Stone is a company that makes some stuff I normally really like or dislike. I’ve enjoyed their Vertical Epic Series beers for a couple of years now, and they make some other good products, too. Their IPA is one of the few beers that they make where I find myself somewhere in the middle.

The Pour-The pour was pretty simple. The body had a very nice, light golden tone to it, which propped up a small and thin head.

The Aroma-The aroma had some very definite citrusy hop qualities to it. I have to say that I am personally getting tired of Cascade hops being used for aroma on beers, especially IPAs. I’m actually glad that some Chinooks and other varieties (and no apparent Cascades ) are being used in this brew. There was very little else that I thought was taking place in the beer beside the hops. Maybe a touch of malts.

The Taste-The taste was filled with plenty of hops, which were citrusy and appropriate for the style of the beer. There were touches of malt that lead to a finish that gave off a fairly bitter quality. If I have a criticism that I could make about Stone’s IPA, it would be the same criticism that I have about many IPAs: there is not enough malt backing to it. I know that some people will disagree with this assessment of the beer, but I’m certainly a malt head when it comes to hops. Something like Dogfish Head is more up my ally.

I’m not saying this beer is bad; it’s not. I do think that it’s mediocre as an IPA but still okay as a beer (if that makes sense).  Incidentally, I had their Ruination and it was much better.

Mike’s Rating

Overall Satisfaction:  

Among other IPAs that I've had:  

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