After months of "Yes, it's coming! No, it's not! Yes, it is! No it bloody isn't!", we can confirm that yes, beer from San Diego's famed Stone Brewing is absolutely, definitely, 100% coming to Australia. And so is the brewer.
On February 12th, The Local Taphouse in Darlinghurst will host the official Sydney launch of Stone Brewing beers Down Under,* with Head Brewer Mitch Steele coming along to launch them.
Event 1: No Stone Left Unturned
You can join Mitch for a Q&A to find out about his brewing journey and what it's like to head one of the most coveted breweries in the craft world. He'll guide you through five Stone beers - the IPA, Sublimely Self Righteous (Black IPA), Arrogant Bastard (Strong Ale), Go To IPA (Session IPA) and Delicious (IPA) - which have been airfreighted in for the occasion.
This is a ticketed event with limited spots, running from 6pm until 7:30pm. You can book a spot here.
It'll cost you $35 which gets you a sample of each beer (5 x 150ml). If you like what you try, there'll be more available for purchase over the bar.
Event 2: Stone Brewing Showcase
Upon the conclusion of the Q&A session, the five Stone beers - IPA, Sublimely Self Righteous (Black IPA), Arrogant Bastard (Strong Ale), Go To IPA (Session IPA) and Delicious (IPA) - will be getting tapped at the main bar, giving you a chance to go through them all at your leisure. Tasting paddles will be available, as will Mitch who'll be hanging around until about 9pm if you'd like a chat.
This is a free entry part of the evening, but be warned that the beers won't be getting tapped until 7:30pm.
if you want to see - or rather taste - what all the fuss is about with this brewery, short of travelling to the states this might be the best chance you get, so don't miss out.
* That is to say, the official launch of officially sanctioned distribution to Australia - you might have seen Stone beer in stores having come through rather more sneaky means...
