(Escondido, CA) – Stone Brewing Co. revealed on Monday that its w00tstout beer will hit markets beginning next Monday, July 15th.

The beer, a big wheat stout at 13% ABV and 65 IBUs, is made with a single hop, English Target, and carries a malt bill comprising of British and American Pale Malt, Crystal and Vienna.

UPDATE: Official Distribution Zones… AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, and WA

More copy from the brewery…

Tasting Notes, provided by Brewmaster Mitch Steele

Appearance: A deep, opaque, brownish-black color with a creamy brown head.

Aroma: Intense cocoa and coffee with nutty coconut. Hints of licorice and loads of fruity fermentation esters. Bourbon, vanilla and oak follow.

Taste: Some cocoa, coffee and fruitiness up front. Mid-palate, the bourbon barrel-aged portion of the beer is apparent, so oak, vanilla, nut and bourbon flavors transition to a slight alcohol heat and hoppy bitter finish. As the beer warms, a nuttiness almost reminiscent of almonds starts coming through (but we used pecans!).

Palate: Thick and hearty. At 13% ABV, this beer is definitely a sipper. It is smooth and creamy, with a slightly warming and drying finish.

Overall: This beer is a monster, and it may be the highest ABV we’ve ever brewed. The flavors are a wonderful blend of everything that makes a great imperial stout, loaded with roasty notes and malty complexity. Brewing with rye and nuts always creates challenges for our brewing team, but they rose to the occasion with this one – it’s simply amazing.

Suggested food parings, provided by “Dr.” Bill Sysak

Appetizers: Oysters on the half shell, mushroom Gruyère tarts, onion focaccia, devils on horseback

Soups: Butternut squash, French onion soup, Irish stew, New England clam chowder

Entrees: Coffee-rubbed porterhouse steak, blue cheese-stuffed portabella, fennel and leek risotto, lamb osso buco

Cheeses: Maytag blue, Valley Shepherd Creamery Crema de Blue, Farmstead Gouda, Gorgonzola Dolce

Desserts: Licorice ice cream, brownies, German chocolate cake, coconut macaroons

Cigars: La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel, Illusione MJ12 Maduro, Rocky Patel Fifty Robusto, Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Exclusivo Maduro