Stone IPA

Billed as "The Quintessential West Coast IPA" on the 650mL bottle, Stone IPA can be called many things, but certainly not humbly offered. At 6.9% alcohol, this India pale ale from San Diego, California's Stone Brewing Co. doesn't mince words. It's a hazy sunset orange brew that pours with a ceiling of thick, sudsy, off-white head. According to the Stone website, there are 77 IBUs' worth of bitterness in the stuff.

Historically, I've only been able to enjoy Stone products on trips south of the border, but I recently found some bottles in a Toronto area liquor store, so I jumped at the IPA--historically my fave of the Stone brews I've tried.

 

It boasts a big nose replete with chunky hops notes--citrus and evergreen, balanced against stanky resin. Stone IPA has some sweet elements up front, with some citrus juiciness in evidence. Hops are the executive producer of this film, though, with bitterness taking charge early and wielding a short leash through the dry, lingering finish.

Stone IPA is one of the more popular American IPAs, and with good reason. It's got oodles of flavour, hops to spare, and style for miles. Small wonder it's found in practically every beer bar from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon.

If you're in the mood for an IPA, this one will never disappoint. It isn't unique or quirky--what it is is well-executed.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10.