XS IPA
Stone Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imperial in its stature and bitter to the bone, the beer that heads into the NxS Collaboration beer by both Stone and Sierra Nevada brewers is aged in rye whisky barrels for a pep of booze, a stinging, gritty bite and a safety valve for hop head. But make no mistake about it- It's half the beer that it used to be.

xS is a deep golden and bright copper beer that shows off bright clarity and racy carbonation. A frothy head constructs overhead with a rife aroma of citrus, pine, berry, booze, caramelized wood and a twinge of wine. As the elixir hits the tongue, its maltier edge springs to life with caramel and pecan in a highly granola-like endeavor.

As the ale forcefully treks across the tongue, it leaves a trail of acute bitterness after laying its tracks of botanical grasses, pink grapefruit, bitter orange, an a host of exotic herbs including juniper, gooseberry and sassafras. All the while, the spice of rye applies its husken peppery taste to the tastebuds before the brunt of sharp and resinous pine. Trailing with a booze spice, the whisky component amplifies the lasting effects of both hop bitterness and rye grit.

Medium-bodied and charged with carbonation, the ale trends lighter and drier than actual. Its bitterness and spirited head breaks up the malt and ushers in a crisp bitterness to accent its drying finish. A long aftertaste of pine, grass and herb resonates in the throat long after the thrill of living has gone. Somebody should start writing songs about this.

A little too light on the mouthfeel, but I dig the combination of bourbon and citrus and orange juice and wood. Super drinkable for an 8.5% brew.

Barrel-aged IPA's are definitely underrated.

Had on tap at Industry bar in Philly at a Stone event during Craft Brewers' Conference.

 

 

 

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

This is the barrel aged IPA that is part of the blend for the NxS IPA collaboration with Sierra Nevada.

Pours a clear dark orange with a foamy bone head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Foamy streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of citrus zest, grapefruit juice, caramel, toffee, botanical, bourbon, and wood aromas. Taste is much the same with caramel, toffee, citrus zest, grapefruit juice, bourbon, botanical, and wood flavors on the finish. There is a medium amount of bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and sticky mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that is cool to try on its own after I had the official collaboration.

Serving type: on tap.