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Ruination IPA
Stone Brewing


Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Stone Brewing
- California, United States
- Style:
- Imperial IPA
Ranked #236 - ABV:
- 8.2%
- Score:
- 95
Ranked #1,373 - Avg:
- 4.29 | pDev: 10.26%
- Reviews:
- 3,122
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 27, 2023
- Added:
- Jun 12, 2002
- Wants:
- 460
- Gots:
- 2,396
SCORE
95
World-Class
95
World-Class


Notes:
Throughout our history, we’ve built a (fairly deserved) reputation for being obsessed with massively hoppy IPAs. And this groundbreaking creation you see before you is largely responsible for that legacy. Did you know that Stone Ruination IPA was the first year-round, brewed-and- bottled West Coast Double IPA on the planet? True story. As the technology and techniques for maximizing hoppy goodness evolved over the years, so too did this beer. Yet we still look back fondly on the impression it left on the palates of many. As a tribute to its roots, we’re bringing it back for a limited time in its original old school form– the quintessential representation of a West Coast Double IPA. 8.2% ABV, 100+ IBU
This isn't Ruination 2.0
This isn't Ruination 2.0
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by MadMadMike from Florida
4.39/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.39/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bottle to pint glass.,. done with fruity little hazies? Ready to get back to what made you dig IPAs in the first place? Here’s your golden ticket back to Hop City. Dank and stanky and crisp and lively!
Drink this!
May 15, 2023Drink this!
Reviewed by evanwoertz from California
4.46/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.46/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
a little light on the look and feel but overall a very solid west coast double IPA. on the side of bitter and bright, not buttery whatsoever, not floral, not caramel, not citrus, just straight up west coast imperial IPA, crisp and dry. dank.
Apr 29, 2023Reviewed by LifesAnesthesia from Virginia
4.38/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.38/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L - bright golden with great clarity and a white head that dissipates somewhat quickly leaving behind a thin cap and some lacing
S - Bright floral hops, faint bubblegum, citrus. smells somewhat faint
T - Bright, resinous, piney hops up front and throughout intermixed well with floral notes, citrus, some biscuit, and hints of bubblegum
F - medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Crisp and refreshing
O - beautifully simple. The OG West Coast DIPA
Apr 23, 2023S - Bright floral hops, faint bubblegum, citrus. smells somewhat faint
T - Bright, resinous, piney hops up front and throughout intermixed well with floral notes, citrus, some biscuit, and hints of bubblegum
F - medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Crisp and refreshing
O - beautifully simple. The OG West Coast DIPA
Reviewed by FrankieKaufman from Ohio
5/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
The classic recipe delivers the double IPA that solidified my love of the double IPA. Overall, a perfect representation of the style. Everything you want for the style, including a rich amber color, hop forward flavor, perfect malt backbone and a bitter finish to deliver an amazing beer. Stone got it right with this recipe, and I am glad they brought it back to celebrate.
Mar 18, 2023Reviewed by ramseye4 from Virginia
4.47/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.47/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
One of my old favorites in early 2010s.
A- pours a golden copper color. Leans on the transparent side but this allows the incredible bubbles rising to be seen clearer. Thick fluffy head that sticks around. Gorgeous
S- bitter oily pine, floral undertones.
T- Lots and Lots of pine, honey, delightfully bitter. Resin, some grassy character in the finish.
M-full bodied with a bitter aftertaste.
O- A phenomenal old school IPA that spits in the face of current trends. Love it
Mar 13, 2023A- pours a golden copper color. Leans on the transparent side but this allows the incredible bubbles rising to be seen clearer. Thick fluffy head that sticks around. Gorgeous
S- bitter oily pine, floral undertones.
T- Lots and Lots of pine, honey, delightfully bitter. Resin, some grassy character in the finish.
M-full bodied with a bitter aftertaste.
