Stone Brewing Company - Escondido, California USA
Imperial IPA (ABV 10.8%) (IBU 100)

[Suggested Glassware: Tulip Glass]

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Aroma: 8/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 7/10
Palate: 4/5
Overall: 16/20

The pour was a cloudy burnt orange with an average (1-2 finger) off white frothy head that reduced down to a large puddle and collar of residue, and had good spotty lacing.

The aroma was of pine and resin hops, grain malts and a soapy yeast with notes of citrus (grapefruit and orange), caramel and a mild apricot sweetness.

The taste was a little sweet and a tad bitter with a hint of caramel and a mild fruity ester at first, and then had a serious hoppy citrus bitterness along with a mild alcohol tinge at the end. The flavor lasted an very long time after the swallow with a nice bitter and mild sweet hoppiness settling in on the taste buds.

Mouthfeel was between light and medium in body with a dry yet slightly oily texture and a medium carbonation.

Overall a very well put together brew with tons of flavor and a smooth feel, which just complimented the mildly sweet bitterness...

Sampled: 9/18/2012
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