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: 
I have had this but it’s been a while. I too prefer a strong malt presence to balance out hops. I have been avoiding IPA’s lately…I guess I’m sort of IPAed out.
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Yeah, too hoppy for me, but that’s Stone’s shtick.
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Hoppy, but not like their Ruination IPA. It’s a hop-bomb. As far as aroma hops go, I really, really like using Amarillos. They are somewhat citrusy, but more along the lines of orange/mango. Good stuff. Makes for a nice pale ale.
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You don’t see amarillo hops showing up much in commercial beer. In fact, I can’t recall ever having tasted any. I just looked online at the store where I buy my ingredients and they don’t carry any. I read that they have an irony quality, which is a flavor I go for.
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I enjoyed this beer as I like hoppy in my IPAs. I loved the grapefruit like tastes in it.
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I like a hoppy IPA, but with malt backing.
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