Stone Brewing Co. - Press Release

WHO: Stone Brewing Co.
WHAT: Release of the 2007 Stone Imperial Russian Stout
WHEN: Now. (Released April 2nd, 2007)
WHERE: Select locations across America

Escondido, San Diego County, CA --- Each year, in the 2nd quarter, Stone Brewing releases a beer that has become a rite of passage for the craft beer enthusiast. Calendars are checked. It is the discussion of blogs and posted on message boards. Maps are consulted, and refrigerators are cleared to make room. And what is this monumental occurrence? The annual release of the Stone Imperial Russian Stout.

Stone Brewing’s beers have developed legendary status over the years, but none so much as the heralded Stone Imperial Russian Stout which has become one of the highest rated beers in the world on both BeerAdvocate.com and RateBeer.com. Listening to a craft beer fan describe it you would think they are talking about much more than a beer. The words “decadent,” “dark,” and “delicious” are all common descriptors, with correlations to “coffee, black currants, anise, and chocolate” added in to the mix.

"Stone Imperial Russian Stout is clearly revered among enthusiasts of intense beers," explains Greg Koch, CEO of Stone Brewing. "However trying to explain the depth of character the beer provides to the average beer drinker might be be akin to attempting to explain a fine Stilton or Camembert to the Cheez Whiz crowd."

The Stone Imperial Russian Stout's big character and 10.8% alcohol by volume also make it an excellent candidate for cellaring. How long? "It's my favorite of our beers to age," said Koch. "I have opened and enjoyed amazing bottles that were six or seven years old which could have been aged even longer. It's amazing the depths that this beer can achieve over time...if you've got the patience."

The 2007 Stone Imperial Russian Stout began hitting shelves on Monday, April 2nd 2007. This “Stone Special Release” is available only in 22oz bottles, but draft will also be available at a handful of select pubs in limited areas. For a complete list of regions and locations where the 2007 Stone Imperial Russian Stout can be found, visit stonebrewing.com/irs.

Founded in 1996, Stone Brewing Co. is located in Escondido, CA and is one of the fastest growing breweries in the country. Additionally, Stone Brewing is one of the highest rated breweries in the world according to both RateBeer.com and BeerAdvocate.com. For more info go to www.stonebrewing.com, or call the brewery at 760.471.4999 x1500.