Stone Ruination Double IPA 2.0
I’ve enjoyed more than my fair share of Stone Brewing’s Ruination throughout the years. It’s a beer that delivered everything I could want in an IPA, so when the company announced that they had tweaked the recipe and production of the beer for this year, my heart sank a touch. I’m not a big fan of change, especially in something that I particular like. Thankfully, Stone brewing as done the beer good.
Stone Ruination 2.0 not only receives a name change, but is also fueled by plenty of dry hopping and hop bursting in the process. The result is a beer packed with more hop flavor than previously available its former incarnation. Loads of tropical fruits ooze over every tastebud with pine resin, creating a beer that I will struggle to keep out of my fridge.
Appearance
Ruination 2.0 pours a crystal clear gold with a dense cap of tawny foam — an excellent display of lacing is left behind as it drops.
Aroma
Tropical fruits (tangerine, grapefruit, a hint of pineapple) lead the way for resinous pine, herbal hop notes, a touch of bready malt and a twinge of alcohol.
Taste
Man, this beer is like a blender full of fresh-squeezed fruit and sticky hops. Tangerine, grapefruit, pine resin, honey and herbal hop notes wash over the tongue smoothly. Even at 100 IBU, the bite isn’t completely overwhelming, leaving a lasting tingle as it slowly fades. The brew is nearly full bodied with a slightly viscous mouthfeel.
Overall
Well, Stone Brewing has managed to take an already excellent beer and make it that much better. The addition of the dry hopping and hop bursting seem to have taken Ruination 2.0 over the top in terms of flavor, but left the drinkability in tact. I’ll have another please.
Rating: 4.25/5
