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To mark it’s 30th anniversary, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is unleashing a lot of special brews in 2010. Fritz and Ken’s Ale is one of those, and it is spectacular.

This robust imperial stout is a collaboration between Sierra Nevada’s Ken Grossman and Anchor Brewery’s Fritz Maytag. They put their brewing minds together and concocted a roasty brew that compares very favorably with Old Rasputin from North Coast Brewing Co. It weighs in at 9.2 percent alcohol by volume. Fritz & Ken’s  is one of those beers that grabs your tongue and demands to be savored a moment before the swallow. Serve it at cellar temperature and you will be rewarded with not just one flavor but with a parade of them — there’s smoke and nuts and coffee and toast and leather  and malt and … and … and … and …   Oh, hell. Just drink some.

Upon opening my first 750 ml bottle, my first thought was that I should have bought more than one. I went back for more and have placed a bottle on the rack in our cellar. The makers say the flavors are likely to improve with a bit of aging. I contacted Sierra Nevada to ask for advice, and they suggested 2 to 5 years would be about right. Who am I to disagree?

My wife had a great idea after hearing that timeline. She suggested I save this one for our 15th wedding anniversary. A Sierra Nevada anniversary beer for my own wedding anniversary? Outstanding idea.

I’ll pop the cork on my cellared bottle August 8, 2013.

– Steve

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