Dedicated beer fans have been storing, aging and trying to resist the urge to drink the annual Stone Vertical Epic beers every since 02.02.02 — a hybrid Tripel/Witbier — was released 10 years ago. Now, the end is near. This week, corresponding with the end of the Mayan calendar, Stone will finish the journey with the release of 12.12.12 , a dark Belgian strong ale brewed with holiday spices.

To celebrate the event, Falling Rock Tap House on Blake Street will be hosting a specialty tapping of kegs of 05.05.05 through 12.12.12 in the upstairs tap room, with $25 flights that include at taste of each the beers.  Downstairs, bartenders will be pouring 03.03.03 through 12.12.12 — all but one of the Vertical Epic beers. These will be paired with five small plate courses for a special $60 dinner. Tickets to the pairing dinner are very limited and go on sale on Friday, December 7.  Fans are encouraged to follow Falling Rock on Twitter and to check the restaurant website for details on how to reserve a spot, as the tickets are expected to go quickly.

As more incentive to try to snag tix, there are reports attendees will see a few surprise offerings of extra Vertical Epics aged in wine and whiskey barrels. This is a dream come true for beer geeks, many of whom are curious to see how the beers have held up and changed over the years. Falling Rock will also be streaming the Stone Vertical Epic Webcast live, which will show the festival celebration taking place at the Stone World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido, CA. Whether you stay upstairs or get a seat downstairs, this is good news for Denver beer connoisseurs — it’s the next best thing to booking a ticket to San Diego!

Event Date: 12/12
Event Time: TBD
Location: Falling Rock Tap House
Price: PAYG upstairs, $60 downstairs