IPA (India Pale Ale) - Stone Brewing Co.

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.58/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a 22oz. bottle into a pint glass.

A: The beer is a light and mildly hazy amber color with a thick white head, which doesn’t fade too quickly and a thick lace.

S: Nice hops smell, but not too strong, with a little bit of citrus.

T: Good hops bite to start out, then gives way to an orange/grapefruit sweetness. Then the hops come back to stay in the after-taste with a slight hint of the alcohol. Although the flavors are distinct, no single one overpowers you. An excellently balanced taste.

M: Very crisp and very smooth (Stone Brewing Co. tends to put both of those qualities into their beer very well.) with a medium body and light carbonation.

D: This beer has all of the qualities that it needs to make it drinkable. It’s very tasty, smooth, not-filling, well-balanced and goes down VERY easy.

This is the 4th beer that I’ve had from Stone Brewing Co. and each beer that I try expands the respect that I have for them. This beer is an excellent representation of the style and while maintaining the Stone signature.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2006 02:54:33 | More by TheManiacalOne

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

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

Good brew here, this poured out as a nice looking copper color with a white thick head on top. The smell of this brew gives off a good blend of malts and hops, the hops are strong on the nose like they should be. The taste is really nice here, just a really drinkable IPA. The mouthfeel was medium bodied and has a good carbonation to it. Overall, it's a beer that you can have multiple of in a sitting if you want too.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2011 04:23:07 | More by Knapp85

russpowell

Oklahoma

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

Had this on tap at Mt. Dragon in snowmass, co last weekend. Very nice

Poured amber to bronze in color with a tight/white 1 finger deep head that stuck around most of the pint, bubbles cling to the side of the glass and dance of the head with every pour. Good lacing

Smell: Fruitiness/biscuitty smells and piney hop odors

Taste: Fruitinesss and citrus and pine hops war for your attention, but in dignified manner. Not as in you face as most stone ales I've had & I appreciated the subtle yet powerful tastes showcased. Dry sweet/piney finish with hints of alcohol as it warms

MF: Extemely well balanced with good carbonation. Smooth and moreish

Extremely quaffable, drinks about 2abv lower than listed. Will get some bottles soon to compare, don't remember it being as tasty. I usually like draft better most of the time

Serving type: on-tap

02-04-2006 03:48:16 | More by russpowell

Gueuzedude

Arizona

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

Pours a clear copper color and is topped by a off white head. An immediate big hop aroma jumps from my glass and overpowers any malt presence that this beer might have. The aroma is grassy, herbal, citrusy, & it has a sweet hop nectar character. Quite simply, as I take my first sip, I know this is a hoppy bitter brew. The hops explode on your tongue. There is a balancing malt sweetness here that is required to carry this hop bomb. The hop character has strong notes of bergemot as well as some resiny overtones; this is just pure hop nectar. A very fruity beer, made more so by the citrusy hop character. Quite over the top in it's hoppiness. This beer is just damn good & I am so happy to get this on tap on a regular basis.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2004 06:31:57 | More by Gueuzedude

emerge077

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A classic west coast IPA. Golden orange body, with a thin cap of creamy foam that retains itself and laces well.

Light citrus in the aroma, fresh with a touch of green hops. It's not as pungent as I expected, but it's certainly pleasant. Pale malt and vegetal notes come out later as it warms up.

Bitterness is not to an extreme level, but it's up there. Not mild by any means, the bitter hop notes come out more in the aftertaste. There's some grapefruit/citrus rind, balanced by a tasty light maltiness. Very quenching and easy to drink, i've gone through two bombers this week, and Ruination is on deck after this one...

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2008 01:26:42 | More by emerge077

Halcyondays

California

4.05/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz. bottle, poured into a tumbler,

A: Orange-yellow, with a white head and rings of lace around the glass as the beer is consumed.

S: Hops upfront, with some malt bringing up the rear.

