Tag Archives: IIPA

Stone Give Me IPA or Give Me Death collaboration by Stone Brewing in Virginia

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Rating: 4.95/5
16825833_10104035762781000_2718480856267130886_o
Stone Give Me IPA or Give Me Death collaboration by Stone Brewing in Virginia is a 8 % ABV Imperial India Pale Ale brewed with Raspberries & Blackberries from the commonwealth of Virginia

Label:
Virginia Commemorative Collaboration

An Imperial Tribute to Richmond & the rise of craft beer independence.

Just as Patrick Henry once stood addressing the city of Richmond in 1775 to spur resistance against the tyrannical British Empire, 20 years ago we were stirred to join the cry for resistance against the tyrannical oppression of industrial beer. And now, the opening of our Richmond brewery is yet another shot in the salvo that has been fired on behalf of American brewing independence. If we wish to brew free, if we mean to retain our identity and preserve the privilege of access to independent craft beer, we must recognize it is a group effort. We do not stand alone. And so, on our new brewing grounds, we gathered with fellow craft breweries and “His Excellency,” Governor McAuliffe, to join together in force. A group cry of freedom & independence! Consider this aggressively hopped imperial IPA, jam-packed with Virginia raspberries and blackberries, a testament to our passion and unwillingness to settle or sell out! We think Patrick Henry would be proud, and hope you will be too.

Our Collaborators
Ardent Craft Ales
Hardywood Park Brewery
His Excellency Terry McAuliffe, Virginia Governor.

==Introduction==
16903413_10104035762751060_711460925484347172_o
The second release from Stone’s new brewery in Virginia in collaboration with local facilities and government. The first was the stout made with the same ingredients. This time, its an IPA. Fruited IPAs have varied responses in the communities. I personally love fruit IPAs but with one being made with the tribute of the state and Stone’s location is quite the honor. Even the name is rings history as I uses the quote used in Patrick Henry’s speech, “Give Me Liberty of Give Me Death” during the American Revolution. So with that being said, let us see how this beer is, cheers!

Aromas:
Tropical fruit papaya, kiwi, passion fruit hints, guava, floral, piney, citrus, grassy grapefruit and earthy hops, biscuit bread, vanilla, lemon peel, wild flower honey, biscuit bread, lychee fruit, honey dew melon, tangerine gummies and cherry notes.

Flavors:
Citrus, grapefruit, floral, grassy, piney and earthy dank hops, biscuit bread, lychee fruit, honey dew melon, tangerine gummies, tropical fruit papaya, kiwi, passion fruit hints, guava, starburst candy, wild flower honey, Raspberries, blackberries, cherry, pomegranate strawberries, pineapple, mango, stone fruit hints, kumquats, lemon peel and vanilla notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with Raspberries, blackberries, dank dry, citrus, grapefruit, oniony and earthy hops, tropical fruit, honey, stone fruit hints and lemon peel. No alcohol in the taste. Amber clear body, crisp, refreshing and smooth mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good IPA although the Raspberries and Blackberries are subtle. They shine more in the after taste it seems as the overall beer is more of a delicious IPA in general. While I feel this could have used more of the raspberry and blackberry flavor, it is subtle enough that it will not offend people that do not like fruited IPAs. In fact, in that aspect, this is a winner for sure. Worth trying for sure!
16836661_10104035762511540_8318951697275513104_oAnime Corner:
Jenny X-J9 Wakeman from MLAATR was chosen in this pairing as I wanted to pair mainly with the colors of the beer but also the aspect that makes the name of the beer, which is bravery. Being brave is what would make someone make a stand for what they believe in. Jenny is a very brave fighter and a hero. So while I did use other art pieces that I like with this one, the one where she is stopping the falling meteorites is very brave representing the name.
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Sources:
http://orig09.deviantart.net/0181/f/2015/137/a/c/jenny_rocks_by_14_bis-d8triub.jpg
https://brewerianimelogs.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/86ff7-robotic_friends_by_ry_spirit-d5slsz0.jpg
http://2static.fjcdn.com/large/pictures/b6/7b/b67ba3_5988473.jpg
http://static1.fjcdn.com/comments/Dat+metal+_07d34f25e915e50a0d8d0e1325a5394e.jpg

Stone Enjoy by 09.05.2016 Unfiltered IPA by Stone brewing

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14517466_10103586629487720_8438646594727963423_n 14519763_10103586629387920_1816045118082020789_n 14524383_10103586629377940_2050361353312363675_o 14500373_10103586629362970_3313936591322493138_oRating: 5.4/6

Stone Enjoy by 09.05.2016 Unfiltered IPA by Stone brewing is a 9.4% ABV Imperial India Pale Ale brewed.

