Ruination IPA - Stone Brewing Co.

cjnuxoll

California

2.11/5  rDev -51.4%
look: 3 | smell: 1 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.25

smells like a lot of other pale ales and IPAs (which I am not a fan of). too hoppy without being spicy, rich or flavorful. i should qualify this by saying i like wheaty beers, particularly pilsners and lagers. has in my opinion a high bitterness to it that i don't care for; that's why i usually steer clear of IPAs.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2013 01:02:15 | More by cjnuxoll

jjboesen

Maryland

4.81/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

This is unique hopbomb: heavy on the IBU but light on the body. It opens slowly with a sturdy froth topping a cloudy amber body. There is a gummy slab of splotchy lacing present throughout the quaff - a slow and deliberate one, to be sure.

Take a whiff and you will be punched in the nose by a massive pine fist with fingers of honey, apple and grass. Take a sip and your palate is greeted by an initial orange peel, which is supplemented by a thick rush of grapefruit that eases out in a pleasant finish. Yet ... despite the 100+ IBU, there is nothing harsh about it; this is an easy hopbomb that does not expolde in the palate - it even seems to melt in a quiet crispiness.

A wonderful brew from the San Diego area - but, what else is new about Stone?

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 22:45:23 | More by jjboesen

ajramirez1

Washington

4.14/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

One of very few stone beers i would buy on a regular basis. This dbl ipa is big and hoppy in my opinion just by the smell and taste you can easily tell its a Stone beer.

Initial smell is pleasing & can smell the hops. The taste is solid. Hoppy but no too overwhelming. Slightly low abv for an imperial. Good ipa's start at 7.0% in my opinion. 6.7% at very lowest...

This is a solid beer pick this ish up. Sold in 4pks i believe now, which is tits

A-

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 21:51:48 | More by ajramirez1

SebD

Ontario (Canada)

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: It has a nice hazy golden/orange color to it. It has a nice white head that dies down moderately and leaves little lacing.

Smell: The aromas definitely give out hints of citrus, citrus and more citrus along with grapefruit, some piney resin and sweet caramelly malts.

Taste: Like the aromas, it has some citrus, grapefruit, a fairly big pine resin presence and some sweet caramelly malts .

Mouthfeel: It has a medium carbonation with a very nice overall balance and feel.

Drinkability: It's a very smooth drinkable beer accompanied with great flavors and aromas.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 01:13:22 | More by SebD

KYGunner

Kentucky

4.04/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Gorgeous pale orange coloring with an almost unfiltered resemblance, this IPA sets up a thick and frothy head.

Nice citrus notes of grapefruit, tangerine and orange. Subtle pine and flowers sit at the back of the nose as the citrus notes disappate quickly.

Strong maltiness hits the tongue first and then piney resins finish. Earthy tones get caught between the two in a smooth feel. Bits of orange can be caught hiding in the middle but musty and harsh metallic tastes hold the aftertaste to ruination the palate.

I must admit that it seems to be Stones intention to ruin ones palate but its just that, that makes this beer lose points. Why create an IPA with clean smooth citrus and earthy tastes and then let a strong metallic taste ruin it all?

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2013 21:52:50 | More by KYGunner

willhopforfood

Illinois

4.78/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

This is a great example of a double IPA even with the low ABV %.

Everything juicy and citrus on the nose and continues to the palate. No boozey taste noticeable at all. Dry finish leaves you wanting more.

Lives up to it's name. Wished it came in 6 packs.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 18:14:22 | More by willhopforfood

dar482

New York

4.54/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

The beer pours in beautiful hazy gold orange color with a one finger head. Very cloudy.

The aroma is great. Rich juicy orange, freshly squeezed grapefruit. There’s a breadiness there as well along with pine.

The taste is pretty spot on. It hits you immediately with a gentle bitterness throughout. The aftertaste isn’t too cloying, but it’s of bitterness like a grapefruit pit, resin, and pine. The flavor is of dried out grapefruit. There’s an easing of bready malts that cleans up this beer however.

The finish is not as offensive as many Double IPAs out there. It’s ridiculously dry, but it doesn’t have this awkward cloying feeling. It’s an enjoyable bitterness that tastes natural of grapefruit pit and lingers lightly.

