Special Super Bowl Beer Tasting today!

BEER TASTING TODAY!

Come grab your Super Bowl Beer Here!!!
February  from 11am-3pm

The Wine and Cheese Place - Forsyth
7435 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton MO 63105
314.727.8788

Open House
February 1 from 11am-3pm

Deschutes Black Butte Porter
North Peak Vicious Wheat IPA
Woodchuck Cider
New Belgium Snapshot 


These will be open at 11am until the bottle is gone...
Some very limited beers to taste...

Mikkeller It's Alive Grand Marnier Edition
Southern Tier Grand Arbor Ale brewed with Maple Syrup
Stone Brewing Matt's Burning Rosids
Mikkeller Orange Yuzu Glad I said Porter
Tool Nordic by Nature
Alpha Brewing Kofe Storter

The Wine and Cheese Place (Clayton) wins best bottle shop for Missouri!

RateBeer's World's Best Place for Beer

The Wine and Cheese Place (Clayton) 

wins best bottle shop for Missouri!

Thanks very much!

Hanssens

Order Hanssens online

Hanssens Artisinal Brews
"Hanssens Artisanaal is the last independent geuze blender in the whole world. Hanssens Bartholomeus, former major of Dworp, started to brew lambic in 1871, in the previous Sint-Antonius brewery. Documents have proven that he continued to brew, from 1896 onwards, in buildings located in the Vroenenbosstraat, Dworp. These premises are still used." -- importer

Hanssens Oudbeitje Lambic...$9.99 / 375ml
Strawberry Lambic
"The strawberries announce themselves in the nose, where they mingle with aromas of earth, sharp cheddar cheese, vanilla, yogurt, and a Riesling-like petrol note. The flavors turn out to be surprising - gentle sweetness quickly followed by fine acidity, and a wonderful fruitiness right through the center." -- Garrett Oliver, The Brewmaster's Table


Hanssens Oude Gueze...$18.99 / 750ml
Lambic
"Hanssens Oude Gueuze has a hazy gold color and an aroma of wet wool, preserved lemons, vanilla, and earth. The palate is sharply tangy and dry, opening up to a marvelously complex display of citrus and damp earth in the center. The finish is miles long and juicily acidic, with a final flourish of fruit. This would be brilliant wit ha good ceviche packed with shrimp and avocado."
--Garrett Oliver, The Brewmaster's Table

Prairie Artisan Ales BOMB!

Alright, let's do this...

The Bomb! is here
1 bottle per person

Confirmations are done, after counting there are a few bottles left - first come first served 

Prairie Artisan Ales BOMB!...$7.99 / 12oz
Imperial Stout aged on Coffee, Cacao Nibs, Vanilla Beans, and Chili Peppers
Bomb! is an imperial stout aged on espresso beans, chocolate, vanilla beans, and ancho chile peppers. All the flavors meld to create a truly unique beer. The peppers add just the right amount of heat to compliment the intense coffee and chocolate flavors.
ABV
14%

4 Hands Beyond the Bricks

Very limited release

In stock at Rock Hill now -  1 per person

Forsyth - sold out

New Balls - sometime today

4 Hands Brewing Beyond the Bricks....$11.99 / 750ml

Ale aged in Chardonnay Barrels whit Apricots added

"Beyond the Bricks was created to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary.  Inspired by the yellow brick road.  Beyond the Bricks is a Belgian Style Golden Ale aged in Chardonnay barrels with Apricots.  Look for notes of wood, spice, and fruit.  Beyond the bricks pours blonde in color with a medium mouthfeel."  -- label

Blue Hanger Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 7th Limited Release

Last year, the 6th edition was Blended Whisky of the Year by Malt Advocate - 7th limited release is here.

Blue Hanger Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 7th Limited Release...$99.99

Available for the first time in the U.S., Blue Hanger, a blended malt whisky, is named after William Hanger, the 3rd Lord Coleraine. A loyal customer of Berry Bros. & Rudd during the late 18th century, he was renowned for the striking blue clothes he wore and gained the soubriquet, "Blue Hanger". Our spirits buyer, Doug McIvor, noses and tastes his way through many samples to identify exceptional casks to create the final blend. This exceptional blended malt, has bewitching aromas of orange peel, vanilla and peat-smoke. The palate is luscious and complex leading to the fruity, smoky finale. Blue Hanger is produced in small batches, is always natural in color and we do not chill-filter to preserve the heart of the spirit.

