There is no doubt that home brewer Ken Schmidt is a champ. Why? This is his second collaboration with Stone Brewing Co., after winning the the American Homebrewers Rally in San Diego, CA. His first collaboration (Kona Coffee Macadamia Nut Coconut Porter) was brewed with Stone, Maui, and himself. This above Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout swaps Maui for Iron Fist Brewing. This is the 15th edition in Stone’s collaboration series.

There is no doubt in my mind that Ken Schmidt is one of the most creative brewers in the San Diego area. Thus, it is no surprise that he won (for the second time) our annual March Madness Homebrew Competition and AHA Rally. His winning beer is exquisitely well-crafted with amazing chocolate and mint flavors, and was, quite frankly, a challenge for us to replicate on our own system. But, given our past success with Ken’s first beer, and by enlisting the help of Brandon Sieminski from Iron Fist, I’m sure we’ve nailed it: a lusciously smooth imperial oatmeal stout teeming with cocoa and mint. This is one to enjoy now as an after-dinner sipper, or to cellar for several years. — Mitch Steele

Style: Imperial Stout (w/ Chocolate, Mint)

Availability: 12 oz bottles, limited Draft.

Arrival: TBA

9.6% ABV

Read more: Stone Brewing Co, Collaborations