d rather them take over the east coast of the United States before a trip across the pond.

Will we see any former Anniversary Ales reincarnated such as SSR?

Stone: “We’ve had some Stone Anniversary Ale/IPA beers that we’ve really liked but there are no resurrection plans for any of them at the moment…but never say never.”

Ed: I don’t think Stone needs to add another IPA to their hop heavy lineup, but we’d love to see Stone 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout to return.