Ron Burgundy Blended Scotch coming to The Wine and Cheese Place

In stock now

Ron Burgundy Great Odin's Raven Blended Scotch Whisky...$22.99
"I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly..." Ron Burgundy

Great Burgundy just arrived!

Back filling from Burgundy:
As yields continue to shrink and prices continue to rise for the current releases from Burgundy we are always on the lookout to back fill from previous vintages, quantities are limited.

2010 Louis Jadot Beaune Clos de Couchereaux $44.99 

(12 bottles available)
The 2010 Beaune Clos des Couchereaux wafts from the glass with sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and spices, all of which are woven together beautifully in a classy, medium-bodied style that is undeniably appealing. The higher altitude site gives this wine an airy quality that is absolutely gorgeous, yet there is an understated weight to the finish that is striking for the way it balances all of the elements in the glass. This is a gorgeous Beaune.
Rated 90-92/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Petit Chapelle $78.99 

(12 bottles available)
Medium red. Red cherry, mocha, brown spices and stone on the nose, along with a strong dose of coffee and cocoa torrefaction. Sweet and stony in the mouth, with tangy peppery acidity giving the wine energy and precision. Much more vibrant and high-pitched than the Chambolle-Musigny Sentiers, which is from purchased grapes from the same grower.
Rated 90-92/100 Tanzer's Inernational Wine Cellar


Great value from importer Bobby Kacher
2009 Chauvenet-Chopin Chambolle Musigny On-Sale $ 44.99 

lowest price on Wine-Searcher $59.95 

(48 bottles available)
Firm and elegant, this red falls into the mineral camp, with a stony undertow to its cherry and strawberry flavors. Precise and balanced in a linear profile, with a lingering finish. Best from 2014 through 2023. 50 cases imported
Rated 91/100 Wine Spectator

Evil Twin / Sante Adairus Rustic Ales

In stock and online

Evil Twin Collab with...

Evil Twin / Sante Adairus Rustic Ales Joey Pepper...$9.99 / 22oz
"With intellectual curiosity, impeccable perfection and childlike excitement he examines, drinks and teaches the beers.  His name is Joey Pepper.  Maybe he is real or maybe an allegory.  One thing is certain - we've all met him and admired his extreme commitment, laser focus and contagious behavior.  Remember next time you wanna accomplish something - examine, consume and inspire like Joey Pepper.  "Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion" (G.W.F.Hegel)." - label

Femme Fatale Yuzu

In stock and online with more Evil Twin Beers

Evil Twin Femme Fatale Yuzu Pale...$11.99 / 22oz
Rated 99/100 RateBeer
"To take up the challenge and make a 100% true Brett IPA with Yuzu fruit can very easily become a fatal attraction for the Brewmaster.  Once you get acquainted with the Yuzu fruits irresistible and seductive personality, along with Bretts overpowering, alluring and very charming nature, ti will ensnare you and rive you mad obsessing over how exactly you can create the perfect desirable tangy, funky, crisp, tart flavor in ya mouth." - label

Check out other beers with Yuzu

Thank you to Perennial Artisan Ales!

Thank you very much to Phil and Emily Wymore and Jim Leabig for hosting the very successful release tonight. 

The beer was pretty unbelievable, I think everyone really enjoyed it and it was well worth the wait!

Barrel Aged Fantastic Voyage exclusive to The Wine and Cheese Place

There are 2 barrels of this one!!!

Barrels used: Knob Creek 9yr (#2) and Blanton's (#1)  

Brewery: Perennial 
Beer: Fantastic Voyage (both barrels filled)
Date filled: July 2, 2012 
Date bottled: January 7, 2014
Bottles produced: 348 bottles
Time in barrel: Over 18 months!

Side Project Beer Glass Release and Tasting!

