Beernews.org always gets the scoop on the new brews coming out. Stone Brewing Co. in CA has a series called Vertical Epic, which they’ve been producing annually beginning in 02.02.02. Seven years in, 09.09.09 is just around the corner. So, what are the details coming out?

“This is quite a complex and layered beer. Bold and smooth chocolate malt flavors combine with a Belgian yeast lending tropical fruit/banana flavors and hints of spiciness, all complemented by citrus notes from an addition of tangerine peel. Rich vanilla beans add a nice counter to the chocolate malt – actually enhancing the chocolatiness. The finish is smooth, with additional traces of vanilla and toasted characters from French Oak. The goal for this edition of the Stone Vertical Epic Ale series is to be reminiscent of artisanal chocolates accentuated with orange.”

Quite a few other special releases are heading out way, too: Sublimely Self-Righteous and Cali-Belgique. But when?