Stone Hazy IPA

Stone Hazy IPA by Stone Brewing Co. is being judged as a Hazy IPA (category 21C) per the 2021 BJCP guidelines.

This beer pours a gold color with hazy, opaque clarity. A rocky white head is sustained, leaving a beautiful lace and large bubbles, which is sustained during the beer’s entirety. A hint of malt sweetness makes the initial aroma reminiscent of fresh dough. As the beer warms, grainy notes are apparent. The hop aroma appears to be fairly low in this sample with low tangerine and very low pine notes. The flavor consists of an initial moderately low-intensity malt flavor of dough enveloping the palate with a low malt sweetness. A low hop bitterness then takes over and begins to slightly balance out the malt. A low hop flavor of tangerine and pineapple, very low pine, and a very low vanilla note are present in this beer. There is a short-lived light minerality in this beer. A touch of grassiness and grain carry over into the finish, which eventually becomes a neutral lingering bitterness. This beer has a medium-light body with medium carbonation. The CO2 bubbles seem small and slightly prickly on the tongue, which blends well with the nice creaminess this beer provides. There is no astringency in this beer.

Overall, this beer is subdued in flavor and aroma compared to other examples of the style. However, it was enjoyable and easy to drink.