Stone IPA (India Pale Ale)

In many ways this is my favorite Stone beer. It may not score as highly as say, IRS, Ruination or either of the Bastards, but the whole point is that this a simple, everyday beer that doesn’t need any kind of huge hop presence or massive alcohol content to stand on its own and say, “I’m a great example of simple, excellent brewing”.

Classic orange marmalade and hazy pour, with lovely light head and some sticky lacing. Aroma and initial tastes are obviously West Coast hops, but they are loose and not overpowering. Plenty of swwetness in the nose too, and the floral character of the hops and the sugar sweetness combine to make this a real stunner.

A beer that has the confidence to say, “Yes I have plenty of hop character, but I have the strength to hold my own without becoming gimmicky.”

Lovely citrus refreshment, but it’s light and crisp at the same time to give this a drinkability akin to a Pilsner in high summer. Finishes bitter, but short and sweet, not burning. A little light pineapple in the finish. Alcohol is hardly to anywhere to be seen. This drinks much light than 6.90%.

Fantastic, delicious and a great, great example of how to brew beer with serious hop character and bitterness, but backed up by strong malts in a subtle way. Stone rocks!

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07/31/2005
Format:
bottle
ABV: 6.9 %
Appearance: 4
Taste: 4.5
Mouthfeel: 4
Smell: 4.5
Overall: 4.5
Total: 4.43
Series Name:
Year:

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