Stone Brewing – Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA

Today we celebrate Ruination. For those who may not know, Stone Ruination was the first year-round produced and bottled double IPA. To celebrate ten years of Ruination, Stone has released Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA (from here on I will just call it 10th).

Comparatively, this special batch of Ruination is a much bigger and hoppier variant. 10th uses 5 pounds of hops per barrel, double that of Ruination. They used Columbus and Centennial hops in the brew and then dry hopped it with Citra and Centennial hops. The malt was also stepped up to bring the ABV to 10.8%. This beer is definitely a strong one to be enjoyed and respected for its sheer insanity.

The pour is clear orangish amber with a decent amount of slightly off white head that dissipates pretty quickly. The aroma brings a strong piney hop with notes of citrus and a sweet malt backing. Pretty think mouthful (but that is to be expected with the high alcohol content) with a good amount of carbonation. They definitely deliver on being a palate ruiner. The flavor is pretty close to the aroma, starting with a citrusy hop that quickly moves to a strong piney flavor that dominates to the finish and a sweet and slightly spicy malt playing a supporting role to the hops. The aftertaste is a strong bitter piney hop that has just a slight burn in the back of the throat but it does not overstay its welcome.

Overall I’d say this is a great beer. Not as smooth as Pliny The Younger, but then again Stone has never been much for subtlety. I would compare it pretty closely with Green Flash Palate Wrecker, but the main difference being that 10th has a bit more maltiness. If you’re a fan of in your face hoppy IPAs you should definitely check this one out before it disappears. Whole Foods Glendale has some bottles available today and Far Bar will be pouring this beer on Wednesday 6/13/12 during their Stone Brewing Night. This beer will run you about $8 for a 22oz bottle and should reach most places that sell Stone beer within the next week or so, but will probably sell pretty quickly.

Cheers
Beer Guy LA