(Escondido, CA) – Stone Brewing Co.’s collaboration with homebrewing champ, Ken Schmidt, and Iron Fist Brewing just received label approval from the TTB. Meet Ken Schmidt / Iron Fist / Stone Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout. There are typically three back labels that come through with these (one from each participant) but only one has come in so far. The others probably won’t be too far behind.

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

This beer represents Schmidt’s second victory in Stone’s homebrew competition, the first being Kona Coffee Macadamia Nut Coconut Porter with Maui Brewing. Schmidt won the competition in 2009. At what point does Stone give this guy a job in R&D?

Ken Schmidt / Iron Fist / Stone Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout will be the 15th in Stone’s Collaboration Series. Look for it in 12 oz. bottles beginning on October 8th.