This is not as big of a hop bomb as Enjoy By, but I saw that as both a compliment and hit. For Stone beers, definitely try out Enjoy By, but on the regular, I would definitely prefer this. It’s so well balanced. One of the best Double IPAs out there.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 03:00:00 | More by dar482

f4zZ3

Sweden

4.55/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75

Bottle bought via Great brands at Systembolaget.

A: Looking really tasty. Golden, almost orange color. Thick foam and lacings on the glass.
S: Citrus, Pine, Some kind of fruit, pineapple? Sweet smell, some caramel notes. Loads of hops are showing what to expect.
T: Loads of bitterness. The fruit och caramel quickly disappear, overrun by the great bitterness and hoppy taste. Long lasting, fresh bitter end.
M: Feels refreshing and light even though it's a 7,7% IPA. Really good and my favourite IIPA (That I can get hold of easily) Leaves a lot of bitterness in the mouth. Perfect carbonation.
O: One of the best. Remeber when I had it the first time, wow! I really love this one. Great work Stone!

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 23:20:12 | More by f4zZ3

Rast

Maryland

4.36/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Bomber watching VCU struggle vs. Michigan in the round of 32.

Stone, synonymous with aggressive. Nose hits you straight out of the bottle before the pour, but we'll get to that. Pours a semi-opaque foreboding copper. Head as thick as 270 traffic at rush hour. I practically stubbed my index finger taking a closer, textural observation. The nose, which has been begging for attention from the moment the cap came off, now receives its due. Intense florals and bitter citrus. Stubborn, but not obnoxious, carbonation envelops the mouth chamber. Taste confirms what the nose foretold. HOP to it now, o my tongue. The bitterness is modulating between different flavors in an amazing way. First sip lingered for nearly a minute. "A severe state of damage" indeed. Hop-based wrecking ball.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 17:27:03 | More by Rast

deeznuts420

Pennsylvania

4.39/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

classic dipa. poured into a duvel tulip fairly aggresively making about 3 fingers worth of very tight bubbles and loads of lacing. smells so damn good a little malty toasted bread followed by loads of piney citric hops. taste follows the nose well malts hit first for a second then comes all them delicious hop flavors of pine, bitter citrus and some flowery notes. mouthfeel was medium, sorta creamy. a damn good beer that i could drink every day. stone can hardly do no wrong

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 11:34:42 | More by deeznuts420

HopsGoblin

California

4.76/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

This is some good stuff, plainly said. Even better is their actual brewery, which is a beautiful slice of heaven in Southern California.

It is everything you want in a bold IPA, and does not disappoint whether in a bottle or on draft. Beautiful color and a lot of bold aroma followed by bold taste. Not for the weak of palate, but a real treat for those who love a bitter IPA!

Serving type: on-tap

03-21-2013 04:11:45 | More by HopsGoblin

BaltimoreBeerLover

Maryland

3.88/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Poured from 12 oz bottle into wine glass.

Appearance: Golden-honey. Slight head that disappears almost completely fairly quickly.

Smell: MALTS. And lots of them. Sweet and citrusy with some hop character as well.

Taste: Love the balance of sweet malts up front and very hoppy bitterness aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Medium carbonation. Hoppy bitterness REALLY sticks around for a while in the back of the throat. And this is expected, seeing as how it's 100+ IBUs which is advertised gloatingly on the bottle.

Overall: A great beer and my idea of what I love in an IPA. A little sweetness and then a strong hoppy bitter finish that knocks your fucking socks off at the end. 3.8/5

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2013 00:17:41 | More by BaltimoreBeerLover

