Stone Brewing’s annual limited release of their World Beer Cup-winning Old Guardian Barleywine is always good news for fans of bold, powerful beers.

But this year, the news gets even better.  As part of their “Odd Years, Odd Beers” initiative, Stone is also releasing an extra-limited, extra-delicious “Extra Hoppy” variant of Old Guardian that features the brand-new Azucca hop.

With an angel’s share of pungent, ripe tropical bitterness, the Azucca hop’s profile is a unique twist on Simcoe.  But Azucca presents bright and fresh aromas of Bartlett pear and apple that have no equivalent.  The hop’s high-alpha bitterness makes it an ideal complement to a malt-oriented style like an American Barleywine.

Extra Hoppy Old Guardian presents the same complex malt bill that makes the original so universally desired.  Notes of toffee, molasses, biscuit and honey provide a base for 80 IBUs and an aggressive dry-hopping of Azucca hops.  Crystal malts blend with the Azucca’s distinctive apple and pear notes to create the illusion of drinking candied fruits.  A full body and creamy texture offers a drinking experience that takes you to the limit of hops and malts.

Though Extra Hoppy Old Guardian is largely undiscovered, a small sample size has shown unanimously stellar ratings.  Don’t miss this chance to experience a new hop put to expert use by one of the world’s very best breweries.  Enjoy Extra Hoppy’s fresh tropical kick now or cellar it to let the malts become even smoother.  

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Reviews

4.25

4 Ratings

jorge1041

5.0

Hall of Fame beer that is retired

0

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