Cali-Belgique IPA - Reposado Tequila Barrel-Aged
Stone Brewing

 

i really wanted to like this one, something so different, but i just couldnt get there. pretty as it is from the tap, i had a real issue with the combination of the woody tequila with the belgian yeast. its two very distinct and intense flavors and smells, and they really just do not go well together. the tequila isnt super heavy here, but even the bit that is here makes it more than i want to drink with the high ester fruity belgian yeast strain that brings notes of bubble gum, green apple, and pear. the hops are almost irrelevat here, aside from the usual stone brewing bitterness in the finish, the hop flavor seems to have really faded in the barrel, and it makes the beer quite a bit less enjoyable than the original for that reason alone. i like the wood, that part is cool, and i have not seen many belgian ipa types on wood, so maybe thats a better direction to explore in future batches, but the sharp agave is too much with the yeast, makes my stomach turn a little just smelling it, and while its not in any way bad, it really just isnt for me. it will take a special kind of beer drinker to appreciate this one. too any divergent elements here for this to really work in my opinion, the white wine barrel edition was far superior i reckon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

On tap at the Stone Company Store in Pasadena, CA.

Pours a clear golden-orange with a foamy beige head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Thin swaths of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of citrus fruit, tropical fruit, and tequila aromas. Taste is much the same with tropical fruit, tequila, and earth flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of earth bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a very good beer with a tequila barrel aging that comes across slightly better in the taste.

Serving type: on tap.