ChugMan

Washington

4.78/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

A - Slightly hazy yellow orange with some bubbles. Frothy head, mostly solid with several irregular bubbles on top. Head was leaving lacing even before the first sip! This trend continued, leaving beautiful lacing throughout. My glass was transformed by the end.
S - Pretty soft, sweet aromas. Frosted animal crackers, cookie dough, clover honey, salty caramel. Fresh sourdough baguette quite prominent. A little pineapple too.
T - Interesting dichotomy of smooth, full flavor on the tongue, while some really bold hops occupy the back of the mouth and nose. I'm struggling to find comparable flavors, so here goes. I keep getting images of green vegetables: asparagus, kale, celery, cabbage. But this is mostly in the periphery. A bit of orange, but surprisingly few fruit flavors given the style. Front of the mouth enjoys a puffy, frosting sort of sweetness. A very light, salty creamyness is present and isolated on the tongue as well. Needless to say, complex, and hugely entertaining. Good lord.
M - Remarkably clean and refreshing through most of the mouth, just a bit of that cream sensation remains after each taste. But those hops! It's like someone's draped a heavy felt cloak over the back of my tongue, mouth and throat. My tongue actually feels heavier. Awesome.
O - If aliens landed tomorrow and demanded a reason to not destroy humanity, I'd offer this beer as evidence of our worth. They might even come back for another round.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2013 04:50:58 | More by ChugMan

phishsihq

Colorado

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Ruination by Stone Brewing Company pours a cloudy, orange color with a thin cream colored head. Citrus, piney, and floral hop notes create a wonderful bouquet for the senses. Slighty toasted bread flavors quickly yield on the palate for some serious hop bitterness. The onslaught of grapefruit and pineapple citrus, gooey pine resin, and grassy earthiness are quite welcomed as they are delicately balanced with the sweetness of the malt. Medium in both body and carbonation, Ruination comes out incredibly well-balanced.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2013 20:19:04 | More by phishsihq

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.14/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Reviewed from notes. Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a 8 oz snifter.

A- pours a light caramel with a 2 finger white head. Blotches of lacing remain on the glass.

S- caramel, grapefruit, oranges, and pine

T- caramel, pale malts, citrus rind, bitter pine finish

M- medium body and carbonation. Sticky, syrupy and a slight dry finish

O- good dipa. More citrus aromas then in the taste.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2013 03:45:00 | More by kawilliams81

chaint

California

3.95/5  rDev -9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Reddish orange pour with medium carbonation. Pretty clear for a DIPA. Some aroma on the nose, but not as much as other reviewers experienced. Surprisingly mild flavor up front. Instead, this beer is all about the finish...as advertised, a strong bitter end that lingers.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 23:56:10 | More by chaint

barczar

Kentucky

4.21/5  rDev -3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Pours a slightly hazy deep golden color with copper hues and a frothy half inch cream head that dissipates slowly, leaving sheets of lacing.

Resin, fresh cut grass, grapefruit, dank and catty hops begin the aroma explosion. Pine and onion and a subtle hint of bready malt round things out. Smells wonderful.

Flavor doesn't disappoint. Initially reminiscent of sweettart fruitiness, the profile turns lightly bready mid palate, then finishes bitter and resiny. Grapefruit pith and tangerine underlie a bready malt backbone that is fairly subtle. Resin really dominates.

Body is moderate, with moderate carbonation and a fair amount of hop astringency. Alcohol warmth is slight.

Excellent example of the style. Decidedly bitter, but with enough flavoring and aroma hops to really make things interesting and complex. My only gripe would be I wish some of the characteristics in the aroma translated more into the flavor. Still a great brew.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2013 19:27:51 | More by barczar

andrewjraab

Michigan

3.63/5  rDev -16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

A - Nice looking beer with huge pillows of white head that remain for the duration.

S - Hop Resin, hop oils, citrus, bread dough, yeast and some malts.

T - Smooth drink - nice blend of hops. It hold the 100 IBUs remarkably well, but there is something about the bready flavor that has an off sweetness to it that doesn't hit the mark for me.

O - Very solid and definitely worth a swing.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2013 03:23:59 | More by andrewjraab

brodericksloth

Oregon

4.38/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25

light amber hazy

big off white frothy three finger head; sticks around for quite awhile; moderate lacing

excellent flavor of pine, resinous almost chewy with tropical undertones and nose

good malt structure but not bready; full mouth feel; balance is on the hop side

very hoppy at 100+ IBUs; bitter but not biting; long aftertaste sticks around and does
some ruination on palate; not filling easy to have too much. alcohol might be understated.

must be a hop lover to enjoy. Centennial, Tomahawk, Citra

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2013 03:03:20 | More by brodericksloth

bcsbeer

Florida

4.73/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

A: Hazy golden orange with a white head that was completely gone before it was consumed. Little to no lacing.

