IPA (India Pale Ale) - Stone Brewing Co.

EagleTalon

Arkansas

4.41/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours out to a creamy white head, concentric rings of lace, and hazy golden color. Aroma is "c" hops and sticky Carapils malt with notes of pine, citrus and cilantro. Flavor is a world class blend of pungent hops in your face, pale malt backdrop and lingering alpha acid bite. Mouthfeel is light to medium and carries the flavors well. On the whole, a damn fine American IPA made by people who stake thier rep on quality and craftsmanship.

Serving type: on-tap

04-26-2013 18:49:30 | More by EagleTalon

bondjedi

Washington

4.09/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

This will sneak up on you. Overpowering and citrusy at first, within a few moments it's all gone. Then you order another one, then another, and another, soon you're barking at the moon. Instead of "Stone" why not call it "Stoned" because that's how it makes you.

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2013 16:04:39 | More by bondjedi

MisSigsFan

California

4.76/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

First had on-tap in a pint glass. Pours a nice golden color with thin white head. Perfect lacing. Right away you can smell an almost overwhelming amount of pine, which is at the forefront of both the smell and taste. At first, the bitterness can be a bit much, but the flavor just takes over so wonderfully. Very piney flavor with just a hint of wheat at the last second. This is honestly one of the smoothest tasting, if not THE smoothest tasting, IPAs I've ever had. Even if you're not a fan of IPAs this is a must have.

Serving type: on-tap

03-02-2013 00:47:54 | More by MisSigsFan

Satchboogie

New Hampshire

4.26/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Straw yellow color, 2 fingers of head, great retention and lacing. Clear

Smell is over the top hoppy, extremely resinous with a ton of pine, some citrus, a little dank

Taste follows the nose, big pine and citrus. Big punch of bitterness. Clean malt profile with just a touch of sweetness. Dry and crisp finish.

As aggressive as an ipa gets, way better on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

03-01-2013 03:28:43 | More by Satchboogie

Aewachiw

Maryland

4.04/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

This is a modest, yet outstanding IPA. On draft at Silk City in Philadelphia PA.

This beer has a lot of the qualities typically found in DIPA's. Citrus notes and a slight bitter that reminds me of a tasty grapefruit.

I would definitely order this again, and was a perfect pair for my Spicey Asian Tuna Berger.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2013 14:29:50 | More by Aewachiw

arfenhouse

California

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

A: Dark copper with a white head. Very strong lacing and retention. Lots of bubbles streaming towards the top.

S: Grapefruit, pine needles, slight skunkiness/dankness. Typical IPA smell all the way through.

T: Has a bit of malty/grainy sweetness which is quickly cut down by the hop taste. Grapefruit, citrus peels, and pine. Leaves an overall bitter aftertaste. Clean IPA taste with nothing that I can find offensive.

M: Feels to be medium bodied with a medium-high amount of carbonation. Dry and prickly on the tongue.

O: This is a very solid IPA that is definitely worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap

01-07-2013 23:23:44 | More by arfenhouse

merc7186

New York

4.4/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Aurora Brew Works in East Aurora NY, poured into a pint glass.

A: Hazy Golden Straw Hue, Passes Most Light, White Head, Great Lacing

S: Piney, Mildly Grapefruit Rind, Mildly Grainy

T: Piney, Mildly Resin, Mildly Citrus Rind

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

Overall, a solid common IPA, I can definitely see what it is a staple, but will definitely kill the palate.

Serving type: on-tap

01-02-2013 21:25:35 | More by merc7186

HoppyPeteSkolnik31

4.5/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

At PJ's in Bethlehem

A: Thin head off white head. Golden orange with beautiful lacing all around the glass.

S: Pungent floral, citrus, pine hop. Very little malt, only enough to keep this beer honest. Just what you'd expect in a beautifully done IPA.

T: This beer tastes amazingly hoppy with a delicious bitterness. Just like the smell the taste is focused on citrus like grapefruit, also some pine, and a nice floral touch. Add the right amount of malt and it makes this hoppy beer absolutely tasty.