Label:
Our all-important, hop-driven quest to deliver the most devastatingly fresh IPA on the planet facilitated a paradigm shift in 2012 with the launch of Stone Enjoy By IPA. Not only did we brew this beer with more than 10 different hops, we brewed it specifically NOT to last. For this version of Stone Enjoy By IPA, we thought: “We don’t always have to filter, so why should our beer?” By Skipping a step and letting this devastatingly fresh, golden-hued double IPA go unfiltered, the beer takes on a haze appearance and its peach and tropical fruit hop aromas are intensified. So though it may sound like it, this missed step was no misstep.

Acclaimed for its ground breakingly short shelf life, this intense double IPA brought forth a whole new concept of what constitutes “fresh”—guaranteeing fans the ultimate level of hoppiness. For Stone Enjoy By Tangerine IPA, we added the tangy zeal of a mandarin fruit’s juicy nectar. The result…freshness has never tasted as ripe for the picking as this does right now.

==Introduction==

The review is late than when I first tried the beer which was back in August 6th 2016. Typically, I take notes on the beer as I try them and then compose my overall presentation at a later time. So as fresh as this beer was back when I tried it, it no longer is today according to Stone Freshness standards. Don’t worry though, there will be more releases of this one in the future. This release comes with the rise of an interesting trend in the East Coast where the “New England” or “Unfiltered” IPAs are setting a trend. Essentially those are the ones that are more tropical fruit forward than their west coast garlicky piney cousins. With the use of more modern hops and brewing processes, these beers have been like drinking juice. Let’s see how this one is, cheers!

Aromas:
Tropical fruits like papaya, mango, honey dew melon, dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee, kiwi, citrus, grapefruit, floral, garlicky, oniony, herbal, piney and grassy hops biscuit bread, orange juice, honey, strawberry, cherry notes, oregano, stone fruit peaches, apricot, plums, kumquats, tangerines, citrus peels, grapefruit peels, lemon peel, starburst candy and sweetened condensed milk hints.

Flavors:
Rich dank hop flavors or citrus, grapefruit, floral, garlicky, oniony, herbal, piney and grassy hops, Rich tropical fruits like papaya, mango, honey dew melon, dragon fruit, passion fruit, lychee, coconut hints, stone fruit peaches, apricot, plums, kumquats, tangerines, citrus peels, grapefruit peels, lemon peel, starburst candy, sweetened condensed milk notes, honey, strawberry, cherry notes, oregano, basil, Italian herbs, orange juice, Mango tang, biscuit bread and kiwi hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with the dank oniony, floral, and garlicky hop notes tropical notes, stone fruits, honey, citrus and grapefruit peels linger. No alcohol in the taste, easy to drink despite the ABV, Golden hazy medium body, silky, crisp, clean and refreshing mouth feel.

Overall:
An exceptional brew. I am not sure if the appearance adds to the experience, but the flavors are definitely enhanced from the regular version. It seems more of the hop resins would appear keeping the beer more fulfilling than if it was filtered. This is true in homebrews as filtering processes for homebrew is difficult unless you are kegging but that yeast sediment will stay at the bottom of the bottle to carbonate. Professional brewers leaving the sediment to leave the beer cloud I feel actually makes it way better which in this case, it is what makes it damn delicious. Definitely pick it up when it comes out again.

Anime Corner:
Morrigan Aensland from Dark Stalkers Cosplaying as Cammy White from Street Fighter was used in this pairing as I have used Morrigan for past “Enjoy Bys.” However, this being a variant in terms of being unfiltered, I wanted to go with Morrigan being uncensored. Well, I need to keep it somewhat moderate so her being dressed up as Cammy exposes just a little more.

Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2f/ff/f9/2ffff948e57dbfd98c4cfafa8968cc0b.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cnk59iVVMAI5CYN.jpg
http://img09.deviantart.net/10c1/i/2010/110/a/4/morrigan_as_cammy__blue_sky__by_ziconviene.jpg
http://pds12.egloos.com/pmf/200808/31/45/f0000745_48bab16a1aa13.jpg

ExCherrymentations Gone AwRye by Nubis Sanctum Ales

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13458539_10103345683799810_28417043527111739_oRating: 5/5

ExCherrymentations Gone AwRye by Nubis Sanctum Ales is an 9% ABV American Rye Imperial India Pale Ale brewed with Organic Black Cherry.

