Stone India Pale Ale IPA | Chad’z Beer Reviews
Posted on Jun 04, 2009 under dried flowers | 8 Comments
http://www.epinions.com/review/Stone_Ipa_22oz/content_472365567620
One of the most interesting things Ive discovered since venturing into the world of beer-reviewing is the fact many beers can have a flavor that is reminiscent of a certain ingredient even though the brewer has not added it to the recipe. For example, many German wheat beers have a banana and spice taste, but neither are added. In the case of American India pale ales like Stone IPA, many taste like grapefruit, but the beer contains no juice whatsoever.
Stone IPA is packed full of flavor with a seemingly distinct taste of grapefruit. Whats odd is the beers taste is more accurately described as sweet than tart. Still, its a delicious beer even if it isnt your usual IPA.
POUR, COLOR AND AROMA
Poured from a 22oz bomber, this beer flows a little rough but eventually evens out. It produces a bright orange/dark amber body which is rather hazy (although I didnt see any sediment). The carbonation is low, and the head is well-proportioned, white, foamy and creamy. The aroma is to die for with a strong, sweet and yet light fragrance of flowers and citrus. The hops are just calling out to be drunk!
TASTE
What puts some people off about IPAs is their intense hop bite, and even though Stone IPA is quite the hoppy its actually not as intense as you might think. Like any quality beer of this style the presence of hops is definitely noticeable immediately, but the beer finishes with a sweet, refreshing and slightly watery taste of citrus.
There isnt much of a hop bite here; in fact, the flavor in the end is rather dry. The brewerys website states it is dry-hopped for two weeks to get the extra bitterness. While I would agree that this beer is certainly bitter, I found it to be more sweet than tart. It has a candy-like taste which is very pleasing, and thankfully no sugary aftertaste.
Still, I was a little surprised this beer was more citrusy than it was hoppy, since it was crisp, clean and refreshing, rather than an all-out ault on the palate (hey, when a beer has a picture of a demon on the label, its rather ominous dont you think?).
FINISH
Stone IPA is much smoother than youd expect. There is a faint dryness to the finish, but no aftertaste or scouring effect on your tongue. The sweet taste and slightly watery body make it very drinker-friendly.
BODY
The Stone Brewing Company has a reputation for making bad-@ss beers that are for true connoisseurs only. Although their IPA is rather heavy at 6.9% ABV and 77 IBUs, its amazing as just how light and easy this beer is on your system. This is a case where the numbers lie, since this beer drinks like something much more pedestrian and would work well as a session beer rather than a one-and-done drink.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Id say this is definitely an outstanding beer and one of the best American examples of the India Pale Ale style. However, I think Stone (much like Rogue) goes to show the distinct difference between beers brewed on the East Coast versus the West Coast. If you want intense hop bitterness opt for Dogfish Head. If you want something lighter and sweet, opt for Stone you wont be sorry.
Duration : 0:7:44
June 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
In my opinion tart …
In my opinion tart is close to sour, as in a taste and not a flavour. Lemons are both sour and bitter tastes – the juice is sour and the pith is bitter. If the beer tasted tart like lemon juice it’d be spoiled or not an IPA (i.e a lambic, etc). It can smell tart but not taste it. This is the way I see it!
We used to have loads of Stone in the UK but it’s all gone now. I really hope they ship some more over here soon! I love this beer so much!! Good review as ever
June 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Those glasses are …
Those glasses are smaller than the usual pint glass. I think they’re only 12 oz.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
No, an IPA is …
No, an IPA is supposed to be tart like lemonade. It’s the citrus taste that gives it the bitterness.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Good review. I …
Good review. I agree that the Stone has a good fruity component. It’s a good beer for sure. Have you had the Torpedo Extra IPA from Sierra Nevada yet? I’d be interested to see how you like it compared to the Stone and DFH 60 minute.
I saw that Guiness pack in the store and almost bought it. I think I will get one now after seeing how nice the glasses are.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
This is an awesome …
This is an awesome beer when it is as fresh as possible, as with all other IPAs it loses something as it gets older.
As for tart or sour in an IPA, if you find anything like that then you should pour it away because it’s probably an infected bottle!!
June 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Yeah if you like …
Yeah if you like the Dogfish Head 60 Minute you’d probably like this too. It’s more sweet than tart, though.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
The intro, with the …
The intro, with the beverage centre footage makes me drool each time!
I’m pretty sure I’d love this beer… It’s nice that they release this in bombers, too!
June 4th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Great review Chadz. …
Great review Chadz. I may have to get one of these agian. I remember liking it equally to the DFH 60 minute, but after hearing your review, I will have to investigate. Sweet glasses too!