Stone Cali-Belgique IPA | Stone Brewing
Brewed by:
Stone Brewing
California, United States | website
Style: Belgian IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.90%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
A California-style IPA with a Belgian twist
AKA Stone Cali-België IPA
First Release:
September 2008
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA features a complex and surprising combination of flavors, but behind the fancy title is the simply delicious Stone IPA. The addition of a carefully selected strain of Belgian yeast adds banana and spice notes to the hoppy brightness of our flagship IPA. Think of it as an otherwise identical twin to Stone IPA that was raised in a Belgian culture. Literally.
Added by gpogo on 07-23-2008
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Reviews: 1,097 | Ratings: 3,382
4.15/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Nice orange color with 2 plus finger white fluffy head.
Aroma I get big grapefruit and yeastiness. I primarily get the classic stone IPA aroma with just more yeast spiciness.
Taste is pretty good. Nothing fantastic. It definitely leans more towards a IPA than a saison, but that was to be expected based on the labeling. I get the hop bitterness, grapefruit, and finally a little spice. Not necessarily a pepperiness but more of that yeasty presence.
The concept is fantastic. The tropical fruit and bitterness mixed with the complexity of the yeast and its associated lively carbonation is great if accomplished successfully. However, it didn't completely work here. Its really an IPA dressed up with a different yeast. Its no more carbonated or complex than a standard IPA, it just has a slightly different flavor from their standard. Not bad, but not great. It gets a 83/100 from me.
★ 893 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Nice orange color with 2 plus finger white fluffy head.
Aroma I get big grapefruit and yeastiness. I primarily get the classic stone IPA aroma with just more yeast spiciness.
Taste is pretty good. Nothing fantastic. It definitely leans more towards a IPA than a saison, but that was to be expected based on the labeling. I get the hop bitterness, grapefruit, and finally a little spice. Not necessarily a pepperiness but more of that yeasty presence.
The concept is fantastic. The tropical fruit and bitterness mixed with the complexity of the yeast and its associated lively carbonation is great if accomplished successfully. However, it didn't completely work here. Its really an IPA dressed up with a different yeast. Its no more carbonated or complex than a standard IPA, it just has a slightly different flavor from their standard. Not bad, but not great. It gets a 83/100 from me.
★ 893 characters
3.72/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured into a pint glass.
Appearance: Clear golden yellow with a thin frothy head.
Smell: A lot of spices out of the bottle with some citrus.
Taste: The spices dominate, a little fruity and citrusy.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a ton of carbonation.
Overall: A solid beer by Stone, not my favorite and I prefer a regular IPA, but still better than a lot of beers out there.
★ 378 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured into a pint glass.
Appearance: Clear golden yellow with a thin frothy head.
Smell: A lot of spices out of the bottle with some citrus.
Taste: The spices dominate, a little fruity and citrusy.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a ton of carbonation.
Overall: A solid beer by Stone, not my favorite and I prefer a regular IPA, but still better than a lot of beers out there.
★ 378 characters
3.67/5 rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
12 oz bottle poured into a Stella chalice.
Pours a hazy yellow color with a finger of white foam. Aroma is unmistakable belgian yeast - some bubblegum, clove, and phenols in the nose.
First sip presents itself as a hop-dominated flavor, with a sharp bitter middle and lingering belgian yeasty aftertaste. Overall very pleasant and flavorful. However, I'd prefer it as a straight IPA, rather than a Belgian varietal.
A good, tasty brew that would really appeal to fans of Belgian yeast flavors. Personally, I'd prefer a regular Stone IPA any day.
★ 556 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
12 oz bottle poured into a Stella chalice.
Pours a hazy yellow color with a finger of white foam. Aroma is unmistakable belgian yeast - some bubblegum, clove, and phenols in the nose.
First sip presents itself as a hop-dominated flavor, with a sharp bitter middle and lingering belgian yeasty aftertaste. Overall very pleasant and flavorful. However, I'd prefer it as a straight IPA, rather than a Belgian varietal.
A good, tasty brew that would really appeal to fans of Belgian yeast flavors. Personally, I'd prefer a regular Stone IPA any day.
★ 556 characters
4.41/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is a great beer and one I feel is definitely under-rated on here.
Although my experiences with belgian IPAs are very limited, this is hands down the best one I have had.
The funk and spice of the belgian yeast rides right alongside the california hops, both blending together and complimenting each other beautifully. I mean wow, I just drank a stone delicious IPA which was meh, this is WOW!
imagine if stone saison and stone ipa had a baby, this is that baby.
Give it a try if you like belgian style.