==Introduction==

13055017_10103215732453350_5395506285058469528_o
Project #24 was created as an experiment to do away with all my hops that I had left over. Stuff that was free, stuff where I didn’t use in some recipes and just hops that I wanted to try out. I had to come up with a recipe before the summer hit as brewing would be difficult due to the extreme heat causing issues in the fermentation process. So I just everything together and hope for the best. Little that I know that this monster of an experimentation would actually come out to be reminiscent of one of my favorites beers that dated back to my beginnings of craft beer. To find out, let’s take a look at this one carefully. Cheers!

Aromas:
Lots or Rye bread, toffee, caramel, dark cherry, grapefruit, citrus, piney, herbal, grassy, and earthy hop notes, vanilla, lemon grass, toasted malts, raspberries and dark fruit notes.
13528321_10103345683680050_5108395072979160756_o
Flavors:
Rich Grapefruit, citrus, piney, herbal, dank, grassy, oniony, garlicky and earthy hops, Dark fruit raisin, lots of dark cherries, currants, pomegranates, cranberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, Toffee, caramel, vanilla, floral hibiscus, tangerine gummies, toasted rye bread with cherry and raspberry preserves, toasted malts, lemon grass and basil.
13502594_10103345683660090_4563345640111539149_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing dry with huge dank piney, grassy, herbal, grapefruit hop bitterness and a slight touch of the cherry and rye malts. No alcohol in the taste, Crimson copper full body, bold, crisp, refreshing and slightly smooth mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Just like Arrogant Bastard. IT really is unforgiving considering how much hops I put this beer. A definite ruination to the tongue and yet, the complex sweetness provided by the cherry and the rye just keeps me wanting to drink more of it. I did not expect this beer to be very delicious, but it really surprised me. When I first tapped it, that’s when I realized it was definitely going to be a winner as it reminded me a lot of arrogant bastard. I will definitely want to make this one again.
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Anime Corner:
Washuu Hakubi from the Tenchi Muyou series was used in this pairing as I was looking into how using cherries and this being an experimental batch would equate to a character that matches both criteria. Washuu is a genius and mad scientist. Being around more than 20,000+ years would definitely make one very intelligent. She has the hair that pairs well with the cherry aspects but also is not afraid to make crazy creations.

Sources:
http://wallpapershacker.com/wallpaper_1920x1200/tenchi_muyo_washu_hakubi_1920x1200_hd-wallpaper-152279.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/F1EociU.jpg
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8f7sC8oLMX8/sddefault.jpg
http://anime.astronerdboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/02-30-Washu-plans.jpg

Sorry Not Sorry IPA collaboration by Stone brewing, 4 Hands brewing and Bale Breaker brewing

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12493756_10103028516530560_5944785175072790481_o 12553074_10103028517079460_3243473822162550023_nRating: 4.75/5

Sorry Not Sorry IPA collaboration by Stone brewing, 4 Hands brewing and Bale Breaker brewing is a 9.3% ABV Imperial India Pale Ale brewed with Peaches.

Label:
Unbashedly Unashamed of our obsession with hops

The idea for this bright and bitter beer was born during Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele’s annual hop-selection pilgrimage to Yakima, Washington. While touring Loftus Ranches (a farm owned and operated by the same family for generations which recently expanded to Include on-property craft brewery Bale Breaker Brewing Co.), Steele felt inspired…while power-huffing hops no doubt…to suggest a brewing collaboration with Stone and our good friends from St. Louis.4 Hands Brewing Co. A powerhouse within the midwest brewing sect, 4 Hands has been on our official “awesome brewers we gotta collaborate with” list for some time. When considering the direction they’d take, it was decided that since Loftus Ranches was the first hop farm to commercially grow beloved Simcoe variety, leading with that piney, stone fruit-like hop was a must. But collaborations are about uncharted territory. Thus, the trio decided that pureed peaches hold be added to ‘up’ the fruit factor, while experimental HBC 342 and HBC 344 hops were selected to introduce notes of berries, citrus, tropical fruit and grassiness to this IPA. Yes, we made another IPA. We’ll concede that it’s not surprising. Our love of hoppy beers runs like a deeply entrenched mutherlode (yes, we meant to spell it that way) of humulus lupulus coursing through our veins. Ditto 4 Hands and Bale Breaker. So for those who’d have preferred to see us craft a milk stout, ancient ale or barrel-aged offering, that’s okay…we’ve made all of those in the past few months too. But we are who we are: an unapologetic band of hopheads psyched to explore the ever-expanding network of nooks and crannies within the IPA universe. So happy to have you join us!

“This project has been an amazing experience and we are truly grateful. Both Stone and the Bale Breaker team share our passion for the hops as well as experimentation.”
Kevin Lemp// Founder & President, 4 hands brewing co.

