Stone 18th Anniversary IPA – Tasting Notes
From Stone Brewing Co. – As we compose the text for this celebratory beer—a golden-brown India pale ale dry-hopped exclusively and abundantly with El Dorado hops—we stand ready to leap from the precipice of all we know into a new era for our company, our beers and, most importantly, our fans. It’s one that will see us exploring new territory, both geographically and creatively, as we evolve from pacesetters for the American craft brewing movement to cross-planetary champions of the worldwide cause of craft, hoisting our banner to proclaim artisanal beers’ vast superiority over stripped-down, business-driven, industrialized, fizzy, yellow mediocrity. We thank you for shadowing us for the first 18 years of our journey, and welcome you to join us for next leg and all that follows.
Stone Brewing Co. – Stone 18th Anniversary IPA – 22 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 8.5% abv.
Appearance: Pours a rusty amber with a fluffy white head. Body lets through light.
Aroma: Citrus, herbal,lemon grass, white grape hop essence and a little grandma perfume/alcohol whiff. All in all, fantastic.
Taste: Orange pith, spicy peppery hop bitterness that nearly numbs the entire tongue, toasty dry bready malt. Some melon like fruitiness tucked in there. Finishes earthy and bitter with long linger and a perceived alcohol bite, most likely from the IBU level and youth of the beer.
Mouthfeel: Crisp, medium bodied with lively carbonation.
Overall: A very enjoyable, unique beer. Nothing like previous Anniversary IPAs.