M: Mouthfeel is medium bodied, a little resiny from the hops, and the carbonation is mild.

O: This beer is so good after a long day. It delivers on bitter and juicy citrus and pine hop flavors. I was glad to find this one on tap because I've had older bottles before that did not deliver anywhere close to the hop pungency this beer was designed to impart on its drinkers.

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2012 03:25:26 | More by HoppyPeteSkolnik31

Cavanaghty

Maine

4.33/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on tap in a sample glass.

Appearance: Amber color with a white head.

Smell: Smell of citrus and malts. Heavy on the hops.

Mouthfeel/Taste: Medium bodied, smooth. Heavy on the hops, I would guess from the dry hopping, and some malt in the backround.

Overall: Great IPA! Enjoyed this one very much.

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2012 14:16:09 | More by Cavanaghty

Hopswagger

Oklahoma

4.75/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

P: Orange copper body big creamy offwhite head. Slightly hazy.

S: hopped up nose with fresh citrus and tropical fruit hops with wood and hints of earthy/floral hops. The glass has somewhat of an aroma and makes it hard to dissect. Crisp and fresh.

T/M: Super fresh grapefruit, juicy tropical fruits, pears, mangos, pineapple, hints of honey, fresh pine needles and pine resin. Malt is toasty and doughy hints of sour dough. Creamy delicious mouthfeel with prickly carbonation. Finish is smooth and dry with a pleasant explosion of hops from start to finish.

O: I was glad to see this on tap at a restraints while visiting South Carolina a for my relocation. First Stone beer and I can say it was freaking great. Everything I look for in an IPA. Fresh and hopped up. I look forward to living in this state. Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

11-04-2012 18:48:41 | More by Hopswagger

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

4.2/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from tap into pint at Bulldog Midcity NOLA. Pours a nice hazy golden with crazy lacing and a good head. Smells of piney citrus hops...very hop forward.
Taste is nice bitter hops, pine, citrus, bitter but sweet malts. Nicely balanced and a great IPA...I know im not the only one to think so. Go have one.

Serving type: on-tap

10-04-2012 03:54:22 | More by DrinkSlurm

gcamparone

Rhode Island

4.1/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on tap from Perry's bar and Grill in Narragansett, Rhode Island into a normal pint glass.

A - slightly hazy golden amber. Medium head that lingers

S- very floral with some citrus and pine notes in the background. Pleasingly hoppy.

T- Follows the nose with more citrus/grapefruit notes coming out. Well balanced and drinkable

M- Low carbonation, medium body

Overall very nice as expected. Easy drinking, balanced and tasty. Exactly what I want from an IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

09-23-2012 21:36:07 | More by gcamparone

JackieTH

Minnesota

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

I've enjoyed many a bottle, but finally on-tap at the 2012 ABR. From notes.

Golden with a cap of white foam, good retention and lacing. Smell has a distinct tropical fruit bouquet with punchy orange/grapefruit zest and resinous pine, subtle mint and pale malt.

Taste is primarly juicy orange and grapefruit pith and resinous pine, not as much of the tropical fruits here. Slightly herbal. Bitterness is moderate, but not overpowering. Medium body that's brightly carbonated. Bitterness is respectful and doesn't blow out the palate, maintains plenty of hop flavor, with moderate bitterness is refreshing and juicy. Very, very good IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2012 17:09:52 | More by JackieTH

kutterer

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served at iTap in Soulard St Louis MO. Was an excellent choice while dodging a hail storm. Had a smooth taste, not bitter.

Enjoyed the color also. Tasted like a real IPA. No I'm not saying it has nutty flavor with a flowery hint. Real men don't say that.