“We are honored to collaborate with the extremely talented and creative brewers at Stone and 4 Hands. ¡Viva la IPA!”
Kevin Smith//Head Brewer & Co-Owner, Bale Breaker Brewing Co.

“We are thrilled to join with the of the most exciting new hop-loving breweries in the country to make this unique and delicious IPA.”
Mitch Steele//Brewmaster, Stone Brewing Co.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one at my local store. Yet another IPA from Stone which is not that surprising as IPAs are a favorite of mine but also Stone brewing’s staple style. With that being said, I need to see how different this beer is in comparison to the many, many, many, MANY IPAs I have tried in the past. So with another beer out there, let’s see if they truly did mean to release another IPA variety. Cheers!

Aromas:
Stone fruit peaches, apricots, mango, lychee, kumquats, Floral, grassy, herbal, citrucy, oniony, dank grapefruit and earthy hop notes, Blue Basil, Italian herbs, oregano, weed, mint greens, yerba Buena, coriander spice, mint, tropical fruit notes of kiwi, papaya, pineapple, honey and biscuit bread.

Flavors:
Herbal, floral, citrus, grapefruit, garlicky, oniony, dank, earthy notes and a grassy hops, Rich Stone fruits like apricots, peaches, mango, lychee tart kumquats, orange peel, grapefruit peel, lemon peel, Blue Basil, Italian herbs, oregano, weed, mint greens, yerba buena, chamomile, coriander, tropical fruit pineapple, kiwi, dragon fruit, strawberry, honey, biscuit bread and gummy bears.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with a stone fruit sweetness, honey, with a variety herbal and spicy hop goodness. No alcohol in the taste, Golden honey clear color, crisp, refreshing and smooth mouth feel with an easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A very good IPA that focuses on the more herbal and dank side of hops rather than the tropical. It is still a massive hop bite and punch for those that are hop head purist. While the peaches are apparent more as the beer warms up, the hop varieties are certainly a bit different giving a more of a various type of complex herbal hop aspect and it is what really drives the beer.

Anime Corner:
Yang Xiao Long from RWBY was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the colors of the beer but also the whole theme of not giving a damn about ones actions. A real thug. Essentially, this paired perfectly to me since in Episode 6 or RWBY Volume 3, she was attacked by her opponent after a match she had in a tournament. She ended up breaking the dude’s leg but in her defense it was self-defense. What the audience saw though was that she attacked the guy for no reason. So she was kicked out. The truth is it was all an illusion in her mind from the guy’s partner which manipulates the senses. Either way, while she may be sorry for what happened, she is not sorry since she knows the dude attacked her but the audience was manipulated to see her attacking for no reason. Bad Ass!

Sources:
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/801/012/3ab.jpg
http://konachan.com/sample/7e7fe3cffc094920a21659e99b596762/Konachan.com%20-%20187341%20sample.jpg

Sure Bet by Pipeworks brewing

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10504987_10102414844688850_6179940178280750143_oRating: 6/5

Sure Bet by Pipeworks brewing is a 9.5% ABV World Class Double India Pale Ale brewed with honey and mango puree.

Label:
Just the mere thought of the talk of a Citra and Mosaic hopped IIIPA brewed with honey and mango fills the Unicorn with too much joy and happiness for one horn to handle. The closest The Unicorn has come to this level of joy was when once, while skipping over rainbows, he encountered a cloud shaped like a rainbow! The Unicorns #1 favorite food is sunlight, but his #2 and #3 are honey and mangos respectively, and this brew has ’em both! The only thing that The Unicorn loves more than keeing something for himself, is sharing! So pour yourself a glass, because this beer’s a SURE BET!

==Introduction==

I obtained this beer through my online resources. I was unable to find this at any online shop. Seeing as this was a rarity and a highly rated beer, I really wanted to try it and bring it to the site. This is an IPA that can compare with some of the best IPAs out there and the fact that it has mango puree and honey. Well that just speaks tropical heaven to me. Let us see what this beer has to offer and see if this one is worth the buzz. Cheers!

Aromas:
A bouquet of rich tropical fruit fills the nose reminiscent of Power Plant and other awesome Tropical IPAs I have had before. Mango, Guava, Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit Lychee, Papaya, Pineapples, Apricots, Strawberries, Prickly pears, raspberries, cherries, tangerines, tuna fruit, peaches, creamy vanilla, agave nectar, piney grassy, grapefruit, floral, herbal and dank garlicky hops, Sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, flan, caramel, gummy bears, citrus, orange and mango preserves, coconut hints and marshmallows.