★ 512 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is a great beer and one I feel is definitely under-rated on here.
Although my experiences with belgian IPAs are very limited, this is hands down the best one I have had.
The funk and spice of the belgian yeast rides right alongside the california hops, both blending together and complimenting each other beautifully. I mean wow, I just drank a stone delicious IPA which was meh, this is WOW!
imagine if stone saison and stone ipa had a baby, this is that baby.
Give it a try if you like belgian style.
★ 512 characters
4.84/5 rDev +21.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
This one tastes like an ipa and a Belgium style beer gave birth to a baby Jesus in a bottle. It has all the flavor I love in a Belgium and an ipa. How'd they do that?!? My recommendation is to develop a pallet for belgium styles then treat your senses to this bottle of perfection.
★ 281 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
This one tastes like an ipa and a Belgium style beer gave birth to a baby Jesus in a bottle. It has all the flavor I love in a Belgium and an ipa. How'd they do that?!? My recommendation is to develop a pallet for belgium styles then treat your senses to this bottle of perfection.
★ 281 characters
3.98/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
With the only difference being the yeast supposedly, there are some major differences. Unlike the Stone IPA (IPA) being a hazy gold color, the Cali-Belgique (CB) is crystal clear. The smell is also drastically different, the aroma is overwhelmed by spicy, belgian yeast aromas with only hints of the pine and citrus. The taste reflects this exactly, tastes like the IPA but overwhelmed by the flavors created by the Belgian Yeast. Overall an ok beer, but I definitely prefer the regular stone IPA. I feel the Belgian yeast hinders the flavor instead of improving it. Still an ok brew though, worth trying out. Especially if your into Belgian style beers.
★ 654 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
With the only difference being the yeast supposedly, there are some major differences. Unlike the Stone IPA (IPA) being a hazy gold color, the Cali-Belgique (CB) is crystal clear. The smell is also drastically different, the aroma is overwhelmed by spicy, belgian yeast aromas with only hints of the pine and citrus. The taste reflects this exactly, tastes like the IPA but overwhelmed by the flavors created by the Belgian Yeast. Overall an ok beer, but I definitely prefer the regular stone IPA. I feel the Belgian yeast hinders the flavor instead of improving it. Still an ok brew though, worth trying out. Especially if your into Belgian style beers.
★ 654 characters
4.07/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Absolutely beautiful pale golden beer with a sizable white head. Good retention and nice lacing.
Fruity, hoppy aroma, grapefruit-forward. A touch of pine and dry, spicy yeast.
Flavor is nearly a quintessential BIPA. Grapefruit and some tropical fruit, all meshed with Belgian yeast (representing as a little dry spice and a touch of bubblegum).
Very lively, drinkable feel; medium-light, with oily retention and a touch of dryness on the end.
This is a very, very good Belgian IPA, which happens to be a style about which I am not particularly fond. But this is an excellent, fruity, hop-forward example.
★ 608 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Absolutely beautiful pale golden beer with a sizable white head. Good retention and nice lacing.
Fruity, hoppy aroma, grapefruit-forward. A touch of pine and dry, spicy yeast.
Flavor is nearly a quintessential BIPA. Grapefruit and some tropical fruit, all meshed with Belgian yeast (representing as a little dry spice and a touch of bubblegum).
Very lively, drinkable feel; medium-light, with oily retention and a touch of dryness on the end.
This is a very, very good Belgian IPA, which happens to be a style about which I am not particularly fond. But this is an excellent, fruity, hop-forward example.
★ 608 characters
3.99/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I am normally not the biggest fan of Belgian style ales/pale ales/IPAs, but make an exception for this. Quality 6.9% IPA with minimal after taste and full flavor
★ 161 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I am normally not the biggest fan of Belgian style ales/pale ales/IPAs, but make an exception for this. Quality 6.9% IPA with minimal after taste and full flavor
★ 161 characters
4.25/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Pours light yellow clear.
Overall: Started out bitter like an IPA but then added nice citrus and spicy Belgian yeasty flavors. Smooth yet crisp and overall a good IPA.
★ 180 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Pours light yellow clear.
Overall: Started out bitter like an IPA but then added nice citrus and spicy Belgian yeasty flavors. Smooth yet crisp and overall a good IPA.
★ 180 characters
3.83/5 rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
What a strange brew. Pours a gold with a two finger head. Smells like wheat with hint of citrus. Initially tastes like a Belgian but then finishes almost with a bubblegum after taste. So strange but I like it.
