A taste of… Stone IPA India Pale Ale

Stone Brewing Company
1999 Citracado Parkway
Escondido, CA 92029
(760) 471-4999

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Stone IPA India Pale Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: The clear, bright amber brew is carbonated with tiny bubbles that form a good dense head of small and medium bubbles, knit into a rocky pale brown head. The receding head leaves a promising Belgian Lace.

Aroma: The first aromatics are those of fresh green hop flowers. A second visit reveals a wider selection of floral accents. The third visit calls to mind Tarragon and Marjoram. Between sip and lip the sensations reflect the aromatic profile.

Mouth feel: This is a creamy brew with the feel of a big bodied beverage.

Flavor: The first sensation is of a bitter-sweet combination of almost metallic tang and the edge of burnt sugar candy or caramelized brown sugar. The second visit found citric spikes of bitter orange and grapefruit. The third quick sip was tough. I was tempted to spend a few moments allowing my senses to recover. Then the sharp flavors took the front and fill the mouth and sinuses as well for a rather emphatic stay.

Finish: There is a real crescendo to this brew and it stays for more than one or two curtain calls.

Comments: I would take a good hour or so enjoying this 12 ounce ale.

Food & Beer: A sharp cheddar or Stilton would give the flavors of this brew a battle royal!


The Brewery: http://www.stonebrew.com/


What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/88

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