Maybe I am just wanting to remember my first taste of beer this way because it is a better story, but I believe that I had my first sample of this one with Seattle Jeff at the Seattle International Beer Festival. It is quite possible that I had it before then but I choose to remember it that way since it was so much fun and with some really good friends. On top of the friend factor it was in Seattle, which is always good in my book.
Kind of wishing a had a few more of these for the weekend . . .
Brewery: Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA)
Name: Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
Style: American Black Ale
ABV: 8.70% (on bottle)
Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and pulled very slightly early to warm some before serving in a snifter.
Aroma: Full piney, somewhat citrusy hop aroma with some light sweetness in there somewhere. Nice IPA-like aroma overall and as expected. – 10.5/12
Appearance: Dark, dark brown (black appearance). One finger, thick, frothy head with very good retention and leaving a pretty solid trail. Opaque, even when held to light. – 3/3
Flavor: Really nice resinous hop bitterness with some some roasted malt bitterness there as well that has a coffee-like characteristic. The combination of the two bitter components gives it an almost smoky character. Finishes somewhat dry with some lingering hop bitterness left on the palate. – 16.5/20
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a moderate level of carbonation. It has a creaminess to it but also finishes with a bit of astringency. – 4/5
Overall Impressions: Damn this is a good beer (and presents well too). It has a little of everything that I want when I pick up a Black Ale (American or Cascadian or whatever you want to call it). It only gets better as it warms a bit and the bitterness just keeps me wanting the next sip. Maybe the only thing I want more of in this one is more in the way of a roasted characteristic in there. The Wife “does not care for it.” – 8/10
Overall: A- (42/50)
Stone Brewing Co. - Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
What Others Say