Episode 29: The Resurrection Of St Stans

There’s a revival of sorts in the San Joaquin Valley of California as an old name is born again. This time, our merry band of connoisseurs include St Stans owner Rich Hodder, pizza whisperer Benjamin Martinez, time traveler Matt Gauthier and chief microphone holder Bob Moffitt. Click HERE for the Podcast!

Trader Joe’s “Stockyard” Oatmeal  5.2% abv  

Benjamin:   Solid, shareable, VERY GOOD

Rich: Good flavor, unique, finish is a little meh  GOOD

Bob: little fruity, not getting chocolate, little weird aftertaste, drinkable  GOOD

Matt: Getting coffee and chocolate. Well-balanced VERY GOOD

Samuel Smiths “Imperial”  7.0 % abv

 Bob: I love the history lesson on the bottle. No aftertaste, but a little fruity GOOD/VERY GOOD

Matt: Sweet, caramel, chocolate. GOOD

Rich: Not overbearing for an imperial. Nice finish  VERY GOOD

Benjamin: Lots of smoke and flavor. Perfect all day stout. One of my favorites. GOOD

New Holland Dragon’s Milk Barrel-aged Imperial 11 % abv

Rich: I’m a barrel kind of guy. Looking for distinct flavors and smooth finish. Dynamite. VERY GOOD 

Bob: Hint of sweetness from vanilla

Benjamin: GOOD. Like scotch and cigars. Balanced. Wish it had more vanilla.

Matt: I’m a fan. Nice body. I like the sweetness and the bourbon hint at the finish. VERY GOOD

Epic Brewing “Big Bad Baptist” Imperial 11.7% 

Bob: I dig the effort but I’m a fan of neither rum nor almonds. So if you’re like me, you appreciate it, but would be meh about getting a second If you like both of those things this could be your jam. GOOD/VERY GOOD

Matt: Lots going on here. Maybe too much. Cool color. GOOD

Rich: Unique. I have it on tap. Need I say more? VERY GOOD.

Benjamin: Lots of folks at this party. Love in a glass. Delicious. EXCELLENT

Five Threads “Sequoia” Quadruple American Stout  17% abv

Rich: good sock in the kisser. I’m digging it. Huge up front flavors. VERY GOOD. I want to know how they made it.

Benjamin: big flavor. Lots of hops and pine. Sipper. I could drink one in 20 minutes. VERY GOOD. I’d pay retail.

Matt: Not too syrupy, not too malty.  I don’t want to see Benjamin if he thinks he can take this down in 20.  Well balanced. For me FAIR/GOOD for someone else.

Bob: expected citrus and pine. It’s new and complex. Aftertaste is too much. For me, FAIR/VERY GOOD for promising what it delivers.