Monday, February 23, 2009

Stone Ruination IPA

Here's another beer recommended to me by the Beer Critic, John LeMasney. He was spot on with his recommendation of Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout, so I'm hoping for another winner.

My computer took forever to boot tonight, some security scan that was slowing all of everything down, then these dudes at work (don't comment guys) asking for something business related. Wow! So I've already had half of my big 22 Oz. bottle of Stone Ruination IPA India Pale Ale brewed by Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido, CA.

I've had a bit of a run with great IPA's recently. First there was Stone IPA. Then there was Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, which I ultimately flipped a coin and picked the Stone IPA as a winner between the two.

Now a cousin to the Stone IPA, but at least second cousins, once removed, is this guy. I couldn't wait to open the bottle, with its great story about ruining my palate for any other beers. And if I'm a hop guy, I can appreciate it, etc. Long story, but I guess you're getting used to that here.

Strong and powerful aroma, very alcoholic and yet floral at the same time. The hops taste is double, triple that of the other two above, so I see what they mean when they are suggesting that they are overdoing it. But then the extreme bitter flavors calm down a bit and leave a really nice aftertaste on the palate. Hops, hops, hops. What more can I say about this beer? Well, it is extremely flavorful and a crisp, smooth beer. And now that the bottle is gone, there is a bit of an alcohol and tangy flavor left in my mouth.

Great to try, but I think I'll stick with slightly less hoppy ones, although I can certainly see how this would grow on you.

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1 comments:

lemasney said...

Hey -- yeah, it's unbalanced, but if you love hops like I do, you really love that hop heaviness. For me, it's hard to beat. For more balance, almost any other brew will do, but Stone (and Ruination specifically) hold a very special place for me. Cheers, and thanks for all the mentions! ;)