IPA (India Pale Ale) - Stone Brewing Co.

Dave1999

Virginia

4.1/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Came in the glass a cloudy yellow colour with a small white head.

Smell was very faint I could get hops along with grapefruit.

The taste with pretty bitter with some hops and malts.

Felt very smooth in my mouth with very little carbonation.

I tried this right after drinking a bear republic racer 5 for the first time and thought the racer 5 was slightly better. I want to try this again on a fresh palate.

Serving type: on-tap

02-09-2012 19:21:39 | More by Dave1999

demuzik

Oregon

4.88/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is one of my all time favorites - drunk it forever, realized I never reviewed it:

An inviting light orange in appearance - crystal clear and well carbonated. Head retention is wonderful on these.

The smell is herbal and of pine; like being on the edge of a field with your nose in the forest.

The taste is sensational - one of the most iconic American IPAs available. Completely balanced, drinkable, and hoppy - this has served as a "gateway beer" to many of my former non-beer friends.

Long live Stone and this all time great.

Serving type: on-tap

01-31-2012 04:05:52 | More by demuzik

damndirtyape

Ohio

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

On tap at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. Served in a globe pilsner glass.

Appearance: Hazy orange/yellow/copper color, with lots and lots off-white foam and persistent lacing. Persistent head and the lacing came in strands and sheets. Nice looking beer.

Smell: Mostly orange citrus, with a hint of pine thrown in and maybe, just maybe, some grapefruit, but mostly orange citrus hop smell dominating here. A highly pleasant orange smell to boot.

Taste: The perfect blending of orange citrus hops and malt sweetness to balance it out. Hoppy, but just right hop bitterness to come out as refreshing, but not crisp. Very solid malt backbone in here.

Mouthfeel: Just right carbonation, not terribly thick, and not a lot of hop oil sticking to the teeth (to my surprise). Nothing amazing, but certainly good for the style.

Overall / Drinkability: A very good AIPA and quite drinkable. I had two of these in short order with a grilled salmon and crab cake dinner. I could even argue dangerously drinkable as after two I wouldn't mind a third but I know better. A very fine AIPA. I can see why it is rated as high as it is, and I think on tap it's even better than it is in the bottle from when I previously reviewed it.

Serving type: on-tap

01-31-2012 03:42:36 | More by damndirtyape

Merkur

Tennessee

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

Had on tap at the Stone Brewery.

The beer pours a nice, rich amber color with a bit of white head.

The beer smells very strongly of hops and piney notes.

The beer tastes extremely hoppy on the first sip. Very crisp and refreshing. There is also a nice bit of bitterness on the sip as well.

The beer is a very light on in body. Very drinkable.

Overall, a very good IPA

Serving type: on-tap

01-21-2012 16:14:54 | More by Merkur

chinchill

South Carolina

4.28/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A pint on tap. Arrived with a billowing head that was exceptionally thick and creamy. It left loads of sticky lacing.

Citrus hops with traces of alcohol and malts in the nose.

The beer also has a strong citrus component on reaching the tongue, but this becomes more piney mid-taste. Strikingly sweet when it hits the tongue, with no immediate hop hit following ... this does appear in the surprisingly hoppy finish. Thus, this IPA creates a striking and unusual (well, exaggerated) flavor dynamic.

Serving type: on-tap

12-31-2011 19:56:59 | More by chinchill

TwelveOunces

Kentucky

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

Served on tap in a regular pint glass.

A- Dark orange with a one finger head. lots of hop haze, cant see through this well.

S- Lots of bittering hops and citrus tastes. Variety of oranges and grapefruit with a little pine.

T- This is an assault on your tastebuds. A ton of hops and pine tastes. Very citrusy, grapefruit and some lemons.
M- Slight textured feel, goes down smooth. Leaves your mouth with a hoppy and bitter taste which basically means to me that this IPA did its job. Medium carbonation keeps the taste alive.