Flavors:
Ridiculous amount of tropical fruits from all over the spectrum such as oranges, grapefruit, lychee, apricots, mangos, guava, papaya, dragon fruit, passion fruit, honey dew melon, strawberries, prickly pear, tuna fruit, raspberries, cherries tangerines, apples, peaches and cream, agave nectar, piney, grassy, herbal, floral, earthy, dank oniony, garlicky and grapefruit hops, sweetened condensed milk, tres leches cake, mango flan, caramel, gummy bears, citrus and mango preserves and orange preserves on rye bread, toffee, butterscotch, blue basil, peppercorn hints, lemon candy, coconut hints and marshmallows.

Aftertaste:
Very rich tropical fruits, variety of citrus fruit, rich mango, honey, dank piney, garlicky oniony, grassy, floral, earthy and herbal hops linger. No alcohol in the taste, golden medium body, creamy, crips, refreshing and silky mouthfeel and an easy to drink beer despite the ABV.

Overall:
Talk about rare GEMS no one knows about. Supremely righteous of tropical gods! This Double IPA blew me away into the stratosphere. I have to agree that addition of mango and honey dynamically changes the beer from its highest potential on its own. This is why Power Plant by El Segundo brewing can be the best triple IPA in the world to me, but this one is beyond that with the addition of the ingredients that take it to the next level. Holy Shit! This beer is like the absolute Trifecta of the IPAs. Meaning, you get a huge balance of the herbal, the orange malty and the rich tropical aspect found in many IPAs. If I find the right recipe for this, I will have to make this one for sure! For now, you better make DAMN SURE BET that I will recommend this to the masses! The Pliny and Heady killer of the midwest.

Anime Corner:
Twighlight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash from MLP were used in this pairing to pair two of the best sides of an IPA. The malty sweet side represented by Twilight sparkle and the citrus and tropical fruit flavors represented by Rainbow Dash. Since this beer has a unicorn and has so many colors representing the flavor spectrum of the delights that is this beer, the ponies were the right choice to compliment the beer and label. That and this is the most bad ass I could find these characters.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/EW4mNmZ.jpg
http://nyuuchandiannepie.deviantart.com/art/Rainbow-Auditore-da-Firenze-303474835
http://nyuuchandiannepie.deviantart.com/art/Diablo-3-Twilight-304708395

On the Wings of Armageddon by DC Brau Brewing

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10993139_10102408485552610_6743434844079702079_oRating: 5.25/5

On the Wings of Armageddon by DC Brau Brewing is a 9.2% ABV World Class Imperial India Pale Ale.

Label:
And so it was written…….
According to Mayan and Hopi calendars the “transition from one world age to another” will happen on December 21, 2012. As an homage to the “transition” DC Brau has concocted an Imperial IPA named “On the Wings of Armageddon”.

==Introduction==

An awesome donation to the site, Aaron Mediola from www.beermetaldude.com came through for me by bringing this awesome piece forward. This is my first beer by DC Brau and it is one that I have been searching for a long time and kind of just let it slide me by. You can’t really find this beer in the west coast. Seeing as this was a very coveted beer, I was glad I finally had a chance to try this magnificent IPA and with a chance to bring it to the site, I am going all out!

Aromas:
Rich Citrus notes, piney, floral, herbal, grapefruit, piney, grassy and dank hops, orange and peels, rich tropical fruits like dragon fruit, passion fruit, strawberry, tangerine candy, papaya, honey dew melon, prickly pears, kiwi, raspberries, stone fruit peaches, sugar cane and floral notes.

Flavors:
Very rich Citrus, grapefruit, piney, floral, herbal, grassy and dank hops, sweetened condensed milk, oranges, orange peel, dragon fruit, passion fruit, strawberry, banana hints, honey dew melon, tropical flavors like pineapples, honey dew melon, papaya, tangerine candy, gummy bears, guava, plums, apples, raspberries, stone fruit peaches, apricots, mango, prickly pear, herbs, caramel, biscuit bread, sugar cane, rye bread with orange and tangerine preserves, kiwi, flower notes and cantaloupe.

Aftertaste:
Lots of orange peel, grapefruit juice, complex tropics with citrus leading the pack, variety of hops and a variety of sweet goods. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy Orange amber full body, creamy, refreshing and crisp mouthfeel, and easy to moderate drinkability.

Overall:
A Damn great IPA just as great as it’s east coast companion, the Heady Topper. I think in some aspects, I really was missing out on a great IPA. This one was a great amount of tropical notes but coscuing on the citrus malty aspects and then trying to balance everything. Of the many IPAs I have had, I would highly recommend this one and gladly get it again!

