Ruination IPA - Stone Brewing Co.

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

merc7186

New York

4.43/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

On tap at McGregors in Amherst NY, poured into a pilsner glass.

A: Clear Golden Straw Hue, Passes Lots of Light, Thick White Head, Great Lacing

S: Piney, Biscuits, Mildly Resin

T: Piney, Mildly Resin, Mild Grapefruit Rind

M: Great Carbonation, Medium Bodied, Semi Drying, Semi Bitter

Overall, a truly solid bitter piney IPA but will wreck your palate.

Serving type: on-tap

01-15-2013 23:12:27 | More by merc7186

Dirty_chavez

5/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I have been drinking this regularly and is a fav & go to. Visited World of Beer in Columbus, Ohio after it opened and requested it be mixed with Left Hand Milk Stout NITRO. Was an amazing mix, and hope I can get one more before I have to leave town.

* The stout mellows out the bitterness of the Ruination but, if your a real hop head it still has enough bite. I'm not a huge fan of stouts but, this mix has greatly opened my taste...

Serving type: on-tap

11-29-2012 05:04:55 | More by Dirty_chavez

Cavanaghty

Maine

4.98/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Served on tap in a sample glass.

Appearance: Darker amber color, with a white head.

Smell: Holy hops! Nothing but citrus/hop smells.

Mouthfeel/Taste: Medium bodied, and smooth. A very hoppy, citrusy beer. Great taste!

Overall: Very enjoyable brew, always heard good things about this one, so I am very glad I tried it.

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2012 14:24:22 | More by Cavanaghty

tobelerone

New Jersey

4.03/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap. Lightly hazed orange color, two fingers of foamy white head settling slowly; nice creamy lacing remains. Nose is assertively hoppy; malt and subtle caramel sweetness are present but firmly in the background; lots of citrus, orange, grapefruit, pineapple; some floral notes.

The taste is certainly aggressively hopped as well but the grapefruit-y bitterness is counterbalanced a bit by a stronger, sweeter malt character. Again there is an array of hop flavors with various citrus fruits and floral and pine notes. Dries up pretty well in the finish; the bitterness remains during a lengthy aftertaste.

Medium to slightly full bodied, medium carbonation; a little smooth and sticky. Typical of the old guard of this style.

This is certainly a classic DIPA but no longer a top favorite of mine. It’s big and bitterly hoppy and a bit boozy and yes, maltier than I might like. Not the most subtle or intricate DIPA; something like Pliny (to say nothing of Hill Farmstead or Alpine IPAs) has this beat on overall flavor, complexity, and drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

07-26-2012 02:58:45 | More by tobelerone

argock

Virginia

3.98/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served on-tap in a Newcastle "schooner" at The Lodge (Hilton Head Island, SC).

A: Almost identical hazy golden as Stone IPA with a short cap of almost white head with a collar of lace at the top of the glass.

S: Aroma is not as strong or as varied with mainly pine and pineapple/lemon fruit aromas and no malt component to speak of.

T: The flavor is very bitter but still somewhat well balanced with a huge dose of pale maltiness and a bracing hop barrage of pineapple, orange, lemon, and pine.

M: Despite the bitterness this is smooth and easy to consume with a body that is much lighter than the flavor with good dryness to improve consumability.

O: Kind of like visiting an old friend.

Serving type: on-tap

06-26-2012 00:35:11 | More by argock

BierStein711

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed in a 10oz snifter for a pre engagement apertif

Smells: floral hops, hemp, malt, booze, and pine.

Taste: Apricot, grapefruit, citrus, and pine

Mouthfeel: Smooth, gentle carbonation, and warming

Overall, this is a splendid beer! I doubt it will ever be in my fridge, but do try it sometime!

Serving type: on-tap

06-25-2012 00:40:25 | More by BierStein711

JTSbeerislife

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap served in a DFH Signature Snifter.

Pours a Medium, 1/4” white head, which rapidly diminishes to thin film, good lace and easily revived with a swirl. It’s a live ale.
The color is medium amber

The aroma is one of light/medium floral piney hops, bitter and lemon, followed by medium rich roasted grain malt and ale yeast. Refined.

