So I’ve been trying to figure out why they named this beer Stop Codon. For all you non science folks a stop codon is defined as:
A stop codon is a trinucleotide sequence within a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule that signals a halt to protein synthesis. The genetic code describes the relationship between the sequence of DNA bases (A, C, G, and T) in a gene and the corresponding protein sequence that it encodes.
source
Maybe it’s because this beer has taken quite the journey to get here! Over two years ago Speciations decided that they wanted to add variety to their spontaneous lineup, so they brewed an amber base, cooled it overnight in the coolship, and threw it down into their 30bbl oak foeder. After two years of aging and mellowing out, they decided on some light additions of spices and tangy tamarind to up the complexity even more, while still allowing the old world sour base shine through. On too of that it was a rare release with only 1512 bottles produced.
I was pleased to try it. The beer is brownish red to a relatively clear reddish amber in color depending on the lighting conditions. There is a light to moderate amount of carbonation with tiny streams of snappy bubbles.
It has a solid moderate to light aromas of oaky vanilla and wild cherries are present in the nose. There’s plenty of sour funk with some more acidic aromas popping out as it warmed.
The taste is a bit sour and has flavors that follow the smell with additional notes of dark cocoa nibs and zesty orange citrus with hints of warm spices. It feels light to medium-bodied and slightly tart on the palate..
This beer smell and tastes like a traditional feeder-aged ale with some special funk.