O- A phenomenal old school IPA that spits in the face of current trends. Love it
Reviewed by Ocalafox from Florida
4.5/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.5/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Look - aggressive pour with nice foamy white head, color is clear and copper, good lacing throughout. Smell - grapefruit, floral, Taste - sweet malt caramel, citrus pith, tangerine, spice, dank hops, resin. Big medium body with bitter carbonation that simmers to a soft, dry finish on the top of the tongue. Overall very enjoyable, a few 4 packs upon release but I'm more a fresh Jai Alai or Tropicalia kinda guy.
Mar 08, 2023Reviewed by DavetotheB from Pennsylvania
4.32/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.32/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
From a 12oz can dated "packaged" 12/27/22, "best by" 4/26/23 into a pint glass.
Pours a translucent golden orange with about one finger of white head. Excellent retention and lacing.
Smells pretty much exclusively of pine. Some light notes of dirt and grass.
Taste follows. Pine. Pine. Pine. Bitter pine.
Sticky mouthfeel with a strong, long lasting, bitter aftertaste. Medium carbonation.
This beer is as advertised and it's wonderful. Never had the OG, so the wonderfulness of this beer is "as-is" No comparisons necessary.
Feb 18, 2023Pours a translucent golden orange with about one finger of white head. Excellent retention and lacing.
Smells pretty much exclusively of pine. Some light notes of dirt and grass.
Taste follows. Pine. Pine. Pine. Bitter pine.
Sticky mouthfeel with a strong, long lasting, bitter aftertaste. Medium carbonation.
This beer is as advertised and it's wonderful. Never had the OG, so the wonderfulness of this beer is "as-is" No comparisons necessary.
Reviewed by Bluerabbitbell from Pennsylvania
4.25/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Enjoying at home, 2/18/2023. Poured from a 12oz can purchased from Washington Beer Store.
Look is beautifully clear in the glass, not much head, tiny bubbles ring the surface edge.
Aroma is pine, honey, apricot.
Clear amber color with minimal lacing or head.
Deep, earthy, lingering grapefruit rind with the perfect balance of sweetness that makes you think of dusting the top of your grapefruit half with sugar.
Velvety in the mouth. Coats the tongue and brings warmth to the chest as it descends.
Feb 18, 2023Look is beautifully clear in the glass, not much head, tiny bubbles ring the surface edge.
Aroma is pine, honey, apricot.
Clear amber color with minimal lacing or head.
Deep, earthy, lingering grapefruit rind with the perfect balance of sweetness that makes you think of dusting the top of your grapefruit half with sugar.
Velvety in the mouth. Coats the tongue and brings warmth to the chest as it descends.
Reviewed by Franziskaner from Missouri
4.1/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.1/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Dark gold to light copper in color. There’s a half inch of off white on top. Moderate, soapy lacing. The aroma is of citrus hops and light malt. I’m tasting piney, lime, and lightly citrus hops. The mouth is dry, crisp, and a touch boozy.
Feb 18, 2023Reviewed by Braunmeister_1943 from Pennsylvania
4.27/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.27/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
My first Ruination! I’m glad I bought a 6 pack of this!
Beautiful clear copper color with a nice creamy head. Mild fruity/ hoppy aroma. Balanced fruit/ piney flavor. This sure does not drink like an 8.2 abv Imperial IPA. I’m so glad that Stone brought this one back!
Feb 18, 2023Beautiful clear copper color with a nice creamy head. Mild fruity/ hoppy aroma. Balanced fruit/ piney flavor. This sure does not drink like an 8.2 abv Imperial IPA. I’m so glad that Stone brought this one back!
Reviewed by defunksta from Wisconsin
3.83/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.83/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours a completely clear, medium golden to slight amber hue with a large white head. SRM of 11. (4.00)
Aroma: Moderate aromas of grapefruit, pine, lemon citrus. (3.75)
Flavor: Moderate flavors of grapefruit citrus, lemon citrus, pine. Mild bitterness but it creeps stronger, leans sweet. (3.75)
Feel: Medium-bodied, strong carbonation. Sweet but also bitter finish. (4.00)
Compared to Stone IPA 2/2023: Pours slightly darker, milder head. Milder aromas. More sweet nectarine and citrus. Less bitter pine and citrus rind. Heavier and sweeter with less bitterness.
