IPA (India Pale Ale) - Stone Brewing Co.

troysoy2

Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Ah, Stone IPA. We meet for the first time.

It's pretty. I have to admit that. No flaws here. It has the color of the "ideal" IPA. Bubbles rising to the top to form a beautiful head that refuses to die below the point of covering the surface.

The smell is... well, let's just put it this way: it's hoppy. And that's all it smells like. Simple, strong, and unashamed.

The front of the taste is almost indescribable. Just the essence of bitter. Towards the middle of the taste, actual 'flavors' start to come into play. Still, it takes until you swallow for there to be anything to say about this beer other than "HOPS". And even then... what can I say? Pine? Awesome?

The mouthfeel is what I've been looking for in an IPA. The right balance between frothy carbonation and sticky resiny goodness.

The only negative thing I'll say about this beer is how single minded it is. "Let's see how hoppy we can make an IPA". Not sure if this is exactly what the people at Stone Brewery had in mind, but I have a feeling they wouldn't mind me saying that. Thank you Stone, for brewing interesting beers.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2011 04:34:22 | More by troysoy2

RyanTeeter

New York

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

a: This IPA is gorgeous! A straw color that is dense with flavor so although it is clear it does appear hazy. It carries a great, wonderfully dense head. The head just sits atop the beer, like a billowy comforter on a bed.

s: The smell is the classic citrusy hops common to the American Hops style.

t: The taste is spot on to an American IPA. Nice citrus hops characteristics leave a lingering grapefruit acidity on the back of the tongue. You do get a wince of the alcohol within the flavors however the balance with the grapefruit is perfect.

m: Very smooth....'gives you chills' smooth. Low carbonation allows for this to simply rush down the throat, demanding more.

o: This is the quintessential IPA. This was a pleasure to drink and I would be blessed if there was more in my fridge (there is not). As I am reviewing this beer I am taking sips between every two or three words - I cannot keep it out of my hands. Very positive experience!

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2013 02:01:42 | More by RyanTeeter

skaboom420

Pennsylvania

3.25/5  rDev -23.9%

05-20-2013 01:53:08 | More by skaboom420

Ctrauty

Minnesota

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-20-2013 01:39:34 | More by Ctrauty

Highstplz

Indiana

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-20-2013 01:11:01 | More by Highstplz

NJB145

Michigan

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-20-2013 00:36:07 | More by NJB145

infiniteloop

California

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-19-2013 23:40:00 | More by infiniteloop

IP-EH

California

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-19-2013 22:12:13 | More by IP-EH

brodericksloth

Oregon

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Excellent nose ..very citrusy and clean. malts integrated but not pushy. overall hop dominated. very nice summer beer, it cools you off. lingering chewy pine aftertaste but not palate wrecking easy to drink. high acidity from hops. alcohol well hidden at 6.9% abv. nice head until the end. good pub or outdoor beer; only improves as it heats up.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 21:15:58 | More by brodericksloth

VoodooBear

Puerto Rico

4.81/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Presentation: 22 oz. brown bottle with an "enjoy by" date printed on the neck. Served in a Samuel Adams pint glass.

Appearance: One finger head goes down eventually and stays there until the end. It has a clear, bright gold color, and leaves some very nice lacing.

Smell: The smell is fantastic, with a dominating herbal hop scent and some pine, fruit and spice notes present too.

Taste: This beer has a big hop character, overwhelmingly so. It's very herbal, spicy and bitter. You've gotta love hops to really appreciate the details and character in this. If you don't it'll be just another (albeit good) strong, bitter brew.

Moutfeel: It feels creamy, full bodied and smooth. It leaves a tingling sensation on the palate that's quite curious.

Overall: An amazing brew in every single aspect. If you love hops, IPA's or just something crisp, bitter and challenging, you'll love this beer. If you don't, you'll probably be put off by the intensity of it all.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 21:10:18 | More by VoodooBear

cornpone

New York

3.5/5  rDev -18%

05-19-2013 20:16:40 | More by cornpone

ShawnMH

Indiana

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-19-2013 15:31:46 | More by ShawnMH

Photekut

Azerbaijan

3.75/5  rDev -12.2%

05-19-2013 13:35:29 | More by Photekut

supa0525

Michigan

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-19-2013 13:28:21 | More by supa0525

Boosnell

Louisiana

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-19-2013 04:26:10 | More by Boosnell

Curloftheburl

Connecticut

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-19-2013 04:13:01 | More by Curloftheburl

grumblebee

California

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-19-2013 03:47:57 | More by grumblebee

Jd2391

Illinois

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-19-2013 03:09:36 | More by Jd2391

BRYeleJR

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-18-2013 22:06:29 | More by BRYeleJR

alanv

California

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-18-2013 21:31:14 | More by alanv

jbarletto

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-18-2013 21:15:01 | More by jbarletto

jono0101

Missouri

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-18-2013 16:21:53 | More by jono0101

Hobo

Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-18-2013 12:33:10 | More by Hobo

Arithmeticus

Maryland

4.2/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured chilled in standard ale glass

A: dark orange; very little head; carb is good, but the bubbles are inert; little lacing
S: very hoppy, lively; aroma lasts quite a while; promises much in the way of hops
T: sweet, intense IPA; quite lively; strong in the finishing hops
M: viscous, thick mouthfeel

This is an amazing IPA, but to be had only on occasion, because of the intensity

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2013 02:32:05 | More by Arithmeticus

Chris_Mac

New Hampshire

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-18-2013 01:56:20 | More by Chris_Mac