Anime Corner:
Succubus character was used in this pairing to represent the Wings of Armageddon in terms of the label colors with the silver but also what Armageddon represents which is the end of times. That was basically what I was going for. There isn’t much to the label and it s pretty bare like the girl in this pairing but the thing is, there is so much inside. Some great flavors, you basically have to pick this one up for yourself to find out.

Sources:
https://i.warosu.org/data/tg/img/0356/25/1413736858944.jpg

Judge Jury & Executioner IIIPA by Ironfire brewing

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1920475_10102190596908200_5377185114282111195_n 10347484_10102190597302410_997287802521088870_nRating: 5.2/5

Judge Jury & Executioner IIIPA by Ironfire brewing is an 11.2% ABV Triple India Pale Ale.

Label:
The verdict is in. Normal IPA’s have been found, wanting.
Enter the palate wrecking goodness of
Judge, Jury & Executioner Triple IPA!
Continuous hopping from mash tun to fermenter with 7 high alpha hop varieties from 3 different continents. Only extreme hop heads need apply, for this IPA judges you, not the other way around. Make sure your hop snobbery is on top of it’s game for if not, the weak will be found guilty for their hop hating foolishness. The noose will be strung…the order will be given…and your palate will be swinging from the gallows.”
Brewed once a year so enjoyit cold, fresh and while it lasts!

==Introduction==

The moment I saw this one, my IPA senses (which aren’t as strong as my Belgian or Barrel Aged beer side but still damn strong) were going off the radar. The last time I had a triple IPA was when I had the Power Plant from El Segundo. Since IronFire is from Temecula California, I simply could not wait. I had to try this massive IPA. I was able to get this one online at www.craftshack.com and was glad when I got it. Now, on to the trial, will this beer be judged or will my beer experienced taste buds be at the mercy of death row. I won’t say I will have it easy even if I had some of the best IPAs in the world, but this beer makes me be cautious for sure. Slowly, into the the doors of the court room we walk and you, are my jury… cheers!

Aromas:
Citrus, herbal, grapefruit, piney, grassy and floral hops, yerba buena/spearmint, vanilla, caramel, oranges, blue basil, garlic notes, dank onions, hints of tropical fruit like dragon fruit, honey dew melon, lemon peel, pineapple, mango, lemon grass, oregano, biscuit bread, Italian herbs, toffee and orange juice.

Flavors:
Rich Herbal, citrus, grapefruit, piney, grassy and floral hops, caramel, vanilla, oranges, blue basil, dank oniony, garlicky flavors, minor hints or tropics like pineapple, dragon fruit, prickly pear, lemon peel, mango, honey dew melon, stone fruit apricot, sour apple, biscuit bread, Italian herbs, orange juice, oregano, tangerine candy, strawberry hints, yerbabuena/spearmint, honey and wasabi hints without the burning.

Aftertaste:
Dank, oniony, grassy, garlicky, hoppy, palate drying, grapefruit, orange and vanilla hop flavors linger after the rest dry off. Slight alcohol in the taste but not detracting from the flavors. Clear as daylight and deadly as sin gold body, sipping drinkability and almost creamy mouthfeel.

Overall:
While this is a perfect hoppy IPA, it is not exceeding like El Segundo’s Power Plant. I only say this because of my more tropical palate preference when it comes to IPAs. It is still a great IPA and one I would definitely try again and again. It’s hop variety surely focuses on the more grassy, herbal and super dank qualities of IPAs. Basically, of the 3 ranges I categorize IPAs (Tropical, Herbal and Malty) this one lies in the herbal strength but also balances the other flavors well. This beer ends so damn dank and dry it almost burns in a hop sense of greatness. It’s painfully delicious reminding me of the time I drank ruination for the first time. This truly is not for those that can’t handle their hops. At a triple verse, I can only imagine that this monster is literally knocking at Pliny the Younger’s door with a death warrant. While I was able to survive this one, it did surely take it’s toll but this is one for you to experience too reader, take my word on this one, I highly recommended!

Anime Corner:
Donne Anonime, Franco il Nero and Lily Salvatana from Tre Donne Crudeli/Outlaw Django are used in this pairing to represent the Judge Jury & Executioner respectively. In the label, you can see 3 women looking for a convicted cowboy ready bring on mortal punishment. While the label makes a great explanation as to how the flavors unleash these beauties onto your taste buds, I can elaborate on who these cowgirls are. In the pictures, you see the act of the executioner Lily trying to execute Franco while Donna Anonime come sup behind and says… not today. A Jury as Franco is can only determine so much before before the Judge Donne passes judgment and Executioner Lily looks for your head! A great pairing here for sure.

Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/891881
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/Opphiucus/066.jpg~original

Blue Dot by Hair of the Dog

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1010419_10101302625310400_9556510_n 559992_10101302625315390_1730783561_n 553973_10101302625325370_1536550032_nRating: 5/5

Blue Dot by Hair of the Dog is a 7% ABV Double India Pale Ale

Label: 
Blue Dot is named after our planet: we are only a pale blue dot in this universe. Made with Organic Pilsner, Rye malt and a combination of intense northwest hop varieties. Pour slowly to allow the sediment to remain in the bottle. Make everyday Earth Day. Do Something nice for your mother.
O.G. 1074, 80 IBUs.
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Another awesome trade from my friend Richard. I had seem this beer many times and have hear great things about it. I unfortunately missed the chance to pick this beer up. Thanks again for the trade man, this review also goes out to you bro.

Aromas if this beer are of grapefruit, floral, piney and grassy hops, tropical fruits like mango, honey, oranges, biscuit bread notes, pineapple, mandarin, and some minor toffee sweetness.

The flavors are of oranges, grapefruit, flower notes, grass and piney hops, biscuit bread, mandarin, oranges, dragon fruit, rye notes and apricots.

The aftertaste finishes dry but still has some nice bitter and fruity notes. It is a very smooth and easy to drink IPA. Might even impress some people that normally don’t like IPAs. Even though it is, 7% ABV, the part that makes it a Double IPA is because of the extra hops they are using here so you get a lot more hoppiness out of this IPA than with a regular IPA. Very well made stuff and is definitely worth the seek if you can find it.

RuinTen a.k.a Ruination Tenth Anniversary (re-release) by Stone Brewing

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954807_10101234318358080_479498419_n 1010280_10101234320199390_590801359_nRating: 5.25/5 *A triumphant fresh return to the golden standard.

RuinTen a.k.a Ruination Tenth Anniversary (re-release) by Stone Brewing is 10.8% ABV 110 IBU World Class Double India Pale Ale

Label: 
Back in 2002, we first released out notoriously mega-hopped Double IPA, Stone Ruination PA, and in 2012 we celebrated its 10th anniversary with the release of a very special version that was even bigger and incredibly, even hoppier than the original. If Stone Ruination IPA is “A Liquid Poem to the Glory of the Hop,” then Stone Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA was a “Stage dive into a mosh pit of hops.” Luckily for us, our fans love loud and aggressive brews, specifically when copious amounts of humulus lupulus are involved. The original release of this beer was so instantly beloved by those who dared try it [particularly us] that there was no way we could relegate in one-hit-wonder status. You are holding in your hands a veritable hop monster. We dropped the word “Tenth” but the decidedly indelicate recipe is the same as the one first unleashed in 2012. This belligerently delicious ale has the substantial malt backbone needed to stand up to the whopping five pounds of hops packed into each barrel. If all the hyperbole hasn’t frightened you away by now, we know you’ll love this audacious gem of hoppy splendor just as much as we do. Crank it up!
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The IPA Gold standard is back with a vengeance. One release was not awesome enough. The second is enough to cause havoc with irreparable damage to the palette and I am sure you will love it. AS I remember correctly from last years beer, this not only was so bitter that it lingered, it actually started burning. Maybe not like a chile heat, but like a real hop plant bitter trip to Hell.

Aromas are just like I remember, a lot of hoppy aromas ranging from grassy, pine needles, grapefruit, herbal, dank, hop oil, tropics to the brim like mango, pineapple, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, citrus, lemon peel, oranges, tangerines and peaches. The flavor are in your face bitter with straight burning hop character, pine needles, dank hop oils, grapefruit, lemon grass, herbs and slight floral notes, some nice biscuit and caramel along with the in between tropics of the citrus, tangerine, peach, mango, pineapple, passion fruit, dragon fruit, kiwis, papaya, lychees and some nice peppery notes. The After taste just lingers in Hopmaterasu ([Unquenshable Black Flames]Naruto reference) burning to the untrained palette. However, if you are willing to continue drinking, on top of those green hellish flames will lie some nice tropical residue to keep you from fading into the oblivion (Leave that part to the alcohol  ). Very nice thing those hops do , ain’t that sweet of them. This beer is awesome. It is so awesome that I think it makes it the prime reason why they may only be able to release it one more time. Maybe even release it every year if not. I think that if they were to release it as a yearly, it may or may not detract from the original Ruination. However, it if they did do that, it would be nice to have a variety or Ruination to choose from. You know, Hard mode versus Expert mode sort of thing. Get this beer while you still can. Stop Reading this and go buy this beer before it is gone. As for the Brewery–exclusive-Camp-out-all-night-Black-Friday-style-for-only-enjoy-3-pints-Pliny-the-Younger…. eat it!!!!!!

