Admittedly I hated IPAs (India Pale Ales) for a long time. I felt they tasted like turpentine (seriously, don’t ask how I know what turpentine tastes like).
I didn’t understand the hype. Craft beer aficionados rant and rave about them and Pliny the Younger and Pliny the Elder are treated like the Holy Grail of IPAs.
I’ve become more accepting of them in no small part to the efforts of Stone Brewing Co out of San Diego, CA, and soon to be out of my home city of Richmond, VA.
Enjoy by 12.25.15 is part of their effort to show what a difference fresh beer makes. We’ve all accidentally bought that stale six pack. We’ve all had that awful beer. They’re trying to change that by making a large statement about when the beverage should be enjoyed by.
I had the Enjoy By 10.31.15 (admittedly a week late) but it was a well executed batch of flavors.
Its Christmas cousin is no different. It’s hoppy, yes, but the citrus and pine notes don’t beat you over the head. The clear, crisp amber color of the beer is inviting and familiar.
As the name implies, you won’t want to wait on this one.
Where to find it: Wegmans, Beer Shops, anywhere fine Stone beers are sold
ABV: 9.4%
Style: India Pale Ale
Availability: Limited
Taste/Smell: Citrus and Pine, tastes hoppy but mellow enough to be enjoyable
Rating (out of 10): 9/10