Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Beer Review: Stone Brewing 12.12.12 Vertical Epic

by Danya Henninger on Jan 14, 2013 in Beer
Beer Review: Stone Brewing 12.12.12 Vertical Epic

Despite the huge buzz surrounding its release and the numerological neatness of its name, Stone Brewing Company’s 12.12.12 may have gotten somewhat of a short shrift. As the last offering in the 10-year-long Vertical Epic project by the Southern California brewery, the Belgian Strong Dark Ale was first tasted by many as the final sip in a flight or tasting dinner. Even the most seasoned beer aficionados might find it tough to be discerning after a series of up to nine other Stone brews, all of which ring in at relatively high alcohol content.

Happily, 12.12.12 is now widely available on tap and in 22-oz. bottles around the country, and this reviewer had a chance to revisit the beer for a more memorable pint. Extremely memorable, in fact — this is an extremely intense glass of suds, and might even benefit from another year of aging on its own.

The beer pours a velvety black with a thick, beige-head. Scents of spice hit your nose before it even gets close to the glass, thanks to a heaping helping of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, clove, orange peel and rosehips (the last having been crushed with a forklift in order to pulverize them before brewing). “Nope, certainly do NOT remember this one from the tasting dinner,” was our comment to the bartender who served it for our review.

Strong as the nose seems, the taste is not overwhelming or cloying, helped by an extremely dry finish. You can’t have an aversion to gingerbread cookies or molasses to enjoy sips of the brew, and the liquid lays heavy on the tongue at first, but after a swallow and a breath, no unpleasant aftertaste lingers. It’s surprisingly easy to finish your pour, especially if you pair the beer with a salty cheese or unctuous charcuterie.

This isn’t a beer you would drink every day, or even more than once a year, but as the finale in an unprecedented vertical tasting experiment, 12.12.12 is worth seeking out. Who knows, perhaps Stone will figure out a way to wrangle a 13.13.13 out of the calendar someday soon.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling is transforming their fourth floor space into a secret garden to celebrate Earth Day, ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 5, 2024
Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with bartender Tom Foy of Butcher Bar...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close