T: Piney hops form the first attack, with grapefruit and citrus coming second, malts taste of freshly baked bread. Slightly sweet in the end, with some ethanol character.

M: Creamy, full-bodied, resiny, very enjoyable.

D: Very good for an IPA, and easily available at almost every corner liquor store in Huntington.

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2007 06:00:30 | More by Halcyondays

biboergosum

Alberta (Canada)

4.65/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This appeared a lot lighter in the glass then I had expected, but was still a nice pale gold colour. The head was a healthy 3 fingers of cloud-like creamy texture. The lacing coated the glass, to where it was opaque - cool. Smell, oh, the smell. Grapefruit citrus, and pine hops, all in attendance, right where they should be, which follow through to shine in the taste. Firm body, nice balance, sufficient carbonation, dry - can a big IPA like this be called silky smooth? Wow. Very few similar offerings to compare this to in my neck of the woods. Bought at a Yoke's in Kennewick, Washington, during a recent wine country tour. They sell this stuff in gas stations south of the 49th, I can't believe it. Lucky Yanks.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2007 21:59:55 | More by biboergosum

Gavage

New Jersey

4.58/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Finally got my hands on two bottles, and my expectations were high. It poured a nice golden orange color with a 1/2" head. The head slowly disappeared to thin trails on top of the beer. The aroma was phenominal - strong floral with a sweetness that left me inhaling a few times before the first taste. The taste brought immediate bitterness that mellowed to a slightly bitter and sweet malt on the tongue. This lasted for a good minute or so. The hop and malt balance is perfect, even though both are bold. Being a regular Hop Devil drinker, this IPA is in an elite league.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2003 19:36:46 | More by Gavage

jwc215

New Jersey

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

Poured orangish/copper with a thin, but well-retained white head.
The smell was of citrusy hops. Very clean and inviting.
The taste was of crisp, citrusy hops on a background of creamy malt. It was medium to thick bodied. Although hoppy, it was very well-balanced for the style. The hops were smooth and tasty.
(Were it not for a touch too much salt, it would be perfect tasting.)
The feel was a bitter sharpness balanced by a creaminess that left a refreshingly bitter feel.
The alcohol is very well-hidden. Overall, it is a smooth, hoppy - but, not ridiculously so - so the balance is wonderful - A great brew and a near-perfect example of the style. Very enjoyable!

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2006 18:46:44 | More by jwc215

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

On-tap at Kelly Cole's in Syracuse.

A different sort of IPA, which is very welcome. I didnt get any distinct malt profile of this one, but the citrus hops were an interesting mix of smooth flavor and powerful bitterness. This, with the lack of malt flavor, make the mouthfeel seem a little empty while making it more drinkable at the same time. Huh. Try it anyways.

Serving type: on-tap

05-15-2007 02:41:04 | More by tempest

akorsak

Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served on-tap at the Brewhouse Grille in Camp Hill, PA.

A: The ale is an amber color, almost a pale orange, with a small ring of head (1/2 finger) that does not retain for long.

S: The aroma is a grapefruity hop and grainy malt combination.

T: My initial review of Stone IPA slammed it (relative to Arrogant Bastard and Ruination). In hindsight, it comes across as Stone's easiest beer to drink. The hops are citrusy and strong, but not too strong. They allow the a biscuity malt body to shine through (one of the rare times that I've encountered the malts in a Stone ale).

M: The ale is well-balanced, allowing both the hops and the malts to have their time on the sun.

D: Stone's most drinkable ale, this one does not overwhelm the tastebuds or wear you out with an intense abv.