Overall: First try at Ruination here and it drinks pretty well. Resinous, nectarine, some grapefruit and piney notes to balance. Leans slightly heavier and sweeter and the bitterness is somewhat attenuated, but comes to play and creeps up here as it still is a Stone IPA. Similar to Stone IPA, but heavier and sweeter. More modern and sort of reminds me of Founders Centennial. (Rating: 3.83)
Feb 13, 2023Aroma: Moderate aromas of grapefruit, pine, lemon citrus. (3.75)
Flavor: Moderate flavors of grapefruit citrus, lemon citrus, pine. Mild bitterness but it creeps stronger, leans sweet. (3.75)
Feel: Medium-bodied, strong carbonation. Sweet but also bitter finish. (4.00)
Compared to Stone IPA 2/2023: Pours slightly darker, milder head. Milder aromas. More sweet nectarine and citrus. Less bitter pine and citrus rind. Heavier and sweeter with less bitterness.
Overall: First try at Ruination here and it drinks pretty well. Resinous, nectarine, some grapefruit and piney notes to balance. Leans slightly heavier and sweeter and the bitterness is somewhat attenuated, but comes to play and creeps up here as it still is a Stone IPA. Similar to Stone IPA, but heavier and sweeter. More modern and sort of reminds me of Founders Centennial. (Rating: 3.83)
Reviewed by LucidoMMA from California
4.21/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.21/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a dark amberish color with a very retentive head.
Taste is a nice combo action of malt and hops. And it pretty much stays that way throughout fading Into a nice dry minimally bitter finish.
4.25
Feb 12, 2023Taste is a nice combo action of malt and hops. And it pretty much stays that way throughout fading Into a nice dry minimally bitter finish.
4.25
Reviewed by FRANKHAZE from Florida
4.25/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This beer has that quintessential wcipa flavor. Hoppy, citrusy, piney and malty. Simple, basic but delicious. Nice carbonation and mouthfeel. It's a classic example of the style and should be sampled by all ipa lovers.
Feb 09, 2023Reviewed by BillAfromSoCal from California
4.38/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.38/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
beautiful crystal clear dark gold color w/ 3 finger off white head with large-ish bubbles. steady stream of fine carbonation rising. Some lacing but not a lot. Not a lot of identifiable smell. Hoppy bitterness(lots), piney, resinflavor. A classic over the top WCIPA.
Feb 09, 2023Reviewed by Luscious_Malfoy from Illinois
4.44/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.44/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
poured from a 12oz can into a CW snifter. pours a fairly clear but deep gold with hints of amber, yet gathers in the glass a see-through burnt orange with a creamy white foam cap of about two fingers. this has all of the candied orange and melon and apricot, dank, resinous pine sap and citrus one would expect from a west coast DIPA. the taste follows the nose but is complimented by a big malt presence as well as a sharp, dry finish. thick, full and fairly creamy mouthfeel. it’s pretty soft for such an aggressive and massive beer. really good stuff. seems these days that west coast IPAs take a backseat to the hazy new england ones but this one proves that when they’re done well there’s no need to compare as to me these offer quite a bit more complexity.
Feb 06, 2023Reviewed by augustgarage from California
3.83/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
3.83/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Packaged on 12/21/22 - consumed on 2/4/23. Poured from a 12oz can into a goblet.
Clear Hunyadi yellow body with a thin off-white cap receding to a lasting collar and surface slick. Very fine sandy lacing; faint, sticky, glossy legs. Decent retention.
Tangelo, candied ginger, and faint forest floor notes in the nose. Subdued (possibly more potent when super fresh?).
Resinous, grassy, herbaceous, hop-forward palate entry. Slightly tart/grainy center leading into a medium-dry, faintly woodsy finish. Citrus (grapefruit, orange, with a touch of lime) grows stronger as the ale warms up a bit. Slow, lumbering, persistent earthy/grassy bitterness throughout. Hints of caramel and cotton candy at times.
Oily yet a little thin with soft carbonation. ABV well concealed, though I wouldn't go so far as to call this a refreshing.
