We drove up to Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens on a dreary Friday afternoon to visit with Mitch Steele, head brewer of Stone Brewing Co., Chuck Silva, brewmaster of Green Flash, & Jeff Bagby, head brewer of Pizza Port Carslbad. The three had been busy at work on the Highway 78 Scotch Ale since 8am.
Named after the infamous beer highway that is the 78 of Northern San Diego County, Jacob McKean of Stone Brewing Co. described the brew-in-progress as “a big, rich, malty beer made with all English ingredients.” Mitch estimates that the ale will be 8%-9%ABV, around 30 IBUs, and a deep-amber color. “It’s been a couple of years in the making,” Jeff describes, “and we’re excited to age some of this beer in the scotch barrels that are on order.” Chuck Silva chimes in, “That’s the fun part!” This will be the first Scotch Ale created at Stone.
Close to 150 barrels of the collaboration ale will be made, and they will be bottled in Stone Brewing Co.’s trademark triangle collaboration bottles.
A pitcher of the wort was available to taste. Based on the flavor, West Coaster speculates that there is some very happy yeast in the tanks at Stone. Distribution is in the works; check back for more details as the beer should be available in early February.
Photos from the Meet the Brewers event can seen on our Facebook.