O- A fantastic american IPA that just seems to do it all right. Its a benchmark of what this style of beer should be, I said that about Southern Tier's IPA and i think this one is actually a little better.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2011 02:54:30 | More by TwelveOunces

HuskyinPDX

Washington

4.08/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap today for lunch at the San Jose Cheesecake Factory.

A - Served a pale light orange, slight haze, lots of light passes through and makes the edges look almost yellow. A huge foamy cream-colored head sits on top and lingers for a long time. Rings of lacing form after each sip.

S - Lots of hops here. A earthy grassy tone finds my nose first, then some bitter citrus, close to lemon.

T - Similar to the smell. Citrusy, pine, grass, and a touch of tart orange. Not much of a malt balance, but that doesn't bother me.

D - A touch of a bitter bite, light body, good carbonation.

O - A nice lighter ipa with a nice hop kick.

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2011 22:53:59 | More by HuskyinPDX

tylerss20

New Hampshire

3.35/5  rDev -21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Good for the style, just a little too much for me. High marks for quality, low on drinkability. Pour is a slightly cloudy hay yellow. Thin crown dissipates quickly. Alpha hop is strong and forward, not the balance I enjoy in singles.

Another good Stone offering, just marked aggressiveness for a single-IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

11-18-2011 21:03:15 | More by tylerss20

MattSweatshirt

Texas

4.18/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On draft into a pint glass.

A thin white head sits atop a golden glass of beer. Lots of lace is left around the glass.

Big notes of citrusy grapefruit and orange hops jump into your nostrils.

The citrusy hops are prevalent in the taste along with some pineynes.

It is smooth, dry, with a medium - full body and a slight carbonation that feels nice on the tongue.

I'm fairly new to the IPA game and this thing knocked my socks off. More please.

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2011 02:20:19 | More by MattSweatshirt

gregb13

California

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

Had this tonight over an awesome burger at Red Robin. Pours a beatifully inviting, frothy glassful of welcome. Nose is dominated by bitter citrus flesh, red grapefruit rind, citrusy hops. Taste follows the nose perfectly. Perfect carbonation. Goes down way too easy. Could drink all night.

Serving type: on-tap

11-08-2011 03:54:08 | More by gregb13

Murrhey

Montana

3.6/5  rDev -15.5%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

From notes taken several days ago. Served in a Schooner at The Iron Mule in Lake Forest. Disclaimer: not a fan of IPAs.

A: My glass had minimal head, and poor lacing but a nice light orange color. I might attribute the head to the bartender.

S: Hoppy, crisp.

T: Hops present, obviously. Not as strongly and bitter as I usually get from IPAs. I enjoyed it.

M: Great consistency, great feel.

O: New go-to IPA. Nice job Stone.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2011 05:33:21 | More by Murrhey

BucannonXC5

California

3.75/5  rDev -12%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a draft into a pint glass at Playa Grill & Margarita Bar in San Diego, Calif. Color was orange blossom honey, kind of clear. Not much head when I got it, but probably originally an inch. Bubbly white lacing on the top. The film was scattered throughout.

Smelled of citrus hops with light lemon leading the way. Some bitterness at the end.

Quick citrus up front, giving way to a sharp and strong alcohol bite. Crisp, clean and some bitterness at the end.

Medium body. Lively carbonation. Clean and refreshing.

A pretty good beer overall. I’d definitely give it another go.

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2011 08:27:29 | More by BucannonXC5

emmasdad

Colorado

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

I had this one on tap the other night. Poured a clear golden amber with a lasting amber head. Aromas of biscuit, skunk bud, orange, tropical fruit and a hint of pine. Palate was medium bodied and smooth with a dry finish. Flavors of biscuit, grapefruit, orange zest and light tropical fruit with a smooth dry lingering bitter grapefruit finish.

