Stone Brewing Co. released two new craft beers as part of its Odd Beers for Odd Years program. The classic version, 2015 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine, is a rich American-style barley wine that highlights a medley of bready and toffee notes stemming from its heavy malt bill, the company says. As the beer begins to warm and open up, molasses, banana and subtle tropical fruit flavors can be detected, it adds. For the 2015 “Odd” version of Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine, current Brewmaster Mitch Steele decided to develop an über hopped interpretation of the beer. The 2015 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine – Extra Hoppy release showcases the attributes of the new Azacca hop varietal. Copious amounts of the hop varietal were used to dry-hop the base recipe, which gives the beer a candied-fruit character and citrusy, pineapple aromatics, the company says. Both varietals are available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft in markets where Stone Brewing products are sold.

2015 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine and 2015 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine – Extra Hoppy
Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, Calif.
Telephone: 760/294-7899
Internet: stonebrewing.com
Distribution: Select markets