Stone Brewing was one of the icons of the early American craft beer scene, and Stone IPA was an OG of the West Coast IPA. In the early 2000’s the brewery – and its outspoken co-owner – was something of beer royalty, being pioneers of the West Coast IPA, and just big, bold beers in general.
There’s a story as to how we came by a delivery of Stone beer, so go to our website for the details. The important thing is that we have some of these beers and you’ll get to try them over the next couple of months.
Stone commenced operations in 1996 at their initial site at San Marcos in California (later purchased by Lost Abbey/Port Brewing), though most people will know the new and improved brewhouse from Escondido. In 2022 the company was sold for USD 165 million to Sapporo. Between those two dates, Stone IPA became a flagship of the brewery.
The beer pours an amber colour with an aroma that is citrus and floral. There is just a hint of malt sweetness at the start before the bitterness kicks in. And it is this bitterness that defines the beer and style.
The malt backbone carries the bitterness that remains assertive (to say the least) right to the finish. Throw in a hint of pine and a little spicy finish, this is a beer that encourages another sip quite quickly. Enjoy a taste of US beer history.