We are very excited to host the 

Side Project Beer Glass Release Party

and of course beer tasting including Pulling Nails Blend #1

The event is SOLD OUT.

Friday, January 31 from 4pm-6pm

Where: The Wine and Cheese Place

7435 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105

• You can come at anytime between 4-6pm to taste the beers and stay as long as you like.
• Check in at the register to purchase your glass (or glasses) and then head on over to taste the beers.  Your name will be on a reservation list at the register.
• If you do not have reservations, please do not crash the party, Cory is bringing enough beer to cover the reservations.  If your name is not on the reservation list, you cannot get a glass for the event.
• There will be 2 beers to taste: Pulling Nails and Le Saisonnier
• There is no Side Project Beer for sale at The Wine and Cheese Place at this time.
• You will get your line ticket for the release of the two beers.  He just announced via twitter that you will be able to purchase the beers on Saturday, February 1st at Perennial (again, not at The Wine and Cheese Place- don't head to the wrong place on Saturday)
• You can purchase additional glasses for $10 a piece to take home for your collection.

Press Release: Side Project Brewing, St. Louis, MO
"Side Project Brewing is excited to announce the release of our first blended beer, an American Wild Ale named Pulling Nails. Pulling Nails will be a series of blended beers that explore the art of blending to create beers with extraordinary depth, complexity and balance. This will be labeled as Blend #1 and it is the blend of 4 unique beers, each of which add their own characteristics to the final beer. 
These 4 beers are:

• Spontaneous Wild (Lambic-style, native microflora from my family's farm) - aged 25 months in French Oak White Wine (bright citric acid, mushroomy, musty)
• Flanders Red - aged 18 months in American Oak Chambourcin Barrels (tart candy, robust oak, big acid, very light acetic)
• Saison du Fermier - aged 9 months in American Oak Chardonnay Barrels (citrus and orchard fruit, billowy, delicate)
• Saison de Rouge - aged 6 months in American Oak Chambourcin Barrels (Amarillo hopped, pear notes, 100% house Brett)

As with our previously released Saisons, this beer focuses more on the delicate acids of citrus fruit, bright and floral Brettanomyces and a soft, round oak characteristic. Cellared properly, this beer will age for years.

In conjunction with the upcoming release of this beer, I would like to release our first Side Project stemware to celebrate the occasion. In doing so, we think that we have come up with a unique way to share this with one of my biggest supporters during the startup of Side Project.

Paul Hayden of The Wine and Cheese Place has been a big supporter of Side Project. He has already supplied me with several special barrels for one-off releases (look for those beer details later in 2014!) between Side Project and The Wine and Cheese Place. His continued support of Side Project and the St. Louis beer community has been amazing.

To thank him, to do something a little different and to hopefully do something a little fun, I would like to have a special stemware release, tasting and Side Project Pulling Nails Blend #1 preview!

AT THIS TIME, I CANNOT DISTRIBUTE BEER, SO THERE WILL BE NO SIDE PROJECT BEER FOR SALE AT THIS WINE AND CHEESE PLACE EVENT!

But, I can distribute my stemware and have a tasting! Our idea is as follows...
On January 31st, from 4 pm to 6 pm, I will be releasing our Side Project stemware at The Wine and Cheese Place in Clayton. For $15 you can reserve your place at the event through The Wine and Cheese Place website...
For $15 you will get:

• One Side Project glass
• Samples of Pulling Nails Blend #1
• A ticket to purchase your Pulling Nails allocation early on release day (no standing in line!)
• The ability to purchase more stemware for $10 each from The Wine and Cheese Place
• (Samples of a surprise beer - maybe - depending on bottle conditioning)

I want to thank Paul for everything. Hopefully later this year I will be able to properly thank him by selling him some beer. I hope to see some of you at this unique event!" -- Side Project Brewing

The Wine and Cheese Place is honored and excited to host the release of Side Project's Beer glass.   Cory King, owner and head brewer of Side Project, is producing some of the most original and sought after beers in the U.S. right now.    He is bringing two beers with him to taste.  We have a very rare treat:  you get to taste in advance the Side Project Pulling Nails Blend #1 before its release date.  Plus, you get a VIP line ticket to guarantee you will get the beer when it is released.  He also hopes to bring another surprise beer.  This is an event not to miss!  Meet Cory King, get an amazing glass, and taste some of Side Project's rare beer.  (There will not be any Side Project beer for sale at this event)