Serving type: on-tap

12-23-2006 19:58:18 | More by akorsak

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.78/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Magnifcant, how do they do it? Stone just knows how to make amazing beers that's all they make. I have never tasted one of their brews that I wasn't satisfied with. Pours a lucious copper tone with a screen of haze over it. My two finger head on the is a great complement of white clouds, and the retention is good here with lace already lining my glass I am ready to hop in. The hops are diffusing through the air coming for me like a trained asassin. Huge hop aroma with earthy tones I love it, some citrus and floral scents also intrigue my senses. First sip I love it, I am going to say right now this is my favorite all around IPA!!!! Yes, it's that good with the hops consuming most of my palate, the malt sweetness comes to save me from making a bitter beer face instantly forming a smile on my face. The hop resins make the mouthfeel a bit oily, but in a good way lubricating my palate to partake in one hell of a beer. Medium to light rediculously drinkable in every way imaginable. No off flavors only a hop head's dream beer is sitting in my pint glass right now.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2003 11:28:14 | More by WVbeergeek

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

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

22 oz. bomber

Pours a cloudy gold with a one finger head. Smell is highly sweet with a touch of lemon. Flavor seems somewhat light but thick with personality at the same time. Starts off slightly in citrus and delivers a high level of bitter into your mouth. Gets smoother as time goes on. Smooth, but a bit strong on the mouthfeel. Highly drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2007 05:39:24 | More by RblWthACoz

barleywinefiend

Washington

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

A bombardment of hops, sweetness and malt. What a beer!! The best IPA I have ever had and I have had over 100 easily.The only thing that touches this is Harmon IPA Tacoma. It literally was the best of the best. Poured golden, yellow a thin head, excellent stuff!!!I had this bottle and I can only imagine how it tasted on tap.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2007 02:22:27 | More by barleywinefiend

smcolw

Massachusetts

4.83/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Golden in color, slightly cloudy in clarity, this brew lent itself to an awesome two-finger, cream colored head. The aroma is excellently balanced between the flowery (not bitter) hop and the coy, slightly sweet malt. Interestingly, this beer tasted opposite of most--the hop was up front followed by malt. The beer was balanced throughout the tasting.

This is a full body ale with wonderful carbonation. This may be the best IPA I've ever enjoyed. I am drawn to getting another even though I prefer variety.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2004 03:37:30 | More by smcolw

rhoadsrage

Illinois

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

(Served in an American pint glass)

A- This beer pours a nice golden-orangey crystal clear body with a nice creamy off-white head. It has a rigorous carbonation of tiny bubbles.

S- The aroma of freshly crushed green hops with some hints of citrus and pine are very nice.

T- the initial taste is a nice pale malt that is quickly followed by the taste of big juicy hops with some notes of citrus and pine. Those juicy green hops last and last through the finish. They are balanced with a bold hop bitterness that finishes of the taste.

M- medium mouthfeel but with a big fizziness in the finish. No alcohol warmth or astringency.

D- This is a nice hop beer with a good base of pale malt grain. This bottle seems a bit over carbonated but it doesn't get in the way of the flavor.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2005 01:09:26 | More by rhoadsrage

Wasatch

Utah

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

Pours a clear golden amber color with a nice head, some carbonation, but not much lacing at all. Very hoppy with some sweet, citrusy scents. The taste is sweet and hoppy with a little bite at the end. Light to medium body. This ale is very drinkable. Glad to have found it.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2005 00:09:08 | More by Wasatch

jlindros

Massachusetts

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

Light creamy 1 finger head fades slowly with lacing over hazy amber wheat orange colo.

Nose of fresh hops, some light pine and citrus, floral hops. Light malt backbone.

Taste has more light hops with some bitterness. Some light astringency, pine, citrus, light grapefruit, tangerine, juicy fruits, light sticky hop oils pungent. Light sweet malts too. Finish is long and bitter and semi dry.

Mouth is medium with a crisp demeanor and decent carbonation.