Crisp, bitter entry on the palate of medium distinct piney and resiny hops, followed by rather light to medium malt. The malt does have a nice richness and is quite elegant. Some light ale yeast.
Medium crisp acidity with a full body and fine balanced carbonation, along with the off dry sweetness makes for a balanced brew

Long finish of mildly bitter hops and some light malt, lasts.

I have had this on tap and in bottle with similar taste profiles. Don’t know if I am just getting poorly handled beer or what but I just don’t see anything about this ale to get excited about.
It is extremely drinkable but just does not wow you. Lots of better IPA’s out there IMO.

Serving type: on-tap

04-12-2012 00:37:17 | More by JTSbeerislife

Khazadum

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev -6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Great lacing, sticky white sauce. Not the greatest cap. Thick pond scum. Ruby clear body.

Big mango and peach scents .. shame they dissipate quick. Caramels try to back it up with some strength. It just falls short of long living.

Flavors....wow! Huge bright hops. It's sweet firstly but turns to a tremendously, palate destroying bitter monster. The sweetness can barely contend. It peeks here and there but this pine cone and fronds rip into my teeth. Finishes more generic than pine bittering. Just a nice organic acid bite. Some vanilla sometimes which confused the hell out of me. Like a custard vanilla.

Thick body, creamy, slick, bristling carbonation. Long long long sticky power.

Not bad. Not something I would drink again, but that's me. It's best in the first six ounces.

Serving type: on-tap

03-12-2012 01:05:04 | More by Khazadum

mactrail

California

3.48/5  rDev -19.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Overall a workmanlike IPA with all the standard equipment. Classic amber color in the pint glass, topped with a fine-grained foam. Rich and fruity. Plenty bitter-- you wouldn't mistake it for anything but an IPA. Serious resins are the main flavor. some pineapple and a little lemon peel.

Medium body with a pleasant burst of flavor. Nice big sudsy mouthfeel. Still, it gets bitter and not much else after a few sips. But a decent choice for a hop blast.

Why is this supposed to be a Double? It's an IPA. Maybe there has been some category creep since this was first released. On tap at Bergie's Pub in Old Town.

Serving type: on-tap

03-10-2012 06:36:36 | More by mactrail

muskiesman

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Taphouse Grill

A – Raw honey amber with slight cloudiness and a big white foamy head that retains exceptionally and weaves a great lacework all the way through.

S – Big Time HOPS. Citric and floral bitterness. Pineyoils. Get ready to be hop bombed

T – Just like the nose, all about the hops levels of construction. Piney resins and grapefruit bitters floral cut and blended nicely with the alcohol. Tropical fruits with mild sweetness pineapple mango and kiwi.

M - Medium body. Nice carbonation. Slightly dry on the finish. Bitterness lingers and warms you with the presence of the alcohol

O – Almost but not quite over the top! Ok maybe it is over the top but really not too much A great beer. Highly recommended

Serving type: on-tap

02-15-2012 17:13:58 | More by muskiesman

dejrrma

Georgia

4.5/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

$5.50, around 14oz, served in a pint glass at Leon's Full Service.

a- golden, hazey yellow. less than half an inch of head, and minimal lacing

s- um, there's not much going on here. there's some hops and lemony scents. that's about it.

t- hops all the way. incredible. this is one incredibly bitter beer. seriously, what is the IBU for this? Out of this world. There's very little malt presence (if any). Instead, i get a slight yeasty taste. honestly love how this tastes.

m- high level of carbonation, and super bitter and dry after taste. medium body. this is not a beer i would call "balanced" by any means, but that doesn't work against it. it is a double ipa that is hops all the way.

o- i love west coast (d)ipas. even though there's not much going on in the appearance/smell categories, i love this beer. i wouldn't drink it every day, but I sure as hell would want to.

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2012 05:53:54 | More by dejrrma

maximum12

Minnesota

2.58/5  rDev -40.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

On tap at The Valley Tap House, a solid new place in the South Metro with good food & very decent taps. That qualifies for a win/win down this way. Pint quaffed while having lunch & waiting for a new windshield to be installed.

Pours a clouded pale yellow, unfiltered. Nose on this IPA is very nice initially, bitter, citrusy, but after the beer begins to warm, the onion comes through & messes with the experience.