Serving type: on-tap

09-29-2011 02:58:53 | More by emmasdad

brewpig

Pennsylvania

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

had this on tap @ pj's dwnngtwn,pa ...now i'm somewhat new to the craft beer scene and i also work within 2 minutes of victory brewing (oh yes constantly filling growlers there) but i must say this was exceptional.

orange,spice,lemon and grapefruit that perfectly complements the hops and subtle alcohol warmth.

i could drink this all day, every day and would have huge stupid grin on my face !

Serving type: on-tap

09-22-2011 17:22:46 | More by brewpig

kojevergas

California

2.58/5  rDev -39.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Served on draught into a generic beer glass at The Lab in Los Angeles (by USC). Reviewed from notes.

A: Pours a two finger head of nice soft cream, fair thickness, and decent retention. Colour is a hazy light gold.

Sm: Light floral and banana notes, some bubblegum, and orange peel. A moderate strength aroma.

T: Admixtures of the notes on the nose form a bad balance. Structurally, it's problematic, with no satisfying climax. Poorly built and balanced.

Mf: Sharp, coarse, and wet. Terrible. Doesn't suit the body at all. A classic example of the problem with IPAs.

Dr: I was disappointed having heard such great things about Stone Brewing. I paid 5 USD in LA, which isn't terrible, but I won't be having this one again.

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2011 04:44:29 | More by kojevergas

UCLABrewN84

California

4.25/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Schooners Patio Grille in Santa Clarita, CA.

Pours a murky copper color with a 1 inch puffy white head that fades to an island of foam sitting on the top of the beer. Thin foamy rings of lace mark the drink down on the sides of the glass. Smell is of pungent pine and herbal hops and a slight malt aroma. Taste is of the pine and herbal hops up front with a malt backbone coming through on the finish. A medium level of bitterness sticks to the palate after each sip. This beer has a good carbonation level making for a crisp and clean mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good hop-forward IPA from Stone (what do you expect, right?). I have had this one in the bottle but I prefer this one on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2011 20:27:42 | More by UCLABrewN84

kflorence

California

4.03/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Stone Brewery in Escondido, CA.

A: Poured a translucent, golden color with a good inch of thick, creamy head atop that seems to last forever and leaves plenty of lacing around the glass as you drink. Carbonation levels are great.

S: The aroma smacks of fresh citrus and pine hops with a little bit of grass. Pretty one-sided, but enticing.

T: Taste follows the nose: entirely hop-centric, sure to please hop-heads and those familiar with West Coast IPA's, but also some barley present, though not as predominantly as in the pale ale. I could use a bit more balance. A bit piney for me as well, but better on tap than in the bottle.

M: Medium bodied, smooth and creamy mouthfeel with ample carbonation and a bit of substance. Very drinkable.

O: Exactly what was to be expected, this is the flagship American West Coast IPA and the one that all others will be judged on. That said, I prefer a bit more balance in my IPA's as well as the more grapefruit, citrus oriented hops, but I would never turn one of these down. Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

09-11-2011 21:48:26 | More by kflorence

DarthKostrizer

California

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

On-tap the keg had just kicked so I got a fresh glass from a new keg

Look: Golden yellow with some traces of orange through out. Nice 1 inch head and good retention and perfect circles of lacing

Smell: Honestly not much besides the pine and citrus hops

Taste: Does follow the nose upfront is the nice pine notes that we all are familiar with from stone and it finishes with some nice grapefruit and other citrus notes.

Mouthfeel: Low to medium body with high carbonation and a bit dry on the finish

Overall: Just a damn good IPA

Serving type: on-tap

09-06-2011 21:19:23 | More by DarthKostrizer

elNopalero

Texas

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

Notes and descriptions typed in real time!

On draught, poured into a shaker style glass. Pour is about a finger’s worth short of a pint, even with the head. I know from experience that’s a way bars can extend the life of their kegs. Sneaky!

Straw/golden color, clean and clear, with tiny bubbles rising up and releasing all sorts of floral, delicate hoppy aromas. Yum! This is a beer to inhale at your leisure.