Serving type: on-tap

09-07-2012 00:53:38 | More by kutterer

TheRealBigC

Nevada

4/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Nothing short of great, Stone delivers a fine IPA which, strength-speaking, really isn't too far off their double - Ruination. While still being decidedly less strong overall, this IPA is huge on hops. They dominate the nose and palate, leaving a sticky hop residue in the back of your mouth. Hopheads rejoice! Personally, I'd take Ruination over this one, but to get a 6 pack of this one is about 5 dollars cheaper, and I couldn't fault anyone for grabbing one. It is a great beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2012 06:56:43 | More by TheRealBigC

DannyHartman

4.3/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

What more can I say about this particular India Pale Ale other than it's amongst my favorites.... This is one of the hoppier I.P.A. brews I've ever had.... I can honestly say that I love everything that comes out of this San Diego based brewery.... Stone I.P.A. has such a perfectly balanced hoppy taste along with a perfectly hoppy nose to match it.... With my increased pallete for beer over the years (generally, only giving beers of a 7.5 ABV or higher a chance), this is one I can always go back to because of its increasing availability.... Love it !!

Serving type: on-tap

08-30-2012 18:47:59 | More by DannyHartman

JamesMN

Minnesota

4.45/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

First time having this one, got it on tap with a good two finger bubbly white head.

Appearance: Semi-translucent golden straw color. Seems very light in color for an IPA.

Aroma: Citrus and passion fruit hops. Can definitely tell it is West Coast influenced.

Taste: Good bitterness, present but not overwhelming. Lots of grapefruit flavor from the hops. A little malt in the background. Definitely hop dominated, which hits all the right notes here.

Mouthfeel: On the lighter side of medium body which makes it superbly drinkable.

Final Thoughts: I've been eager to try Stone IPA for a while and didn't miss the opportunity when I saw it on the tap list. Lived up to all my expectations and then some! Really great West Coast IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

08-13-2012 05:28:40 | More by JamesMN

57md

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance is copper in color with over a finger of fluffy head that retains itself well. The nose is hoppy with fresh citrus notes. The taste is crisp and hoppy throughout with an outstanding bitter finish.

Here's a rare IPA that can hang with the DIPAs - one of the best single IPAs out there.

Serving type: on-tap

07-05-2012 07:26:56 | More by 57md

cosmicevan

New York

4.33/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

cruising around the hotel in vegas and saw this on tap so I braved a pint. classic semi transparent color with a finger plus of filthy white foamy head. visible bubbling could be seen and nice lacing on the plastic pint glass. smells of dank west coast hops. taste is also a hoppy bouquet of happiness and the finish is soft bitter. really solid aren't ipa. tastes pretty fresh. nice treat in a hotel where everything seems to be BMC.

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2012 19:43:14 | More by cosmicevan

RppIII

District of Columbia

5/5  rDev +17.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Appearance: This beer was served in a 16-ounce pint glass. When poured from the tap a handsome, ivory white head formed the width of two fingers and held steadfast for a delightfully pleasant amount of time, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the consumption of this divine nectar.

Smell: At first, one might assume that the aroma emanating from the beer is just like every other IPA they have ever had and they would be utterly and completely correct! There is so much complexity in the odour of this beer but it still has been crafted with an uncanny sense of refinement. These guys knew what they were doing; so much so that they bottled it and sold it and the rest is history.

At first you get hops, beautiful hops, spicy hops, earthy hops, piney hops, fruity hops. Mostly, hops….

Taste: The taste of this beer is utterly and perfectly sublime. The hops, much like greed in the politics of today, been ubiquitous throughout every aspect of this beer and the flavour factor is no different (77 IBUs!). Think of this beer as a massive earthquake formed deep in the ocean that generates a tsunami with each subsequent after-shock continuing to create wave after wave for a significant period of time.

Immediately, your mouth puckers and is slammed with a tidal wall of spicy hop flavours (thank God for the colonization of India and the invention of dry-hopping). After the initial onslaught, the aftershocks, while not quite as intense, come in waves of varied hop flavour for several minutes after the first drink. As the spice begins to give way, there is a sense of floral earthy flavours, and a hint of citrus, a beautiful creation, indeed.