The Wine and Cheese Place

7435 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105

314.727.8788

January 31 from 4pm-6pm

Reservations will be limited to 85 people

Tasting is SOLD OUT

Click here to order additional Side Project Glasses

Orders for glasses are subject to confirmation.  We will fill all glass orders to those attending the event first and then fill the rest of the orders after that if supply lasts

Grey Goose 1.75ltr with glasses and shaker

In stock now!

Grey Goose Vodka...$49.99 / 1.75

with a free shaker and 2 glasses

New Odell Wolf Picker Pale Ale - Montage Pack

Odell Montage Winter Edition...$18.99 / 12pk

3 bottles each...

• Runoff Red IPA
• 90 Shilling
• IPA
• Wolf Picker Pale Ale (only available in this pack)

The new year brings a season of transition. As snow turns to rain, then sun, and a little more snow, we turn to beers inspired by fresh starts and fresh ingredients. Here are three of our favorites, plus as always, our latest Roots Release beer – an experimental, limited-release beer inspired by our five-barrel pilot system and typically available only in our Ft. Collins taproom.

Evil Twin rare items

In stock now at Forsyth  - more info later if they survive the day.

We only got a case or two of each

Evil Twin Femme Fatale Yuzu Pale Ale

Evil Twin Imperial Glazed Doughnut Break

Evil Twin Joey Pepper

Southern Tier Grand Arbor Ale with Maple Syrup

The new Belgian Series - 750ml bottles

Southern Tier Grand Arbor Ale Brewed with Maple Syrup...$7.99 / 25oz
Grand Arbor is hazy pale straw in color with a thick rocky white head and persistent lacing. Aromatically earthy with distinct fruity esters and low to moderate noble hop character. Balanced fruity character blends into crisp biscuit notes with a dry tart finish. Interestingly, although we add maple syrup it adds an earthy/woody character rather than an overt sweetness.

Discerning eyes will notice the labeling on Grand Arbor is a bit of a departure from our normal designs. Our in-house art director teamed up with Nate Duval for this first in a series of labels.

Because both the 750ml bottle and the draught barrels are conditioned, some haziness is to be expected. When pouring the bottle, be aware that some sediment may be present. Pour carefully to avoid this, or don’t. The choice is yours.

Perennial Black Walnut

In stock now at Forsyth

Perennial Black Walnut Dunkel...$9.99 / 750ml

"Black Walnut Dunkel is our first foray into German-style beer. Originally brewed an underground beer dinner with our friends at entre, BWD is a rich, malty Dunkelweiss with 250 pounds of Missouri black walnuts. Game birds, such as quail, pair nicely with the unique, earthy character of the walnuts." -- label

Perennial Barrel Aged Fantastic Voyage

Very rare beer release time.....

Need to do this early before we open so that I can control it....

TWCP / Perennial Barrel Aged Fantastic Voyage...$24.99 / 750ml

18 months in the making!!!!  

We are going to do this one similar to the Bell's Hopslam release.   There was a lot of positive feedback for this method...

• You can reserve 1 bottle online via the link
• Those that come into the store today while supply lasts can get up to 2 bottles starting at 9am.
• We will just take about 80 reservations online and the rest will be sold as first come, first served at the stores.  This will allow the beer to last a little longer giving more people a chance.
• Each of our 4 stores has some in stock.
• We will try to update in a timely manner when each store sells out.
• You have 7 days to pick up your beer or it will go back out for sale.

No more online reservations.  It is now first come, first served at the stores starting at 9am today

BALLWIN and New Ballas SOLD OUT 

Barrel Aged Fantastic Voyage exclusive to The Wine and Cheese Place

There are 2 barrels of this one!!!

