That’s right, Boise imbibers. The much anticipated Stone Anniversary ale is out and available at the Boise Co-Op for the very reasonable price of $5.79 for 22 ounce bottle. Go get one, or two, or three, asap.

The annual Stone anniversary beer has become one of my favorite things to look forward to every year, because they are always so good. And this year’s version, a bitter chocolate oatmeal stout is outstanding. I drank a bottle last night and it was deep, dark, complex, and delicious. The dark malt is just full of (you guessed it) chocolate, oat, and burnt coffee tastes, but it is wonderfully balanced.

Be sure to let it warm up some before drinking, so you can enjoy the full aroma and flavors. I put mine in a speciality beer glass which is similar to a brandy snifter, so you really stick your nose in while drinking.

It is also over 9 percent alcohol by volume, so it makes for a good nightcap, which you can share with someone else. That also means you can age a bottle or two, if you store it correctly

I really enjoyed the recent Black Butte XX from Deschutes, but that beer, while similar, seemed to be a bunch of flavors that were still working towards becoming a harmonious beer. Which it will be with a few more months of aging, I think.

For me, the Stone 12th Anniversary beer arrived fully realized. The San Diego-based Stone Brewing Web site says the idea for the bitter chocolate oatmeal stout came from combining the recipes of two Stone employees. Good work, guys.

The last three Stone Anniversary beers have been classics — I wish I would have bought enough of the 10th Anniversary to save a bottle or two. I learned my lesson and still have two bottles of the 11th — a wonderful black IPA — I am saving for another day.