Ruination is a beer I've revisited a few times to try to understand its sterling reputation. Massive doses of onion throw me off immediately, with a rank bitterness that makes me think of chewing onion bubble gum. There might be pine or something else pleasing hereabouts, but I can't get past the bulbous sharpness. It's a chore to get down.

I specifically sought this out because the keg was put on the day before, thinking I'd had bad experiences with, perhaps, old bottles. But no. I just don't like this beer. Doesn't even reach mediocre for me.

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2012 02:41:49 | More by maximum12

Clembo1957

United Kingdom (England)

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

Served on tap at The Euston Tap in London, a long way from Escondido!

This is a Prince among beers, i was tempted to give it a 5 for taste but i'm still in search of the perfect beer but this is close!

Ruination is big on the hops and citrus, VERY hoppy with an intense hoopy aroma and a well balanced body.

One of the best.

Serving type: on-tap

01-16-2012 21:49:33 | More by Clembo1957

iadler

Minnesota

3.98/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

5 oz taster.

A- pours a slightly hazy light gold with a thin white head. Minimal lacing is left behind.

S- floral and citrus hops with orange zest, pink grapefruit and lemons along with pine needles, grass, caramel malt and faint tropical hops.

T- pungent citrus and piney hops with grapefruit, orange, lemon and grass with some light green melon and mango and a caramel malt backbone

M- medium carbonation and body. Hop resins coat the tongue with a dry and bitter finish.

O- similar to other stone ipas I've had with a big citrus and piney hop presence and the malt taking a backseat. This is a good ipa, but there isn't really anything in my opinion that makes it elite in the style.

Serving type: on-tap

12-29-2011 07:22:53 | More by iadler

AleWatcher

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Taphouse Grille in Plainfield.

Wow-- this is super bitter. I remember this one.
Very light malt, lots of citrus notes with some piney resin notes hiding inthere. Very bitter and dry on the finish.
Feels oily. Well carbed.

Overall, this is better than I remember it being. I can see drinking this beer-- but ONLY as a nightcap. This thing obviously obliviates* your palate.

*yeah, it's a Harry Potter reference. Suck it up and deal with it.

Serving type: on-tap

12-11-2011 21:15:35 | More by AleWatcher

flyingpig

United Kingdom (Scotland)

4.08/5  rDev -6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Clear, amber orange, foamy white head that lasts well & leaves lacing on the glass.

Unique smelling beer. Very floral, almost perfume like aroma to it with some light pine hops coming through as well. There is a fruity, grapefruit like smell with some citrus and a little hint of some tropical fruits too.

Lots of herbal and floral notes, a sort of perfume like, summery taste to the beer with some citrus hops to follow. There is a mild tropical bitterness & some good pine hops that were apparent in the nose as well. The alcohol content is very well hidden.

Smooth with a medium body and carbonation levels about the same. There is a slight bitter tang to it and a rather bitter, hop filled finish to the beer.

Not as strong flavour or smell wise as I had been expecting from a Double IPA and the hints of perfume in both were rather unusual but pleasant none the less. A very good beer that was very easy to drink & good in all areas.

http://abarwithnoname.wordpress.com

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2011 16:50:13 | More by flyingpig

TMoney2591

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served in a tumbler at The Tribes.

The Accidental Highway to Hell Tour motors forth! This stop pours a clear light amber topped by a finger of off-white foam. The nose comprises lime, light lemon zest, light orange zest, caramel, and pine resin. The taste holds notes of caramel, pine, very light lime, black pepper, lemon zest, light pineapple, and balsa. The body is on the heftier end of the light medium spectrum, with a light moderate carbonation and a sorta dry finish. Overall, this is one beastly DIPA, one that wrecks the tongue with its massive hop concentration but still goes down eerily easily. Good times.

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2011 05:34:30 | More by TMoney2591

BucannonXC5

California

4/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a draft into a pint glass. Color was pale honey. Slow bubbles underneath. Maybe ¾ inches of head. Healthy frosty lacing. Cloudy film on the sides.

Smelled citrus heavy, also some floral notes. Grapefruit was the main citrus flavor, also some lemon. Bitter finish.

