As the winter chill settles over Seattle, Old Stove Brewing has reached into the darkness of their barrel room to bring back a fan-favorite heavyweight. The Quiet Eon Imperial Stout is back for the 2025 season, and it’s as bold and contemplative as the name suggests.
Whether you’re visiting their iconic Pike Place flagship or the expansive Ship Canal and Ballard Gardens locations, this is the craft beer you want in your glass when the sun sets over Elliott Bay.
The Quiet Eon: An Old Stove Masterclass in Patience
The name “Quiet Eon” refers to the long, silent slumber the beer undergoes before it ever reaches your glass. This isn’t a craft beer that’s rushed to the tap; it’s a study in how time and oak can transform a “huge” base stout into something elegant.
The Old Stove Brewing Profile
The foundation of Quiet Eon is built on a complex grain bill designed to stand up to long-term barrel aging.
- The Malts: A blend of Roasted Barley, Flaked Oats, Blackprinz, and Chocolate Malts. This creates a thick, opaque body and a “decadent” mouthfeel.
- The Aging: The 2024/2025 releases have been conditioned in select Bourbon barrels for anywhere from 12 to over 24 months.
- The Stats:
- ABV: A warming 14% to 15.2% (depending on the specific vintage/blend).
- IBU: 68, providing a necessary roasted bitterness to balance the residual sweetness.
Tasting Notes: Decadence in a Glass
Quiet Eon is often described as “velvety smooth,” and for good reason. The sharp edges of the high alcohol content are softened by the oak, leaving behind a sophisticated flavor profile:
- Initial Sip: Deep notes of dark chocolate nougat and toasted marshmallows.
- Mid-Palate: The bourbon influence takes center stage with layers of vanilla, charred oak, and burnt sugar.
- The Finish: A lingering warmth with hints of dark stone fruits (figs and dates) and a roasty, coffee-like dryness that keeps it from feeling cloying.
Award-Winning Old Stove Pedigree
This isn’t just a local favorite; it’s a decorated champion. Quiet Eon has a history of bringing home hardware for Old Stove, including:
- Gold Medal – 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship
- Silver Medal – 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championship
A Wee Tip: If you’re visiting the Old Stove taproom, keep an eye out for the Nitro version or special variants. Some years have seen “Pastry” iterations with coconut or vanilla, but the “Straight Up” barrel-aged version remains the gold standard for purists.
How to Get Your Hands on It
Because of the high ABV and the intensity of the flavor, Quiet Eon is typically served in 8oz snifters or 4oz tasters at the Old Stove brewery. For those looking to stock their personal cellars, look for the 22oz bomber bottles at the Ship Canal location or specialty bottle shops around Seattle like A1 Hop Shop.
This is a beer that ages beautifully. If you can grab two bottles, drink one now to experience the vibrant bourbon notes, and tuck the other away for a “quiet eon” of your own.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