Of course you can drink it, which is what I prefer. The beer dances on the palate. There’s a definite hop bite to it, with a clean, sharp finish. Great carbonation. A little maltiness to balance the sting. More floral than piney hops, although I get a sense they’re in there too. (Again, I need to work on my hop education.) A standard bearer, and not just limited to the west coast obviously. Yum. I really enjoy this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-06-2011 03:11:38 | More by elNopalero

psuKinger

Pennsylvania

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

Keg "Fresh Until 11-26-2011" (meaning it was kegged about a week and a half ago... very fresh!), picked up at Vecenie distributing, and tapped 2 days ago for the first Saturday of College Football.

A: Pours a very light golden hue with a thick frothy (slightly over-carbonated) white head on top.

S: Big nose of grapefruit and pine. Pungent and semi-sweet. Fresh IPA is the best!

T: Initially light with a touch of creaminess in the moth, before a wave of malt sweetness crashes in, followed closely behind by an even bigger wave of citric and bittering hops. It's a simple beer. A "classic American IPA". Bitter-sweet. Lots and lots of lots-and-lots. Big bold flavors of bitter and sweet compete to be king here. Ultimately, the hops win out, as this beer finishes delightfully bitter and bold.

M: Light and bubbly, this beer finishes starkly bitter and coats the tongue with all sorts sticky hop residue.

D/O: Very drinkable. I'm thoroughly enjoying this beer. Fresh IPA is tough to beat!

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2011 23:50:53 | More by psuKinger

Jerone

Florida

4.08/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

The appearance is a slightly cloudy with a straw/golden color with a few bubbles coming up, frothy head and great lacing.

Smell is of hops! Floral and citrusy.

The taste is nice and hoppy with citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit and some floral character as well. There is also a bit of a malt sweetness to balance it out. The ending is bitter but not overpowering. Mouthfeel is medium with a bit of carbonation.

A solid IPA that is not overpowering but has everything that you would want.

Serving type: on-tap

08-09-2011 03:46:12 | More by Jerone

dvsbizzyb

California

4.22/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance - Shows a bright golden orange with a very thin white head. Leaves a nice lacing throughout the glass.

Smell - Strong hop scent with hints of citrus in the background.

Taste - Dominant hop flavor that lingers on the tongue but an aftertaste of grapefruit and an unknown sweetness help balance it out very well.

Mouthfeel - This has a refreshing feel to it. It's on the low side of medium as far as carbonation goes which is great. Leaves a mellow coating of bitterness but nothing overbearing.

Overall - I really enjoyed this beer. It is well balanced and highly drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

08-03-2011 05:37:16 | More by dvsbizzyb

roodie

Texas

4.2/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed on tap at Sandy's in Huntington Beach

Served in a pint glass

A: pours a tea brown with white foamy head with good retention. Lacing covers the length of the glass

S: hoppy piney bitterness resin like quality. No real fruit or malty component

T: hop forward. Bitter the way a good IPA should be. Some malty sweetness contributed at the end

M: bitterness dries out the palate. Very smooth on the tongue, quite refreshing

O: a great hoppy beer, this and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale are my go to beers for sessioning

Serving type: on-tap

07-30-2011 19:32:26 | More by roodie

csiewert

Oregon

4.25/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer pours a slightly hazy amber color with a finger of foamy white head that retains and lace amazingly. The aroma is strong with caramel malt and earthy hops. The taste starts with some caramel and bready malt and then has citrus notes and finishes with the caramel sweetness. The mouthfeel is clean and finishes smooth. Over al a great IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

07-18-2011 22:19:18 | More by csiewert

ggilman

Maine

4.47/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Ebenezers pub in Lovell, Maine. First pour off a fresh keg! Served in a pint glass.

Clear honey colored with a frothy off-white head. Tons of sticky lace. Big fresh leafy hop nose. Lots of lip smacking bitterness, very fresh tasting. A little caramel malt balance. Great carbonation, medium bodied, slick oily mouthfeel. Quaffable.
Not over the top, but insanely drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

06-28-2011 23:35:04 | More by ggilman