Still need more convincing about the greatness of this beer? Read my past review 

2012 Original Review:
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/stone-ruination-tenth-anniversary-ipa/

Knuckle Sandwich by Bootleggers

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1515_10101218238961320_968552110_n969054_10101218225313670_1442045989_n 993771_10101218224001300_1008180281_n 935922_10101218225982330_1294493020_n972142_10101218224969360_1763847830_nRating: 5/5

Knuckle Sandwich by Bootleggers is a 10%ABV World Class Double/Imperial India Pale Ale

Label: 
This is a beer that truly lives up to its name! Brewed with copious amounts of North American hops, this Double IPA has a colossal hop profile and an aggressive aroma. Helping round out the floral and citrus notes is a huge malt backbone that provides a great mouth feel to this heavyweight hitter.
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First had this at King’ Row Gastropub in Pasadena California. Back then I wasn’t aware how great and very sought after this beer was. It is brewed locally here in Fullerton California but even the demand for this beer is insane. By the time I wanted a bottle to review, it was sold out pretty much everywhere. I went to the local liquor store in the street where I grew up since I knew back then they had some nice beers but had not been back there since 2011. To my surprise, there it was, the Elusive Knuckle Sandwich. Even so, there was not many left and I am sure they would be gone soon enough. Didn’t hesitate to get this one to be able to do a good review and bring this one forth in another one of my Art and Beer pairings.

Aromas are very tropical and grassy. Grassy, piney, citrus, floral and grapefruit hops, pineapple, mango, papaya, kumquats, lychees, peaches, guavas, dragon fruit, melon, a scent of plum, orange, lemon, biscuit bread, caramel, pepper notes and mint.

The Flavors are of Caramel, sweet bread, vanilla, rich grassy, herbal, piney and chewy hops, followed by very nice tropics of oranges, pineapple, mango, plum notes, cherry notes, papaya, kumquats, lychees, peaches, dragon fruit, apricots, guavas, very mild banana notes and honey dew melon. The aftertaste lingers with a lot of tropics and herbal hops. The alcohol is somewhat hidden does not detract from the beer’s flavor. In fact, it adds like a honey flavor as well. It is quite balanced for sure.

This beer is essentially what hop head dreams are made it. This beer does not disappoint and it is as awesome as the last time I remember it even though I had it fresher back in March. It a fist full of awesome IPA goodness. Dare I call this one, Heady Topper the 2nd? Yes, I just did. The balance is phenomenal and if you are mainly into more tropical IPAs, then this one is to try. I myself love Tropical IPAs as well as Super hop bitter ones as well. This would be in my top list of awesome Double IPAs along with Ruination, Pliny the Elder, Double Jack, Hop Stoopid, Hangar 24’s Double IPA and others I have reviewed so far. A great example in great west coast double IPAs

 

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Ruby created by DawnBest http://dawnbest.deviantart.com/art/The-Many-Forms-of-Ruby-the-Echidna-345683691

 

Tower 20 IIPA by Karl Strauss

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Rating: 4.25/5

Tower 20 IIPA by Karl Strauss is a 9.5% ABV Imperial India Pale Ale. Had this one a couple times but never really sat down to review it. Had this for my friend Carlos Bachelor party as well. Our friend Eric brought it in a growler and even though some of my friends don’t like IPAs, this was definitely Gold

Label:

The saying “less is more” doesn’t apply to West Coast IPA’s. Less is a glass half empty and Tower 20 is a full glass of unrivaled hop character – a Double IPA where more is more. In brewing this hoppy offering, we took the best of Tower 10 IPA and added more. An abundance of high-alpha Centennial hops give T20 its resinous pine-like bitterness, while Oregon-grown Crystals and Chinooks lend zesty grapefruit and tangerine hop flavors. Don’t hoard this hop bomb, drink it fresh and we’ll brew more. 
—So like other IPAs,DIPAS/IIPAS, that I have reviewed in the past, each with their own emphasis on certain flavors than others. This IIPA focus is more on tropical fruity flavors and piney hoppy bitterness. The fragrance is like a honey and tangerine marmalade smell. Some grapefruit and mango aromas. Possibly some Lime and Barley wine aromas as well. The flavors are of candy orange, tangerine, mango, peach, grapefruit, pineapple, caramel, toffee, biscuit bread and vanilla. The hoppy, pine and grassy bitterness is not as abundant. Then again I don’t know how long it has been on the shelf. Regardless, it bleeds of tropical IPA awesomeness but not too bitter. SO…for people that do not like IPAs, this might be something that you will like.