Barrels used: Knob Creek 9yr (#2) and Blanton's (#1)  

Brewery: Perennial 
Beer: Fantastic Voyage (both barrels filled)
Date filled: July 2, 2012 
Date bottled: January 7, 2014
Bottles produced: 348 bottles
Time in barrel: Over 18 months!

A new bottle from Alpha Brewing, St. Louis, Missouri

In stock at Forsyth and online

Alpha Brewing Kofe Storter...$7.99 / 22oz
Brown Porter with Coffee Added
"Kofe Storter is a malty brew with an added dose of coffee from our favorite coffee roaster in town, Stringbean Coffee.  10 IBUs" - label

New Rogue 7 Hop IPA

Rogue Farms 7 Hop IPA....$6.99 / 22oz
Style: India Pale Ale Food Pairing: Beef, Hot & Spicy
13 Ingredients:
Malts: Rogue Farms Dare,™ Risk,™ Maier & Dare™ R-3
Hops 7 of them: Rogue Farms Liberty, Newport, Revolution, Rebel, Independent, Freedom & Alluvial
Yeast & Water: Pacman Yeast & Free Range Coastal Water. Specs:
90 IBU

Rogue Integrity Ale

Rogue Integrity 25th Anniversary Ale...$11.99 / 750ml
Style: Golden Ale Food Pairing: Beef, Desserts
Born in a basement in Ashland, Oregon, Integrity Ale is Rogue's original Golden Ale from 1988. Now John Maier brews it with ingredients from Rogue Farms in Independence and Tygh Valley, and the serigraphed silver bottle is dedicated to 25 years.
7 Ingredients:
Rogue Farms Dare, Risk & Munich Malts; Willamette & Rogue Farms Rebel Hops; Free Range Coastal Water & Pacman Yeast. Specs:
29.2 IBU

HISTORY
It was 1988. We were young. Some called us foolish. We Dared. We Risked. We Dreamed. Revolution! 25 years later, we're still fighting. Join us.
One score and five years ago, we brought forth on this continent a Revolution. Today we - the rebels, misfits, farmers, fishermen, rabble rousers, and risk takers - declare that the Revolution is winning! With this ale we celebrate 25 years of more mistakes than successes, more experience than wealth, and more chutzpah than sparkle.
We also celebrate you, Rogue Nation citizens and friends, who have been with us along the long, long way. You’ve been with us from a basement in Ashland and a garage in Newport, to farms in Independence and Tygh Valley, and breweries, distilleries, and meeting halls in Portland, Eugene, San Francisco, Issaquah, Eugene, and Astoria. We have fought the good fight with our fists raised in defiance. To you we raise a glass and hope you’ll stay with us for 25 more…

More fantastic Pinot Noirs....

More exciting Pinot Noir News
The hits just keep on coming, we can't stress enough how excited we are for the 2012 Vintage out of Oregon, but lets not forget about California and Burgundy.


New Arrivals from Oregon:
2012 Wines by Joe Pinot Noir....$13.99
We have been searching high and low for a 2012 Oregon Pinot udner $15 and we hit the mark with the 2012 Wine By Joe Pinot Noir this is one to grab by the case. Lowest price on Wine-Searcher is  $18.99.


2012 Siduri Willamette Valley Pinot Noir...$22.99
A great value every year from superstar winemaker Adam Lee the 2012 Willamette bottling shows off not just Adam's talent but the beauty of the vintage. “This Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is designed to be our most approachable Oregon Pinot. It shows a particularly beautiful balance of red fruits, acidity, and tannins. There’s a confident restraint about the wine and something that pulls you back in for another glass. We’ve noticed that this wine really reveals itself if open for a few hours, which leads us to think that it would only improve with some time in the bottle.”- Winemaker Adam Lee




New Arrivals from California:
2010 Alta Maria Pinot Noir....$19.99

Lowest price on winesearcher $21.95
It doesn't get any better than this for under $20
Deep ruby color; complex aromas of stewed cherry, spice and herbs; rich and deep plum and cherry flavors with spice and herbal notes; some tannin and oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Full and complex Pinot that is a great match for grilled meats.”
Rated 93/100 The Pinot Report


2012 Siduri Russian River Pinot Noir...$29.99
“The 2012 Siduri Russian River Valley Pinot Noir shows the big red fruit profile that many have come to expect from the region. But the wine also shows hints of sandalwood, earth, mushrooms, and even some dried herbs. Some of these other flavors undoubtedly come from the use of whole clusters on several lots that make up the wine. The finish also shows the tannins that come from whole clusters. These tannins are well in-balance, leading us to believe that the wine will only improve with a few years in the cellar. “-Wine Maker Adam Lee

Very exciting beer news to report....

