Stone Ghost Hammer IPA
Stone Brewing
Story by:
Editorial Dept.
American IPA
Seasonal
California
United States
Judges Ratings 91
Aroma: 22 / 24
Flavor: 37 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20
Description
We’ve taken our love for the Loral hop a step further by showcasing it in this unfiltered, moderate (by Stone Brewing standards) ABV beer. A simple malt bill lets Loral be the star here and we chose to go unfiltered to retain as much of the floral, citrus, and herbal qualities as possible. A truly unique and remarkable IPA!
This beer pours golden with some haze and a white head. There’s an intense floral nose with candy, mango mochi, lemon and pine. One sip will render hints of lemon sorbet, hard candy, spice, with herbal and noble-hop undertones. While crisp and clean, this IPA is very balanced with subtle bitterness.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 6.70%
IBUs: 56
Served at: (50º)
Hops: Magnum and Loral
Malts: Pale Malt
Judges Review
By Randy Scorby
Judges Ratings 91
Aroma: 22 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 37 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20 / 20
Ghost Hammer IPA by Stone Brewing is being evaluated as an American IPA (Category 21A) from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.
In the world of American IPA, what sets one apart from another? Hops. Ghost Hammer IPA has a lovely blend of new-world style hop character that presents mixed tropical fruit with a slight emphasis on pineapple and mango. Following closely behind is a hit of citrus and light floral alcohol. The hops change somewhat in the flavor with the citrus being a little more in the forefront and the tropical fruit character lingering into the aftertaste. There is no detectable character from the yeast. The hop bitterness emerges mid-palate and provides balance to a light residual malt sweetness, and unlike many of today’s IPAs the bitterness is quite pleasant and complimentary rather than trying to steal the balance. The overall alcohol character is smooth provides a backbone to this beer. This is a very enjoyable IPA to be imbibed while the hops are fresh and bright.
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