Reviewing the Enjoy By 9.21.12 IPA from Stone Brewing Company. This beer was only distributed by Stone to Chicago, New Jersey and Southern California.
Score: 92
The bottle I obtained was distributed to the store the same day I picked it up and enjoyed it (08/24/12). Served in a snifter glass.
Appearance: Clean and transparent honey yellow-orange color with one finger of soapy off-white head that settles to a thin film atop the glass. Awesome lacing and retention. 4.5/5
Smell: Pinesol, tangerine, grapefruit and a hint of earthy hops overlaying a "sourdough bread" aroma backbone. As the beer warms and opens up, more tropical citrus comes through. 4.25
Taste: Sweet and hoppy juicy tropical citrus throughout with a "drying" sourdough bread flavor on the midpalate. Nice grassy hops with a touch of resinousness. The flavors here just work for whatever reason; never expected to enjoy such a bready IPA! 4.25/5
Mouthfeel: Heavier side of light bodied, medium carbonation. Juicy mouthfeel. Bitter finish. 4/5
Overall: An excellent IPA; in fact, this is one of Stone's better beers. I would absolutely drink this one again (especially at the price point) if only it both a) did not immediately fly off the shelves in Chicago, and b) was not a "one-off" IPA.
Recommendation: Stone's Ruination IPA and their Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA that came out earlier this summer were both better, but this is a really excellent IPA in it's own right as well. Fans of savory citrus-loaded IPA should thoroughly enjoy this brew.
Pairings:
Cost: $6.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.
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