Stone Brewing Co. Enjoy By 07.04.14 IPA American DIPA at 9.4% ABV
Pours a clear golden amber with one finger of white head diminishing gradually to a thin skim and spotty lacing. Nose is huge pine resin hops and not much else. Taste is extremely mild, very little bitterness, and a sweet caramel malt base that isn’t apparent in the nose. Medium body and decent sustained carbonation, with an off-dry lingering bitter finish and a gentle warming.
This is the most mellow Enjoy By I’ve tried to date – which, let’s face it, is not necessarily what one looks for in a DIPA. As an aside, the hop profile is utterly dominated by pine resin, with no herbal or floral aspects – which is neither here nor there, but could be subject to personal preference. And it is one seriously sneaky brew: the large ABV is completely hidden by the softness of the flavour. This is a beer that pretends to be all sweetness and light, right up until it sucker punches you and rummages through your pockets for spare hops.
#ryansbooze 9/10
