Garage Project / Beavertown / Stone Fruitallica
Stone Brewing
Story by:
Editorial Dept.
Double IPA
Collaboration
California
United States
Judges Ratings 92
Aroma: 23 / 24
Flavor: 37 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10
Overall Impression: 18 / 20
Description
It’s a melee of ingredients that make for an immensely juicy beer. Kiwi and yuzu fruit alongside American and New Zealand hops plus London Ale Yeast, rounded out with a dash of Habanero give this beer a subtle, lingering heat. It pours golden and hazy, smells of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice and tastes like a glorious, crank-it-to-‘11’ cacophony. There is a slight tartness from the Kiwi with flavors of peach, lime, citrus, and tropical fruit from the hops. All this is complemented by hints of wheat in the background and a surprisingly pleasant pepper on the finish. It’s [hop] head-banging worthy, it’s electrifyingly amped…this beer is liquid metal.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 8%
IBUs: 80
Served at: (55º)
Hops: Wai-iti, Riwaka, Centennial
Malts:
Judges Review
By Randy Scorby
Judges Ratings 92
Aroma: 23 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 37 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 18 / 20 / 20
Fruitallica, a collaboration by Stone Brewing, Beavertown Brewery and Garage Project, is being evaluated as a Fruit & Spice Beer (Category 29B) from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.
Although Fruitallica has a solid representation of yuzu, kiwi and habanero, it leaves no doubt that it is still a double IPA. The complex and ever changing aroma kicks off with prominent fresh mango, light pineapple and mixed citrus from the hops and yuzu, with a hint of earthiness and kiwi in the background. As the beer warms a touch of bready malt emerges along with a light floral alcohol character. The flavor provides a similar kick, with mango, pineapple, light kiwi and a hint of lemon zest. The base malt sneaks in for an appearance mid-palate along with a moderate but smooth floral alcohol, as well as a moderately high hop bitterness. A touch of complimentary peppery heat reminds you that there is habanero added. Moderate residual sweetness dries out a little in the finish with help from the peppers and alcohol. The significant haze and residual sweetness is reminiscent of a New England style IPA. This is an enjoyable and well-made beer to take with you into the cooler fall days that lie ahead.
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