Stone “18th Anniversary”
93 A-
This limited-release Imperial IPA commemorates the 18th Anniversary of Stone. The label proclaims it “the hoppiest golden-brown IPA on earth.” Hops jump from the glass with sticky scents like tropical fruit candy, white grapefruit, orange, lemon balm, and a bite of herbal spice. Malts carry a toasted bread character over a substantial amount of butterscotch sweetness, underscored by a gentle roast carrying minor notes of coffee and cocoa. Alcohol comes out as watered down Scotch.
The palate begins like tropical fruit-infused sweet tea. Citrus fruits progress toward orange and grapefruit, meanwhile, herbal elements take the next step into lemongrass. Considerable sweetness collects in the middle with a firm, supportive layer of caramel. Dark malts add interesting dimensionality in flavors of dark bread and weak drip coffee, which then combine with a spicy twist of hops to produce a taste that closely resembles rye. Earthy bitterness encompass the rear with floral notes that ring over a resinous body of evergreen. Sweetness is eclipsed by a tart climax, giving a final impression of lemon cough drops. Mouthfeel delivers a medium-full body over standard carbonation, developing mild dryness before leaving remnants of alcoholic heat behind. Although hop oils continue to linger, the finish is quite clean.
Stone always does something interesting with their Anniversary IPA's, and this fusion brings together some interesting qualities that truly make it unique. If I were to make up a new style category, I would deem this an Imperial Brown IPA. The malts are what really won me over, because they bring a perfect amount of sweetness to help offset the bitterness. 75 IBU's may appear conservative for this style (especially coming from Stone), but in this case, it's a comfortable number for proper balance. I find the ratio of sweet, bitter, and sour to be agreeable, but the ratio isn't perfect. Considering this style, drinkability isn't bad. It's got a fair price, too! If you really love Stone, then don't let this one pass you by. I recommend it.
Known Hops: El Dorado
Known Malts: English Brown Coffee Malt
$7.98 / 22 oz.
8.5%
75 IBU
Escondido, California