Drinkability is good, pretty drinkable for sweetness with dry finish, no real booze, but a slight sticky finish.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2010 21:59:46 | More by jlindros

jdhilt

New Hampshire

2.7/5  rDev -36.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a white, two finger-head that vanishes slowly leaving a good lace. Clear light amber color. Medium carbonation and medium bodied. Nose is a strong hop. Starts with hops, somewhere there are malts - there is a trace of sweetness but the hops dominate, bitter finish that lingers. $2.30 for a 12oz bottle from Julio's Liquors Westborough, Ma.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2005 23:30:39 | More by jdhilt

Jason

Massachusetts

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

Presentation: 22 oz brown bomber with a silk screen painted label of the "Stone Brewing Gargoyle" which wards off impurities that would otherwise taint the sanctity of the brew.

Appearance: Rich golden hued brew that has a very frothy white lace which sticks all over the glass.

Smell: Very aromatic ... raw hop and hints of fruity ester. Nice dry-hopping!

Taste: Intense hop character, both flavour and bitterness. A bit smooth and a bit crisp with some malt flavour ... a little biscuit and grain, some malt sweetness and fruity ester. Though the hops are very dominant and push their sweet and bitter oils onto the palate. Amazingly the after taste cleans up a little leaving some grain and hop leaf flavour in the finish. Gulp after gulp this brew seems to warm the body more and more.

Notes: Wow now this is an IPA! Well attenuated and very bitter, yet still a little malt character to balance. Seriously ... if you don't like hoppy beers than this one might not be a good pick. If you are a hophead ... than buy a case! There was only one thing this beer said to me "Don't be a whimp, drink a hoppy beer!" Also this a quite deceiving brew topping out at 6.9% abv.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2001 22:42:29 | More by Jason

mdfb79

New York

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

Had on tap at the Galaxy Hut in Arlington.

a - Pours a golden color with one inch of white head and light carbonation evident.

s - Smells of citrus and floral hops, fruity hops and malts, also some earthy malts. Hint of pine.

t - Tastes of citrus hops, tropical fruits, and some citru/grapefruity malts.

m - Medium body and low to moderate carbonation.

d - A very nice IPA. Had it many times and is a definite go to for me. Will have again.

Serving type: on-tap

08-05-2010 00:00:20 | More by mdfb79

Billolick

New York

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

tried this one on tap at the Blind Tiger in NYC, wow, awesome brew..minimal head, nice lacing .nice nutty malt center,very hoppy, alot of citrus and a snappy hop nose and finish, tiny bubbles, pleasantly low carbonation, soft mouthfeel, a pleasure on the toungue. IPA lovers should get to know this one!

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2004 12:00:15 | More by Billolick

Zorro

California

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

Pours a hazy gold brew.

Smell is malt and sharp citrus like hops.

Taste is sweet from the malt and medium bitter. The hops level in this enough to start numbing your tongue. Tasty and not quite hopped to the point it is the only flavor.

Mouthfeel is good.

A drinkable brew it is almost too much in the hops department.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2004 05:27:53 | More by Zorro

Viggo

Ontario (Canada)

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

Pours a clear golden orange, thick white head forms, laces nicely, with good retention. Smell is citrus, pine and floral hops, a little caramel and a little alcohol. Taste is caramel, some wheaty dryness, grains, then a whack of citrus and pine hops. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with medium to low carbonation. Has a considerable bitter kick in the finish, I was expecting a bit more from this one for its high rating. Thanks DrJay!

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2006 07:39:11 | More by Viggo

BlackHaddock

United Kingdom (England)

3.58/5  rDev -16%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

One of the four taps at Pay and Take, Flagstaff.

Came in a pint glass, slightly cloudy and orange in colour, more orange than the amber body I was expecting, full white head at first, soon only a wisp and collar.

Very hoppy in aroma and taste, the citrus smells from the aroma hops disgiuised the bitterness that was to follow in the taste.

I quiet enjoyed the beer, the bitterness continued throughout the tasting, even the aftertaste was all hop and no hint of any malt content could i find anywhere within the brew.

Serving type: on-tap

05-25-2010 13:04:06 | More by BlackHaddock