Stone’s Vertical Epic Series Culminates At Falling Rock On 12.12.12

12.12.12.  It just sounds Epic.  It’s big and bad and has a lot of 12’s.  Well, it’s HERE!  12.12.12. is tomorrow!  No, it’s not the end of the world, that’s next week.  12.12.12 marks the end of an era. The end of the Stone Vertical Epic Series.  You know, the one that started way back in 02.02.02 when Stone decided to put 300 or so cases out and kick off a decade long journey exploring a variety of beer styles along the way.

The idea was simple.  Stone would release one beer per year in the series, each release coming 1 day, 1 month and 1 year after the previous release.  Beer nerds would buy a bottle and cellar it until 12.12.12, when the whole collection was meant to be tasted together.  Very cool concept. It’s been something I’ve been looking forward to trying for years, picking up the many releases along the way.

Collecting the entire set turned out to be more than a little difficult.  I’ve actually tracked down all but the elusive 02.02.02 and I’m ok with that.  For one, 02.02.02 is a Witbier, which is typically not a style of beer that ages very well.  For another, it comes with a hefty price tag.  In the past few years, bottles have popped up on various online sites for $500+.  Think of all the amazing beer you can buy with $500 and then compare it to one bottle of a 10-year-old Witbier.  A little hard to pull the trigger don’t ya think?

With the craft beer explosion that has occurred over the past few years, it’s a safe bet that a lot of craft beer enthusiasts don’t have the earlier releases.  If you find yourself in this boat, but still want to try the series, Falling Rock Tap House in Denver is here to help.

On Wednesday, 12.12.12, Falling Rock will have Stone Rep Chris Cantrell in the house and they’ll be tapping the entire lineup, except for 02.02.02.  I told you that was one elusive little bastard… Flights of 03.03.03 through 12.12.12 will be available beginning at 1:12 PM for $25.

Or for you high society types, Falling Rock will have a VIP option, with the same beers flowing, but paired with 5 appetizers, beginning at 6 PM.  In addition to the Epic Series, they’ll also have 3 barrel-aged variants available for VIP attendees.  Both events are ticketed ($25 for the flight, $60 with the appetizers) and expected to sell out.

Don’t miss out on this truly once in a lifetime event.  Stop by and get your tickets before they’re gone. Falling Rock Tap House is located at: 1919 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202.  303-293-8338.

And if you go, be sure to let me know what you think of the beers.  I’ve got a group tasting planned which unfortunately won’t happen until later this month or next.  That is unless, the end of the world really happens on 12.21.12…  Hmm, might have to reschedule that tasting.

Cheers!