Beer Review: Stone Brewing Company – Enjoy By 12.26.2014

The craft beer scene in the United States has grown exponentially over the past 10 years. Slowly, but surely, putting a dent in the big guys from St. Louis and Milwaukee. Don’t get me wrong though I still love to enjoy the Champagne of Beers (shout out to the Pops there). Onwards though, the craft beer market has brought huge things to the world of brew and really provides the opportunity to sample the wares of local breweries across the nation. This is a huge deal and a highly addictive hobby, just ask my wife…

Much to her dismay I am a collector of beers, buying beers to sit on until the time or experience is right. If it was her way we would buy and drink on the spot, which aligns with the majority of folks out there. So a beer and food blog is a perfect idea to help me get through the stash.

First up is a very new beer out of Stone Brewing Company in Escondido, California. Over the past couple years Stone has been putting out a ‘Enjoy By’ IPA that has a timestamp date on when you should consume. Virginia has finally been able to receive this shipment within the past year or so. What a cool concept, right? Producing a fresh, hopped double IPA and distributing as fast as possible for consumption. This guarantees the freshest quality IPA you can get your hands on, especially from a brewery that is 3,000 miles away. Enough with the chit chat, let’s get on with the tasting.

Enjoy By 12.26.2014 (Bottled 11.21.2014)

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Served in a cold New Belgium tulip glass
Appearance – slight haze amber, about an two finger white head on pour which hangs to the glass as you indulge.
Aroma – pineapple, orange and lemon citrus, bit of grapefruit, piney and grassy notes, and perhaps a hint of coconut that comes out on the finish.
Mouthfeel – very full to medium body, immediate hit of hops on the tongue and coats the mouth with pineyness (a good thing). Definitely a double west coast style IPA. Slight mellowness of some caramel malt that levels things out.
Taste – not overly boozy, definitely masked with the fresh hops. Piney taste that tickles the tongue. Citrus notes that sing throughout. With a beer that clocks in at 9.6% ABV quite a smooth drink.
Finish – solid finishing hops, just the right amount of linger but not totally overwhelming. One of those IPAs that is done right that would be drinkable by non IPA lovers as well.
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Personal recommendation for food pairings: chicken, pork tenderloin, pulled pork bbq
Personal recommendation for cheese pairings: blue, gorgonzola, sharp cheddar
Overall rating: 9.5/10
Solid IPA and one of the freshest around, meant to drink fresh (Don’t Age!). Stone continues to put out great things and definitely impresses the palate every time.
Also a nice note for East Coast folks, Stone has just broken ground in Richmond, Virginia for their first establishment on the East Coast. Translation: Even fresher beer 🙂
Cheers!

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