Well it is Day 27 of the endless IPA onslaught, and it shows no signs of depleting my stock. Notably, IPAFest 2024 will need to extend into February I fear. If I see much more San Diego IPA, I’m likely to go bonkers! Bring me a Pils, quick!
Seriously though, I can drink endless IPA, they are that good. Today I thought I’d bring out the “rest” of the Stone IPA lineup. We’re all used to Stone IPA, in fact that is the benchmark IPA I use to evaluate all other comers. Stone, like many other brewers doesn’t stop with just one IPA though. How about 6? How about 15? Maybe 20? I mean the supply and variations are ENDLESS!!!!
Stone Hazy IPA – 6.7% ABV. Like many other Murksters, I’m finding that a lot of the Haze Crud is down at the bottom of the can. After a month of Lagering in my refrigerator, these pour like a Crystalweizen; at the bottom, the Murk turns them into more like a Hefeweizen. That’s just the way it is. Great IPA, El Dorado, Azacca and Sabro hops, traditional flavors, just in a Cup-O-Mud format. Swirl it around a bit while pouring to mix up the Crud and you have yourself a Muddy IPA.
Stone Delicious Citrus – Very similar beer, 7.7% ABV no Murk. This one is reduced Gluten. That doesn’t mean Gluten Free. Great beer through, I’m wondering if maybe they used Citra hops in this.
Stone Delicious IPA – Again, very similar IPA, 7.7% low Gluten. Traditional hopping, not as Citrusy, otherwise the same.
Stone Fear Movie Lions Hazy Double IPA – A stronger rendition, Cup-O-Mud 8.5% ABV. I swirled the can to bring up the Murky Crud you are paying for, but all I ended up with were small chunks of what otherwise might be considered Yeast. So this one isn’t quite as Murky as the rest of the Murksters. Really balanced beer the hopping increased a touch to stand up to the higher ABV me thinketh. Great beer.
Stone Delicious 9.4% ABV – This one is in the category I call Hammertime! Gluten reduced beer, again not Gluten Free beer, just reduced. Very similar flavor to the other Stone IPA’s here, just a heavier, Boozier presentation. I don’t care for this one as much. Enough is enough already, I’m here to enjoy the party, not get so wasted.
All these Stones are very professionally brewed, all have exceptional head that lasts all the way into the beer and fantastic lacing. This really is the premier San Diego-area brew-house, we’ve enjoyed Grub and Glug at the Escondido Mothership many times. Enjoy!