
Little earlier this year, but no less welcome, Stone releases their "Emperial IPA". That is not one of my spelling errors, though I know I have many. I'm a great speller but a horrible typist. The "Empirial" pays homage to the United Kingdom, and probably Princess Diana too, since America loved her so much. The 8.9% ABV beer is made using all English ingredients, except for the water. That comes from Mexico, or something like that. I have heard that Stone used dissolved salts in the water to mimic the great brewing water with high mineral content of Burton-on-Trent. Stone also uses English East Kent Golding, Bodaceia, and Target hops in the beer. I usually don't get excited about English-style IPAs. Left Hand 400 Lb. Monkey, Sea Dog IPA, and Shipyard, among many others, have left me with a not so bitter taste in my mouth. But I tell you, when I had it on tap at Stone last month, it really stood out. That was almost a month ago, of course, and we will see what time and temperature have done. I imagine it is still great, and will be opening one tonight. Stone has kind of become a monolith of the beer scene, so when I hear people talking them up I get annoyed in the way I do when I see a 13-year-old in a Nirvana t-shirt. But they still make some great beers. $6.99 for 22 oz; all the cool stores have it now!
1 comment:
Opened mine a couple nights ago. Very tasty.
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