Here is what is coming up at The Wine and Cheese Place....

Thursday, January 30 - Perennial Barrel Aged Fantastic Voyage Release. Release Party is sold out, but stay tuned for details of the beer release that day

Friday, January 31 - Side Project Beer Glass Release Party and Tasting.  The release party is sold out, but you can still buy beer glasses that will be ready for pick up Saturday, February 1st - click here to order

Friday, January 31 - Release of Prairie Artisan Ales BOMB! - stay tuned for details.  It is scheduled to arrive some time on Friday.

Friday, February 7 from 4-6pm - Release Party for Charleville Barrel Aged Hairy Cow Volume II - you can make reservations now - click here for more details

Stinger's Honey - Clayton, Missouri

Honey made right here in Clayton, Missouri

In stock now at our Forsyth location

Stinger's Honey...$10.99 / 16oz
"Don't ask beekeeper Joy Stinger what makes her honey taste better than country honey. "I don't know what it is," she insists. "It's city honey! It's better!" Maybe it's her yard's sprawling bundles of mint, its linden tree, or Stinger's twenty years of experience. Or maybe it's her enthusiasm. Stinger can only extract the honey three times a year, and she gets impatient sometimes—removing the comb-lined drawers of her hives earlier than other beekeepers would." -- Riverfront Times

Sam Adams Rebel IPA

Sam Adams Rebel IPA...$7.99 / 6pk

Sam Adams West Coast Style IPA

In stock now at Forsyth

New Belgium Snapshot Wheat

New Belgium Snapshot Wheat Beer...$7.99 / 6pk
Snap! You just captured an unfiltered wheat beer full of refreshment and a flash of tart at the finish. Smile-inducing aromas of citrus hops jump from the nose, accompanied by the sweetness of coriander and grains of paradise. Brewed with wheat and pale malt, Snapshot pours a hazy, lemon-yellow with bright-white lacing. But the real enticement is the snap of tart. New Belgium’s affinity for sour beers led to the in-process blending of lactobacillus to pucker up Snapshot’s base. An extra step to acidify and beautify and get this beer ready for its close up.
AROMA
Flavor and tartness, like fresh-cut lemons, enhanced by a light floral aroma. Wheat comes through as a fresh bread note.
MOUTHFEEL
Initially rich and creamy, it ends spritzy and with a refreshing twang.
FLAVOR
Starts sweet, moves into a tangy sourness that finishes clean.
VISUAL
Hazy pale straw, light white foam and sticky lacing.
BODY
Medium-light.

Matt's Burning Rosids

Stone Brewing presents a very special beer....

Matt's Burning Rosids Imperial Cherrywood Smoked Saison...$5.99 / 22oz
Life is extraordinarily precious, joyous…and fragile. In 2013, we suffered the tragic loss of our dear friend and coworker, Matt Courtright. In the midst of our grief, we pulled together as the family we are, suggesting and exploring numerous ways to pay tribute to our dearly departed colleague. In the end, we felt there was no finer way to honor his memory than to brew one of his most recent and special beer recipes.

Everyone at Stone recognized Matt’s prowess and passion for brewing. He loved to explore all beer could be, rather than limit himself or his brews to accepted parameters. He conceived a Belgian-style saison with his Stone friend and compatriot, Brian Bishop. Infused with cherrywood-smoked malt, the beer was dubbed Burning Rosids, referencing the rosid plant family from which cherry trees hail.

Matt’s smile and voluminous laugh were infectious mainstays around the brewery. By no means a shrinking violet, he was exuberant, courageous, unfailingly positive and the type of stalwart friend that everyone was happy to have in their corner. He was larger than life in so many ways…and without a doubt, an incredible brewer. We, Matt’s brewing comrades and friends at Stone were proud to hoist our mash paddles and brew this recipe as a symbolic gesture of how much he meant to everyone and how immensely we will miss him.