Bitter citrus up front on the taste, followed by smoothness. Not hoppy at all. Bitter on the tongue on the finish.

Medium body. Lively carbonation, almost fizzy (high). Bitter finish, but still somewhat smooth and drinkable.

Decent beer, but I don’t see what the hype was so big. Just a pretty good beer.

Serving type: on-tap

10-28-2011 05:42:30 | More by BucannonXC5

homebrew311

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: hazy orange, sticky white head, great retention

S: floral aroma, notes of pine, grapefruit, malty backbone present, biscuity on the finish

T: slightly malty and sweet, pine resinous and bitter in the middle, nice balance, bready finish

Mf: medium carbonation, medium body

O: nice well balance ipa, very hoppy and refreshing

Serving type: on-tap

10-25-2011 20:19:49 | More by homebrew311

ryantho00

Michigan

4.45/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a pint glass. This exhibits a nice frothy white 2 finger that laces the glass but fades down throughout the drink. Some nice cloudiness in this pumpkin colored brew.

Inhaling deeply gives way to tropical fruits, alpha hops, some malty and breadiness there as well.

This beer is wonderful, I get fresh hops, tropical fruit like grapefruit and pineapple, some yeasty bread flavor and some malty sweetness that's balanced very well with the piney alpha hoppiness. This well balanced IPA is not as bitter as some of the Stone brews, but its very well done in my opinion.

Its a medium bodied well balanced beer that fits well int he Stone lineup.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2011 22:43:50 | More by ryantho00

beerpirates

Belgium

4.43/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap @ moeder lambic " zwanze day "

A - Hazy amber/orange with a short, white head

S - Mild aromas of tropical fruit, lemon grass, biscuit and floral hops.

T - Hop forward, then corn bread with a lemon-caramel glaze followed by bright citrus bitterness. The aftertaste is delicious combining citrus sweetness and deep bitterness that lasts and lasts.

M - Light-medium body and medium carbonation yield a crisp-yet-smooth feel.

D: very nice brew , reallt well done , i could drink this all night long -:)

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2011 16:29:54 | More by beerpirates

BeerNoobNC

North Carolina

5/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Had on-tap at Brewery Night at Flying Saucer in Raleigh.

I have seen the beer under the IPA and double IPA categories. To me, it did seem like a borderline beer that could easily go under either category. The beer definitely has more hoppiness to it than some normal IPAs. However, the hops did not completely dominate the taste of the beer like some other Double IPAs that I have had. There was a very complex array of tastes that you get in every regular IPA, but it seemed to have that much more flavor to balance well with the hops. That is why, in my opinion, it is probably the best IPA I have ever had. Not to mention, I got a sweet pint glass with it.

I highly recommend this beer, whether it be in a bottle from the store or on-tap at the bar.

Serving type: on-tap

09-15-2011 18:08:26 | More by BeerNoobNC

finkployd

New Jersey

4.93/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A - Golden hazy amber with a good head that laces well.

S - Pure hops. Piney, floral, citrus aroma. Lots of cascade. Absolutely beautiful.

T - Similar to smell, very bitter kick but well balanced. Grapefruity and earthy. 100+ IBUs.

M - Medium bodied, medium to high carbonation. Bitter hop tastes remains in the mouth for some time (not called Ruination for nothing)

If you are a hophead, this is the beer for you. The aroma and taste is strong and will leave you wanting for more. If you want even more power try drinking it at room temperature. My favorite IPA and definitely one of my top 5 beers. I don't know how else to describe it, something you have to just try. Another winner by Stone.

Serving type: on-tap

09-13-2011 01:52:26 | More by finkployd

AdamBear

Pennsylvania

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

A-cloudy amber with a sticky cream colored head

S-smells so good! great citrusy hops! good strength. fairly sweet

T-comes in with a great taste of orange peel, hops, and some sweet grains. its a really creamy and sweet taste with a good amount of bitterness that follows. there's a yummy matching after-taste. this beer is quite a relief to drink after having some really mediocre IPAs.

M-medium creamy carbonation with a creamy finish

O-this was very good and drinkable. i loved the creaminess and drinkability this is an IPA that will not disappoint! i could have this all night long!

Serving type: on-tap

08-27-2011 20:24:26 | More by AdamBear