Stone Cali-Belgique IPA

DannPM · 06-27-2011, 05:54 PM

So I got one of these, being a big Belgian fan, the other night. I expected a hoppy beer, it's a Cali-style IPA. I did however expect it to be at least semi Belgian tasting with that in its name.

This thing tasted like a regular Cali-style IPA, they may have used Belgian yeast, but there is no possible way you can perceive any of those kind of notes with the gross amount of hops they decided to use. They could have even used the funkiest, most potent strain of Brettanomyces alongside a myriad of beer-spoiling bugs and I bet you still couldn't taste any of those things over these hops!

Just had to rant about this. If you're using a style's name as what part of the beer tastes like, you just kind of expect it to be a part of it.

Thehopguy · 06-27-2011, 05:59 PM

I gotta disagree with you. I've had Cali-Belgique several times and I like it. It tastes like an IPA but you can definitely taste that belgian yeast.

DannPM · 06-27-2011, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thehopguy

I gotta disagree with you. I've had Cali-Belgique several times and I like it. It tastes like an IPA but you can definitely taste that belgian yeast.

I don't think it was bad, it was a good beer. I think I may be sensitive to hop flavor because I couldn't taste any Belgian character through those hops.

**iijakii** · 06-30-2011, 01:06 AM

See, I accidentally bought it not realizing it was using Belgian yeast. I HATED IT, and had to dump most of it out. I absolutely love IPAs, but Belgians are my least favorite style of beer.

**jiggs_casey** · 06-30-2011, 01:14 AM

I didn't care for it too much. I'm not much of a fan of the Belgians. What I took away from it was a very hoppy Belgian.

pointerDixie214 · 07-04-2011, 08:21 PM

I loved this beer. IPAs and Belgians being my two favorite beer styles, it's a match made in heaven.

No doubt hoppy, but I still loved the subtle Belgian character in it.

A+ from me, but this debate shows why there are tons of kinds of beer on the market.

mikelikesit2000 · 07-04-2011, 11:29 PM

This is actually my wifes favorite IPA

**jonmohno** · 07-05-2011, 02:16 AM

Was my least favorite out of the bombers i sampled.Self rightous was incredible. I do like belgians but this type of belgian, i dont know.. maybe can grow on me but ill take a piraat over it.

kehaar · 07-05-2011, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannPM

So I got one of these, being a big Belgian fan, the other night. I expected a hoppy beer, it's a Cali-style IPA. I did however expect it to be at least semi Belgian tasting with that in its name.

This thing tasted like a regular Cali-style IPA, they may have used Belgian yeast, but there is no possible way you can perceive any of those kind of notes with the gross amount of hops they decided to use. They could have even used the funkiest, most potent strain of Brettanomyces alongside a myriad of beer-spoiling bugs and I bet you still couldn't taste any of those things over these hops!

Just had to rant about this. If you're using a style's name as what part of the beer tastes like, you just kind of expect it to be a part of it.

I think you are pretty close to Stone's description of the beer. Stone describes it as the same ingredients as Stone IPA with only a different yeast.

http://www.stonebrew.com/cali/

I don't think they are trying to fool anyone.

Houblon · 07-05-2011, 07:11 PM

Side by side tasting (Stone IPA -Cali-Belgique) and feel the Belgian yeast is far too muted for my taste.

Viven Imperial IPA , Troubadour Magma IPA are both far better Westcoast style IPA`s and yet show Belgian flare.