★ 209 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
What a strange brew. Pours a gold with a two finger head. Smells like wheat with hint of citrus. Initially tastes like a Belgian but then finishes almost with a bubblegum after taste. So strange but I like it.
★ 209 characters
3.81/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Another great beer from stone however the Belgian IPA mix might not work for some. I think it's interesting but not sure I'd have it for more than a novelty.
★ 157 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Another great beer from stone however the Belgian IPA mix might not work for some. I think it's interesting but not sure I'd have it for more than a novelty.
★ 157 characters
3.77/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
BB 12 oz bottle 6/26/15 at 40 degrees into shaker
Aroma faint – some spice and fruit
Head large (5.5 cm, aggressive pour), off white, frothy, slowly diminishing to
Lacing excellent – complete rings of tiny to small bubbles
Body light yellow, clear
Flavor begins bitter with no distinct taste. It ends bitter as well. No malt, no alcohol, no diacetyl.
Palate medium, watery, lively carbonation
Appearance 4.5, Aroma 3.75, Flavor 3.5, Palate 4, Overall 4
★ 459 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
BB 12 oz bottle 6/26/15 at 40 degrees into shaker
Aroma faint – some spice and fruit
Head large (5.5 cm, aggressive pour), off white, frothy, slowly diminishing to
Lacing excellent – complete rings of tiny to small bubbles
Body light yellow, clear
Flavor begins bitter with no distinct taste. It ends bitter as well. No malt, no alcohol, no diacetyl.
Palate medium, watery, lively carbonation
Appearance 4.5, Aroma 3.75, Flavor 3.5, Palate 4, Overall 4
★ 459 characters
4/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12oz. bottle into a chalice.
A - Poured a golden orange with a frothy, two-finger head.
S - Similar to the regular IPA (fresh hops) with some berry notes. Interesting.
T - Again, similar to Stone's traditional IPA, only some of the hop flavor is subdued in favor of a crisp, apple-like sweetness and tartness. A little boozy on the aftertaste.
M - Pretty typical of an IPA. Medium-thin body with a good deal of fizziness.
O - Definitely more interesting than their traditional IPA, but still carries much of its profile. Why go back?
★ 552 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12oz. bottle into a chalice.
A - Poured a golden orange with a frothy, two-finger head.
S - Similar to the regular IPA (fresh hops) with some berry notes. Interesting.
T - Again, similar to Stone's traditional IPA, only some of the hop flavor is subdued in favor of a crisp, apple-like sweetness and tartness. A little boozy on the aftertaste.
M - Pretty typical of an IPA. Medium-thin body with a good deal of fizziness.
O - Definitely more interesting than their traditional IPA, but still carries much of its profile. Why go back?
★ 552 characters
3.73/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Stone does amazing IPAs, and this is no different. The only thing is with this beer is that it is very light. Much like a light IPA. I didn't get that strong IPA kick while I drank this one. Great for someone who's just starting out on IPAs or for someone looking for something light with a little IPA taste
★ 308 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Stone does amazing IPAs, and this is no different. The only thing is with this beer is that it is very light. Much like a light IPA. I didn't get that strong IPA kick while I drank this one. Great for someone who's just starting out on IPAs or for someone looking for something light with a little IPA taste
★ 308 characters
4.25/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
pours a shade darker than gold with a thick head. still very close to gold.
smell is Belgian candy yeast. straight up Belgian in this, like cotton candy.
taste is sweet and rounded. full of Belgian candy yeast. finishes bitter and sweet. certainly a Belgian style of beer but a good tasting beer.
overall this is a pretty good beer. i prefer IPAs with more straightforward American yeast strains but this is certainly unique and tasty. my 2nd time having this beer (first time was this time last year). a nice beer to mix it up.
★ 531 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
pours a shade darker than gold with a thick head. still very close to gold.
smell is Belgian candy yeast. straight up Belgian in this, like cotton candy.
taste is sweet and rounded. full of Belgian candy yeast. finishes bitter and sweet. certainly a Belgian style of beer but a good tasting beer.
overall this is a pretty good beer. i prefer IPAs with more straightforward American yeast strains but this is certainly unique and tasty. my 2nd time having this beer (first time was this time last year). a nice beer to mix it up.
★ 531 characters
4.23/5 rDev +6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Tried a 4oz sample at Pasadena (Liberty Station) store
Appearance - 4.5/5
2 fingers of white foam. golden yellow, clear.
Smell - 4/5
Strong and crsip citrus and pine hops, slight breadiness
Taste - 4.5/5
Citrus with strong banana notes and a slight breadiness. I really like the breadiness and the bananas, they really balance the beer out; Stone IPAs are typically too hoppy for me, but this is great. A little spiciness.
