Mark
The IPA from Stone Brewing Company in Escondido, California pours out an orangey gold in color with some haze and is topped with a two finger, off-white head that slowly reduces down to a film. On the nose, pine, spice and floral aromas with some sweetness on the edges. In the mouth, this is typical Stone - big and bold. Wonderful earthy and piney hoppy flavors with some citrus accents overtake an initial caramel sweetness. Strong malt backbone tries to keep things balanced but this is a hop monster. Medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Sheets of lacing on the glass. Nice oil to the mouthfeel. Extremely long, bitter, hoppy finish.
A World Class West Coast IPA that is a delight for any hophead to savor. Bitter, layered and complex. Highly recommended.
12 ounce bottle, 6.9% ABV, 77 IBU
Beer 153 of 366 for 2012
