Stone Stochasticity Project Quadrotriticale
Stone Stochasticity Project Quadrotriticale isn’t just an overly complicated series of syllables, it’s the latest offering from California’s Stone Brewing “playful outlet,” the Stone Stochasticity Project. It’s also a beer that has been in the minds of the company’s brewers for some time.
Originally thought of as an option for Stone’s Vertical Epic 10.10.10, the beer was eventually shelved for another recipe, since there has already been a couple of Belgian-style quadrupels in the Vertical Epic series. Thankfully, the company decided to dust off the recipe for the second round of the Stochasticity Project. At 9.3% ABV, Quadrotriticale is no small beer — comprised of flaked triticale, dark Belgian candi sugar and the Ardennes yeast strain.
The result is a full-bodied, full-flavored brew packed with spicy, rye-like notes thanks to the triticale, dark fruits and an overall earthy, richness. It’s also a beer that is nicely balanced and smooth with an appropriate amount of warmth for the style. And, while it’s darn tasty now, I believe this is another Stone release — which explains it’s earlier consideration for the V.E. series — that will cellar wonderfully.
Appearance
Pouring clear and a ruddy, copper in color, the beer sits with a dense cap of creamy, beige foam.
Aroma
Peppery rye notes, bread, yeast, a hint of coffee and an overall earthy character combine for an enticing aroma.
Taste
Burnt caramel, bread, light banana notes, distant spices, spicy rye, a soft touch of molasses and yeast fill the mouth right from the start. The flavor is rich and balanced as it glides comfortably over the tongue. There’s a subtle char floating in the background like heavily toasted bread. The brew is full bodied with a soft mouthfeel and appropriately warming finish — a moderate sweetness lingering.
Overall
I liked this beer, especially the earthy, spicy traits that the triticale brings to the table. Quadrotriticale tempers that peppery tingle with a decent amount of candi sugar, but keeps everything fairly even keeled and balanced. Warming and rich, this is certainly a beer that I will pick up and stick away for a couple of years, as I think it will perform wonderfully after some cellaring.
Rating: 4/5
This is a review of a promotional sample.