More than the sum of its parts in some ways - a show-case for traditional American hops, though presumably in such large quantities during the main boil that the contributions of any late additions (flame-out, whirlpool, dry hopping) are obliterated, though you don't pick up this beer for subtlety.
Feb 04, 2023Clear Hunyadi yellow body with a thin off-white cap receding to a lasting collar and surface slick. Very fine sandy lacing; faint, sticky, glossy legs. Decent retention.
Tangelo, candied ginger, and faint forest floor notes in the nose. Subdued (possibly more potent when super fresh?).
Resinous, grassy, herbaceous, hop-forward palate entry. Slightly tart/grainy center leading into a medium-dry, faintly woodsy finish. Citrus (grapefruit, orange, with a touch of lime) grows stronger as the ale warms up a bit. Slow, lumbering, persistent earthy/grassy bitterness throughout. Hints of caramel and cotton candy at times.
Oily yet a little thin with soft carbonation. ABV well concealed, though I wouldn't go so far as to call this a refreshing.
More than the sum of its parts in some ways - a show-case for traditional American hops, though presumably in such large quantities during the main boil that the contributions of any late additions (flame-out, whirlpool, dry hopping) are obliterated, though you don't pick up this beer for subtlety.
Reviewed by MrOH from Malta
4.56/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
4.56/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Brilliantly clear light copper, nice white head, excellent retention and lacing
Grapefruit, pine, resin, some tropical hop aromas over a light caramel malt
RESIN, grapefruit rind, a little bit of caramelly malt. Long bitter finish
Medium bodied and appropriately carbonated
I miss these types of beers.
Jan 31, 2023Grapefruit, pine, resin, some tropical hop aromas over a light caramel malt
RESIN, grapefruit rind, a little bit of caramelly malt. Long bitter finish
Medium bodied and appropriately carbonated
I miss these types of beers.
Reviewed by jkblr from Indiana
4.19/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.19/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz can Packaged On 12/27/22 Enjoy By 04/26/23 poured into a Spiegelau IPA glass at fridge temp 8.2% ABV. The beer pours bright medium amber with prolific khaki colored head. The head recedes to a rocky cap and coats the glass in a web of lacing. The aroma is moderate in strength featuring pine, candied citrus, caramel malt and slightly earthy notes. The taste is resinous pine and thoroughly bitter. Additional flavors of caramel and dank earthy hops. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with average carbonation and a semi dry finish. The residual malt sugar and hop oils provide a sticky lingering feel, but it's not overly sweet. Ethanol is notable in the taste and aroma. Overall, very good still and a crazy reminder of a bygone era in craft beer.
Jan 31, 2023Reviewed by VABA from Virginia
4.6/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.6/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a very nice hazy golden color.
Aroma has resounding hop hints
The taste follows the nose with abundant hop flavors and a very nice balanced bitterness
A medium bodied well carbonated beer
Very well crafted beer, this is definitely my favorite Stone beer.
Jan 30, 2023Aroma has resounding hop hints
The taste follows the nose with abundant hop flavors and a very nice balanced bitterness
A medium bodied well carbonated beer
Very well crafted beer, this is definitely my favorite Stone beer.
Reviewed by Bitburger from Vermont
5/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Since a generation the best old style DIPA on the market. Unbeleavably smooth and yet dank mouth feel. Perfect balance of hops and malt. As they say: A LIQUID POEM
Jan 30, 2023Reviewed by Fordcoyote15 from Pennsylvania
4.19/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.19/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pretty pretty good. That is unless you like juicy fruit flavored beer. If you're new money just pass.
At 3 months old this is a malt bomb and hardly palatable. Crazy how not fresh this tastes. Id rank taste and overall 3.75 and 4 respectively.
Jan 29, 2023At 3 months old this is a malt bomb and hardly palatable. Crazy how not fresh this tastes. Id rank taste and overall 3.75 and 4 respectively.
Ruination IPA from Stone Brewing
Beer rating:
95 out of
100 with
10952 ratings
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