Rather than regarding Burning Rosids as a somber memento, please think of it as a celebration of Matt. We do. When you drink this very special beer, please join us in raising your glass, both in Matt’s memory and in tribute to everything he so passionately stood for: caring for others, passion and skill for his art, and laughter…lots of laughter. Among the long list of things he held dear were GoDesignInc.org, a charity committed to fulfilling the architectural needs of developing communities around the world; and TKF, a non-profit working to stop youth violence by educating, mentoring and making positive impacts on high-risk communities. We are proudly contributing funds earned through the sale of this beer to this worthy organization in Matt’s honor.

Enjoy, and please remember that life and those we hold dear are precious gifts to be cherished every day. Consider sharing this beer, conversations on life’s passions and, again, lots of laughter, with good friends as we remember ours.

It’s rare that we at Stone are lost for words, yet, in remembering our dear friend Matt Courtright, it’s tough to even know where to begin. But it seems the most appropriate place is with the very special person that we miss so much. Matt was an architect from Michigan who followed his passion for craft beer beyond his vocational and geographic boundaries, making a drastic career change to become a professional brewer. From the moment he came aboard, we knew we had someone special within our ranks. And not just because he was an extraordinary brewer—which he most certainly was. No, there was much more to Matt than his workplace assets. So much more.

Matt was the type of guy who loved to laugh, and had the amazing ability to put others in stitches just by being himself. In a matter of seconds, he could reduce the hardest, burliest, most seemingly emotionless brewer into a doubled-over, wheezing hyena. He had many methods for doing so—quips, bear hugs, and jokes, both of the inside variety and just plain hilarious. But, honestly, all it typically took was that infectious grin of his. Matt was just in love with life, and everyone and everything that comprised his. He loved being a brewer. More specifically, he loved being part of Team Stone, and the men and women he not only worked with, but spent most of his free time enjoying off the clock. He loved his family. He loved sports, particularly his hometown teams. And he loved making a difference. Matt expended a great deal of effort in the name of numerous charities, but none so much as GoDesign, a charity committed to fulfilling the architectural needs of developing communities around the world. In support of that organization’s efforts, Matt traveled to Africa to help construct a much-needed school for the children of an impoverished village in Ethiopia.

There was no limit to Matt’s kindness and generosity of spirit. It’s one of the reasons that his absence has left such an unfillable void in the hearts of the scores of people he touched during his time at Stone. We struggled for a long time trying to come up with ways to pay tribute to him. In the end, we went a number of directions—setting up an annual brewing school scholarship in his name, making donations to his beloved charities in his name, planting a tree at our home base in Escondido, dedicating a fermentation tank to him, and much more. But there was no way we could adequately honor Matt’s memory without mashing in and paying homage to his creative recipes. Three of his creations that we brewed were a rye IPA called Matt’s Dream Rye’d, a cherry porter called Crimson Gate Keeper, and an Oktoberfest-style ale called Mättzen, all of which came into being at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station when Matt was selected to be the first brewer to don boots and a paddle at that location’s new 10-barrel brewhouse earlier this year. But we weren’t done there.

The outpouring of support from friends, the brewing community and Stone fans helped all of us here get through what was definitely the toughest moment in our history. You all grieved right along with us, lending us much needed positive energy and a collective shoulder to cry on. As such, we wanted to share a piece of who Matt was with all of you by brewing a very special recipe he and his Stone brewing colleague Brian Bishop developed shortly before his passing. It is with great pride and heavy but grateful hearts that we present to you Matt’s Burning Rosids, an imperial saison brewed with cherrywood-smoked malts. We feel it succinctly communicates its namesake’s skill and creativity, while providing a lovely impetus for congregating and sharing thoughts and memories about a very special individual who meant the world to us during his time in this world. Enjoy it along with the following video and get to know someone whose company we are certain you would have felt as honored to share as we did. Cheers to you, Matt.

From Stone's Blog