E-Malt.com News article: USA, CA: Stone Brewing Co. releases Ken Schmidt / Iron Fist / Stone Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout

Stone Brewing Co. released the “Ken Schmidt / Iron Fist / Stone Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout,” a collaboration beer with San Diego homebrewer Ken Schmidt and Iron Fist Brewing Co. from Vista, California, beerpulse.com reported on October, 8.

Schmidt was chosen to collaborate with the San Diego breweries after his original creation won the Stone (4th Annual) 2012 March Madness Homebrew Competition & AHA Rally at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens. The winning beer earned Schmidt the opportunity to have his recipe professionally brewed at Stone and distributed across the U.S.

Fresh mint leaves and chocolate were included in the beer, showcasing the mint chocolate flavors that blend together perfectly.

“There’s always uncertainty when it comes to adding spices or herbs to a beer, and this combination could’ve been disastrous, or it could’ve worked beautifully,” Mitch Steele, brewmaster at Stone Brewing Co., said. “Fortunately, it was the latter; the beer was better than everyone could have expected, and it was clear that this was the winning beer as soon as we tasted it.”

Stone Brewing Co. was founded in 1996 by Steve Wagner and Greg Koch in North County San Diego. It is the 11th largest craft brewery in the United States. The brewery recently announced more than $50 mln in expansion plans that include Stone Packaging Hall, Stone World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, and the future Stone Hotel among other lofty ventures.


12 October, 2012