Stone Brewing Co. today announced a change in packaging, moving both the Ruination IPA and Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale away from six packs and into four packs in an attempt to reduce the retail cost for consumers.
“The ‘sticker’ price is a little more friendly at the cash register,” said company CEO Greg Koch. “Since the value is the same (the price per bottle isn’t changing), it gives the beer fan a little more flexibility.”
Stone Brewing Co. media and communication coordinator Randy Clemens said the case price (to wholesalers) will not change.
Both beers will also continue to be sold in 22 oz. ‘bomber’ formats. Joining Ruination and Oaked Arrogant Bastard in four packs is the company’s Black IPA, Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale. Koch said the four packs should retail for the same price as six packs of Stone IPA, Stone Pale Ale and Stone Levitation Ale. Those beer will continue to be sold in six packs.
Below is the official release.
ESCONDIDO, CA РScore oneor four that is, for Stone fans. Beginning this week, Stone Brewing Co. is offering Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, the most popular Black IPA on Beer Advocate, in packs of four 12-ounce bottles. Previously, the deep-black-yet-amazingly-hoppy beer was only available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft. Stone Ruination IPA and OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale will also be offered in four-packs.
“Stone fans have been requesting to get these beers in four-packs and we finally said, ‘Sounds good to us!’” commented Greg Koch, Stone Brewing Co. CEO and co-founder.
First brewed in 2007 as the Stone 11th Anniversary Ale, Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale perfectly melds hefty dark malts with an intense infusion of hops for a complex flavor profile of roastiness, exquisite bitterness, and big, bright hop notes.
Stone Ruination IPA got its name because of the ruinous effect on one’s palate, and recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. This massively hopped IPA overwhelms with its deliciously intense bitterness and vibrant hop flavors layered onto an assertive malt base.
OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale is Arrogant Bastard Ale gracefully aged on toasted American oak chips to mellow the edges of this unabashedly intense brew.
The four-packs will be distributed in the following states: Alaska, Ariz., Calif., Colo., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Idaho, Ill., Ind., Ky., La., Mass., Md., Maine, Mich., Minn., Mo., Mont., N.C., N.H., N.J., N.M., Nev., N.Y., Ohio, Ore., Pa., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Texas, Va., Vt., and Wash.
ABOUT STONE BREWING CO.
Stone Brewing Co. was founded in 1996 by Steve Wagner and Greg Koch in North County San Diego, CA. It is the 11th largest craft brewery in the United States and has been named “All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine – TWICE! A recently announced $50M+ expansion plan (that includes a hotel among other lofty ventures) is underway, as are developments to become the first American craft brewery to open a brewhouse in Europe. Visit stonebrewing.com for more information.