Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA

From Stone Brewing – “There’s this small faction of people that seems to think it can call Black IPAs ‘Cascadian Dark Ales,’ historical accuracy be damned,” Wagner explains. “So, we thought we’d lightheartedly lay claim to our own style, dubbing it ‘Escondidian,’ both as an homage to our hometown of Escondido, CA and as a gentle ribbing to those Black IPA fans worshipping a false Cascadian idol.”

Stone Brewing Co. – Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA – 22 oz. bottle poured into an imperial pint glass. 10.5% abv.

Appearance:  Pours a very dark brown with a cap of tan cream that retains throughout the session. Leaves behind spotty lace.

Aroma:  Grape fruit,  roast, celery, alcohol.  More of 10th hop nose than 11th.

Taste:  Huge bitter danky hops, alcohol, dark roast coffee. Becomes more ipa-ish as it warms.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied moderately carbed.

Overall: Another good Black IPA from Stone. Tastes a little bit different than SSSRA. With SSSR, you see the dark malt, but don’t taste it so much, but with this beer, you do get a layer of chocolatey roast. I would definitely take the recommendation to drink this fresh.