Always on the lookout for delicious and palatable new beers, I saw that Stone Ruination IPA was rated in the 100th percentile on RateBeer.com and thought it would make for an enjoyable companion to dinner.
This particular bottle was purchased from a local beer & wine shop and set me back $6.99 (plus tax, so $8 total). I chilled it to an appropriate temperature before serving.
Stone Ruination IPA is advertised as a bitter, extra-hoppy brew with hints of citrus and fruit.
“So called because of the ‘ruinous’ effect on your palate! This massive hop monster has a wonderfully delicious and intensely bitter flavor on a refreshing malt base. One taste and you can easily see why we call this brew ‘a liquid poem to the glory of the hop!’ Those who seek, crave and rejoice in beers with big, bold, bitter character will find true nirvana in Stone Ruination IPA!”
Reality, however, never quite meets expectations.
This beer was certainly bitter, but at no point did I really enjoy it. Great IPAs are well-balanced, and this one was not (and trust me, I know what to look for in balance). Though Ruination got a bit better as I worked my way through the glass, I was never able to overcome the overpowering sensation of bitterness.
Perhaps I got exactly what was advertised: A massive hop monster. If so, then this a monster I will probably be skipping in the future.
ERF’s Beer Grade: 75/100
- Aroma: 24/30
- Appearance: 8/10
- Flavor: 30/40
- Palate: 13/20