Let’s not forget the little guys who make this whole process possible, our yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae give a tremendous finale, imparting their own unique flavours amongst the hop invasion. The malt is in perfect harmony with the hop characteristic, moderately sweet in comparison to the hops.

Mouth-feel: The feel of this beer as it is consumed should not be compared to a tsunami nor an earthquake but to that of a baby’s bottom. While I have never actually felt the aforesaid, I have heard tale of the unequaled smoothness of such and this beer is no different, smooth. In fact, it is absolutely the smoothest liquid I have ever consumed. The finish leaves your feeling like you just spent the day wandering in the desert but at 6.9 ABV that is expected.

Drinkability: Many a night I have slumbered yearning for just such a beer and, seemingly as a phantom, this beer, doesn’t seem real. The Holy Grail, seemingly something not quite attainable for any brewmaster, those Arrogant Bastards at Stone must have found the chalice and used it in the crafiting of this beer. It is addictive and their creation continues to haunt my palate every second I deny myself of it. Simply put, once consumed it will consume you.

Served on tap from Kilted Mermaid of Vero Beach, FL for a price of $4

Serving type: on-tap

04-09-2012 02:58:11 | More by RppIII

calicaliente

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

Pours a light copper color with a thick and foamy white head that quickly dissapated to a ring around the beer and nice lacing down the glass. Aroma is of floral, fruit and spice. Taste has a slight sweetness, followed by lots of hops. However seemed to be well balanced. Mouthfeel is medium.

Serving type: on-tap

04-04-2012 23:33:34 | More by calicaliente

blindpiglet

4.23/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Orange yellow color with a small white head that laces well. Aroma is of piney high alpha acid hops; floral and spicy with a definitely malt back bone. Flavor is upfront spicy and hoppy (grapefruit and spruce) and caramel sweet. Moderate ester profile to complement the hops and malt. Finishes dry and crisp.

Serving type: on-tap

03-15-2012 07:28:17 | More by blindpiglet

DM1293

California

4.23/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Whenever I think Stone, I think big bold strong, sometimes bitter flavors.

This IPA contradicts that. While beers like Ruination and Arrogant Bastard do everything they can to hit your palate, this one is rather subdued and lets the classic flavors of an IPA play on the palate. Not so much a citrusy hop than a piney grassy one, with a very mellow bitterness on the backswing. More of a plain malt on the front. A really good mix of flavors from beginning to end.

Overall, maybe not an iconic IPA, but definitely a good benchmark. I'd like to think of this as an introduction to Stone, because its still a pretty strong hoppy-flavor compared to other IPA's I've had, and this is the weakest of their stuff I've had so far, relatively speaking of course.

Worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap

03-12-2012 06:47:54 | More by DM1293

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.98/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served on tap at Idle Hands in New York, NY

A: Pours a crystal clear golden yellow with light amounts of visible carbonation. A two finger tall foamy off-white head is present and there is excellent head retention with about 75% of the head remaining throughout the drinking of the beer. Significant lacing is also observed.

S: The aromas I typically associate with a west coast IPA, citrus and pine hops and a lot of it.

T: Wonderful hop flavor to this beer and a lingering bitterness in the finish. Lots of citrus and pine notes.

M: Light to medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Crisp.

O: Easy to drink and very refreshing on this unseasonably warm evening in early March in NYC. Definitely a session drinker and one that I enjoy - and plan on having again in the future. Great flavor and a lovely aroma.

Serving type: on-tap

03-08-2012 14:12:23 | More by dbrauneis

BillH200174

California

4.28/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Initial strong aroma of hops. Poured with a golden color, and a frothy head that was still a half inch thick a few minutes after pouring. Very well-balanced flavor with a mellow hop bitterness and a good amount of hop flavor that melded very well with the malt backbone. Rich mouthfeel that felt almost creamy from the fine carbonation. The beer coated the mouth for several seconds after each sip. This evolved into a pleasantly ligering aftertaste that was a good mix of bitterness and hop flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2012 16:10:50 | More by BillH200174