Wow, finally, 6 months after bottling it's finally starting to taste right. That weird, hoppy? flavor has faded and it's sweet and boozy and carmely and buttery.

Something's wrong this year. Last year was as good as any barrel aged wee heavy on the market. This year has a bitter bite the destroys the carmely sweetness. Can't believe I bought so much this year instead of last year.

Smelled OK cold, not as malty as I wanted but not bad. As it warmed it started to smell and taste like a sour. Disappointing in the end.

Yes. Finally a stout that stands up to my ideal, Expedition Stout. Has the right kind of bite for a RIS but is still smooth. Has depth, it's thick. These guys are awesome. It's going to be tough to wait on the Pistachio.

Best from the IPA glass. But NvU is better.

Pleasantly bitter but doesn't have the juicy hop flavor I want. 9% should have more flavor but it hides the alcohol well.

Smells citrusy, lots of hops. Might be a bit too fresh. All NG is bottle conditioned so maybe needs another week or two. It's a high standard, but if I can't do better than NvU I won't be disappointed.

Really solid scotch all all around...until you get to the spruce tips. It's like a rosemary aftertaste. Why would they do that?

Best from the IPA glass. But NvU is better.

Pleasantly bitter but doesn't have the juicy hop flavor I want. 9% should have more flavor but it hides the alcohol well.

Smells citrusy, lots of hops. Might be a bit too fresh. All NG is bottle conditioned so maybe needs another week or two. It's a high standard, but if I can't do better than NvU I won't be disappointed.

Very malty for an IPA. Obviously it explodes with hops. I'm going to hold on to at least one of these for a month to see what happens. Not worth the $15 price tag, but maybe that's just a mental thing since it is a 6-pack.

It's pretty good. Even getting some chocolate at this point, which is surprising. It's rich and flavorful. I need to have an Old Stock soon to compare.

Almost two years on this bottle and it's just starting to taste like Old Stock Ale. Just go with Old Stock.

Very malty for an IPA. Obviously it explodes with hops. I'm going to hold on to at least one of these for a month to see what happens. Not worth the $15 price tag, but maybe that's just a mental thing since it is a 6-pack.

Very malty for an IPA. Obviously it explodes with hops. I'm going to hold on to at least one of these for a month to see what happens. Not worth the $15 price tag, but maybe that's just a mental thing since it is a 6-pack.

I like this end of the sour spectrum. Had some funk at the end and didn't taste like nail polish remover. It's drinkable and refreshing. Lightly hoppy flavor that doesn't dominate.

Phew. 13% is a lot. More than I want. As good as I remember the 2015 vintage being, that's a lot of alcohol. This one ended up quite sweet, even though it was chilled. It smoothed out a bit as it warmed but either my palate has changed (which it certainly has) or I just don't like this vintage as much. Still a great value since Stone doesn't gouge like some breweries at the larger format. I'll get to my other bottle of 2015 eventually and then see what I think. If it's worth continuing with a 13% stout.

OK. Reminds me of BORIS. Not as sweet as I was worried it might be. A bit harsh until it warms. But then you lose the depth of flavor. Will see if it mellows after a year since I have another, older, bottle.

Best from the IPA glass. But NvU is better.

Pleasantly bitter but doesn't have the juicy hop flavor I want. 9% should have more flavor but it hides the alcohol well.

Smells citrusy, lots of hops. Might be a bit too fresh. All NG is bottle conditioned so maybe needs another week or two. It's a high standard, but if I can't do better than NvU I won't be disappointed.

Complex and high alcohol. The almond shone through for me, gave it a nice pasty flavor. Didn't get much of the coffee, fine by me. Too much abv, though. Worth trying, and I'd buy the barrel aged version without thinking twice but not part of my regular rotation.