Spring is upon us (according to the calendar, at least) and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a fresh IPA. How fresh? Just check the label.
Say hello to Stone Enjoy By 04.20.14 IPA. It’s a beer so fresh, the “enjoy by” date is in the name. And it’s brewed with nine types of hops that are added into the mix at various stages of the brewing process.
Quick beer science: IPAs (India Pale Ales) are a simple brew with a special ingredient, hops, that gives them their bitter, crisp, and aromatic qualities. These gems are the cones or flowers of the hop plant Humulus Lupulus.
Hops are the heart and soul of an IPA. Their resins deliver alpha acids for that characteristic bitter flavor, and beta acids to build a custom aroma in the brewing process. It is the brewmaster’s challenge to either find a balance between the two or to completely wreck your palate using a medley of powerful hops. As a general rule of thumb, IPAs are meant to be consumed fresh, when the bitter flavors and aromas are at their highest peak.
But back to the beer. With Stone’s Enjoy By 4.20 IPA you’ve got a snappy, malty and (dare I say) dank double IPA. This year’s release has a pleasing citrus note that helps balance its intense hop presence. Though well carbonated and smooth, it sits at a hefty 9.4% ABV.
Since its inception, the Stone Enjoy By IPA series has attained an iconic reputation that endures well beyond its shelf life. It’s brewed specifically not to last, so if you’d like to try one for yourself, act quickly. Because in just three weeks, you’ll be too late.