Mouthfeel - 4/5
Medium body, smooth yet crips, medium level carbonation
Overall - 4/5
Good IPA, probably my favorite IPA from Stone.
★ 560 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Tried a 4oz sample at Pasadena (Liberty Station) store
Appearance - 4.5/5
2 fingers of white foam. golden yellow, clear.
Smell - 4/5
Strong and crsip citrus and pine hops, slight breadiness
Taste - 4.5/5
Citrus with strong banana notes and a slight breadiness. I really like the breadiness and the bananas, they really balance the beer out; Stone IPAs are typically too hoppy for me, but this is great. A little spiciness.
Mouthfeel - 4/5
Medium body, smooth yet crips, medium level carbonation
Overall - 4/5
Good IPA, probably my favorite IPA from Stone.
★ 560 characters
4.06/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Judging by aroma and taste, this is stones standard ipa with Belgian yeast added for a sweeter candy-like background. Not as good as other brews from stone but still very good and enjoyable.
★ 190 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Judging by aroma and taste, this is stones standard ipa with Belgian yeast added for a sweeter candy-like background. Not as good as other brews from stone but still very good and enjoyable.
★ 190 characters
3.93/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Ive never had a Belgian IPA before. I must say it is very different in my opinion, not saying its a bad taste but not at all what you'd expect from a usual IPA. The hop smell is there, the taste is typical Belgian flavors on the front, and hoppy on the back end. Overall pretty good.
★ 283 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Ive never had a Belgian IPA before. I must say it is very different in my opinion, not saying its a bad taste but not at all what you'd expect from a usual IPA. The hop smell is there, the taste is typical Belgian flavors on the front, and hoppy on the back end. Overall pretty good.
★ 283 characters
3.62/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Big fan of stone and the initial smell of the beer had me excited, but I didn't think the hops and belgian style quite worked here.
Haven't had many Belgian IPAs, but Flying Dog Raging Bitch is what I would recommend if you want one. For stone I will stick to their other great IPAs if I want some hops
★ 304 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Big fan of stone and the initial smell of the beer had me excited, but I didn't think the hops and belgian style quite worked here.
Haven't had many Belgian IPAs, but Flying Dog Raging Bitch is what I would recommend if you want one. For stone I will stick to their other great IPAs if I want some hops
★ 304 characters
3.64/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured into a Dogfish Head IPA glass,
A - 4 - Poured a semi-translucent gold with slight tinges of orange. Colored is that of a standard domestic brew. Really nice had potential and retention on this beer, formed up a 3 finger, dense and creamy bright white colored head. Spotty lacing.
S - 3.75 - Aromas of clove, light smoke, light bubblegum from the yeast strain and VERY distant hops. Not necessarily bad or good, just odd.
T - 3.25 - A little weak on the flavor. Would make a good transitional IPA. Faint hints of Belgian yeasty. Nutty, bubblegummy spicy yeast is very faint and past this there isn't much else going on unfortunately. More bitterness would take this IPA a LONG way.
F - 4.5 - Nice, smooth and oily mouthfeel.
O - 3.75 - This is an alright IPA. This is what I called a food pairing, lawn mower and shower beer. Very sessionable and easy to throw back. If you're an absolute die hard fan of the Belgian IPA style, then you might want to seek this one our, otherwise, it isn't anything crazy special.
★ 1,021 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured into a Dogfish Head IPA glass,
A - 4 - Poured a semi-translucent gold with slight tinges of orange. Colored is that of a standard domestic brew. Really nice had potential and retention on this beer, formed up a 3 finger, dense and creamy bright white colored head. Spotty lacing.
S - 3.75 - Aromas of clove, light smoke, light bubblegum from the yeast strain and VERY distant hops. Not necessarily bad or good, just odd.
T - 3.25 - A little weak on the flavor. Would make a good transitional IPA. Faint hints of Belgian yeasty. Nutty, bubblegummy spicy yeast is very faint and past this there isn't much else going on unfortunately. More bitterness would take this IPA a LONG way.
F - 4.5 - Nice, smooth and oily mouthfeel.
O - 3.75 - This is an alright IPA. This is what I called a food pairing, lawn mower and shower beer. Very sessionable and easy to throw back. If you're an absolute die hard fan of the Belgian IPA style, then you might want to seek this one our, otherwise, it isn't anything crazy special.
★ 1,021 characters
2.72/5 rDev -31.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.75
Look - clear golden color, good lacy head.
Smell - Yeast primarily, did not get the good fruit scent that others are describing.