S: Big on the hops with grapefruit and pine.

T: Like your sucking on a sap covered green pine cone that was marinated in grapefruit juice. There are some hints of orange and lemon and sweet malts.

M: I was a little worried about the carbonation when the head ran away, but it did not disappoint.
Finish highly bitter with some syrupy sweetness. Took the palate for a joy ride.

O: You better have your PHD in IPA for this one. Stone has pegged the IBUs needle at 100+ we don't know how fast we are going. If you think you can handle it take it for a spin. I enjoyed it.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 04:27:41 | More by bcsbeer

Omnium

Pennsylvania

4.28/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Standard 16oz Pint Glass
A - Lighter golden yellow pale color, standard around the board
S - Citrus fruits, mango, pine, biscuity malt sweetness, a hidden alcohol scent
T - Packed out with hops, grapefruit style bitterness and pine lingering after imbibing. sweeter light malt, and those fruit flavors up front though. Get a little bit of the alcohol flavor as well.
M - Well balanced, not much else to say.
O - Stone is solid in everything they do, this is an above average IPA that is pretty much available everywhere. An easy go-to for any hop lover.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 01:40:58 | More by Omnium

BeernDrum

Ohio

4.31/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Excellent IPA. Nice amber color. Nice white head. Smells of citrus and a little grassy. Nice taste with a little orange. Nice bitter taste that I enjoy. This is a great choice if you are going to spend high end $. A better choice than Hopslam. Really worth the $ for high quality IPA. But fathead still a 1st choice.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 00:47:37 | More by BeernDrum

Dave1999

Virginia

4.21/5  rDev -3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Looks impressive pours a cloudy orange with a small white head.

The smell is citrus hops, the usual grapefruit and lemons with some biscuit. I would've like the smell to be a bit stronger though.

The taste is much like the smell , fruity with a little bitterness and slightly sweet taste.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with medium carbonation.

Overall an excellent dipa, the abv is well hidden with flavorful hops and pretty well balanced.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2013 02:10:23 | More by Dave1999

Lucidious

California

4.3/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Popped this guy open during an editing session this afternoon. Its been in my fridge for a couple weeks now, ready to try her out.

Poured into a tulip out of a 22oz Bomber.

A | Clear, golden color, akin to apple juice. Thin head made of small bubles, lingered several minutes. minimal lacing. Gorgeous beer.

S | Slight fruit, crisp alcohol undertone. it does not have a terribly strong odor, or my allergies are in the way...

T | Strong malt start is quickly blown away by floral hops and rounding finish of alcohol. By the end of swallowing the bitter sections on the back of the tongue light up with the most wonderful sensation that slowly tails off into the lingering bitter after-taste.

M | Thin and very smooth, almost silky. Really allows the crisp bites of hops and alcohol to shine through in the most pleasant of ways.

O | A fantastic über-hop journey. If you are a budding hop-head and are looking to test your pallet on some great hop bombs, this would be a great place to start, followed by Hop Stoopid.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 20:26:48 | More by Lucidious

Bosoxfan20

Oklahoma

4.29/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A- Poured from a bottle that did not have a bottled on date, but judging by the fact that it was forgotten in my closet for a couple months, it wasn't straight from the factory. A hazy light orange with white head of about a finger or so. Good retention and moderate carbonation. Fantastic lacing.

S- Citrus packed! Terrific aroma as the hop abundance sends the olfactory into a state of shock.

T- Powerful hops. Grapefruit or orange hits you first, followed by a delicious malt base and finishing with a bold bitterness as it "ruins" the palate. My bottle was older, but the hops had still yet to mellow. The warmth of the alcohol is the last phase I tasted.

M- Medium bodied. Dry finish, but smooth

O- A level of complexity exists despite the IBU level suggesting a one note song. To Stone's credit, the hop and bitterness level probably does ruin your palate to the point that i wouldn't be comfortable reviewing another beer immediately after this one. Another great IPA by Stone. Much to the delight of a hop head like myself.

12 oz bottle. $10.99 for 4 pk

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2013 03:40:52 | More by Bosoxfan20