Unapologetic IPA

Unapologetic IPA

Stone Brewing Co., Beachwood Brewing & BBQ and Heretic Brewing Co.

Style: India Pale Ale

ABV: 8.8%

Unlike the dank IPAs that have been coming out of Southern California of late, this one strikes a markedly different tone. Sure it has the resin and citrus flavors associated with a well-hopped ale, but the addition of hop varieties that throw off tropical fruit brings it to a new level. Pineapple, mango and melon are nothing new, of course, but the addition of subtle coconut makes me think tropical beach. Stone Brewing Co. is not the kind of brewery that I associate with fruity umbrella drinks, but damn if this beer wouldn’t be perfect for an afternoon on a lounger firmly embedded in the sand. I’m not sure apologies were needed for this beer. At 8.8% I might be sorry for ordering that third round. But that’s a problem for tomorrow morning.

John Holl
John Holl is the editor of All About Beer Magazine and author of “The American Craft Beer Cookbook.” He lives in Jersey City, NJ. Contact him via Twitter @John_Holl or email