Taste - Bread flavor prominent, as expected with a Belgian. Good bitterness level. Metallic taste not enjoyable.
Mouthfeel - ruined by metallic taste for me. Well-carbonated.
I am big Stone fan but did not enjoy this mix, which is partially my preference against Belgians but also a metal flavor that limited my rating significantly.
★ 466 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.75
Look - clear golden color, good lacy head.
Smell - Yeast primarily, did not get the good fruit scent that others are describing.
Taste - Bread flavor prominent, as expected with a Belgian. Good bitterness level. Metallic taste not enjoyable.
Mouthfeel - ruined by metallic taste for me. Well-carbonated.
I am big Stone fan but did not enjoy this mix, which is partially my preference against Belgians but also a metal flavor that limited my rating significantly.
★ 466 characters
3.94/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Poured a clear light golden yellow color, with a big fluffy white head. Very nice retention and lacing.
Smell: Some nice citrus and spicy aromas, with some back notes of bubblegum sweetness.
Taste: Pretty close to the smell, with nice citrus and spicy belgian yeasty flavors.
Mouthfeel: fairly light bodied, slightly dry finish, quite nice.
Overall: Great addition to Stone's 12-pack, very nice IPA hoppiness and spicy yeast belgian flavors, good combination. I like this beer a lot.
★ 495 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Poured a clear light golden yellow color, with a big fluffy white head. Very nice retention and lacing.
Smell: Some nice citrus and spicy aromas, with some back notes of bubblegum sweetness.
Taste: Pretty close to the smell, with nice citrus and spicy belgian yeasty flavors.
Mouthfeel: fairly light bodied, slightly dry finish, quite nice.
Overall: Great addition to Stone's 12-pack, very nice IPA hoppiness and spicy yeast belgian flavors, good combination. I like this beer a lot.
★ 495 characters
3.84/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a light tangerine color with a two finger rocky white head. Aroma is yeast, bubblegum, and spice. Taste is balanced with mild hops, yeasty spice, faint bubblegum, and a bit of a bready or biscuity quality. Mouthfeel is medium. Overall a nice twist on the regular stone ipa, worth checking out for fans of ipa's and belgians.
★ 334 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a light tangerine color with a two finger rocky white head. Aroma is yeast, bubblegum, and spice. Taste is balanced with mild hops, yeasty spice, faint bubblegum, and a bit of a bready or biscuity quality. Mouthfeel is medium. Overall a nice twist on the regular stone ipa, worth checking out for fans of ipa's and belgians.
★ 334 characters
3.79/5 rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Light golden yellow with a huge head of foam and good lacing. Lots of visible carbonation.
Smell: Yeast and fruit.
Taste: Citrus, yeast, fruit, spice.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, moderate hop bitterness in the finish.
The Verdict: Pretty good. Well balanced between a yeasty Belgian brew and an IPA, it's missing the usual Stone hop bitterness overload. Nice brew for an occasional something different.
★ 416 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Light golden yellow with a huge head of foam and good lacing. Lots of visible carbonation.
Smell: Yeast and fruit.
Taste: Citrus, yeast, fruit, spice.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, moderate hop bitterness in the finish.
The Verdict: Pretty good. Well balanced between a yeasty Belgian brew and an IPA, it's missing the usual Stone hop bitterness overload. Nice brew for an occasional something different.
★ 416 characters
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA from Stone Brewing
3.99
out of 5
based on 3,382 ratings.
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Poured from the bottle into a tulip glass. Best until July 4th 2015.
Deep golden brass and orange bronze body, clear but with an opaque non see thru appearance. Great roaring middle of column rising carbonation matching a creamed nitrous looking two finger top head. Settles with sheet like lacing and manages a very thick looking collar. Big, aggressive and unique great looker.
Basic sense of Belgian candy like sugar and soft malts on the aroma. Mild sensing citrus fruit a bit, but seems to lean more to sugar. Slightly bready a bit as well. Solid if a bit different.
Palate has the hop forward angle of American grapefruit like hops in the mid palate. Mild sensing Belgian sweetness taken over by hop forward action in the aftertaste, with hinting oils of lemon and orange zest. Finishes quite clean and dry. Lots of hop bitterness which tends to obfuscate a lot of the Belgian character. Warmth brings up some more juicy fruit character as time goes on, even a hint of pepper like notes on the finish as well.
Overall though it's a match of styles that seem to clash and can't quite seem to find the perfect balance between the two, or the direction to go. Well made, but also doesn't seem to appeal to my right senses.
★ 1,241 characters