Stone’s Cali-Belgique IPA: Now this was a treat. This one is brewed in the Belgian IPA style and breaks away a little from Stone’s IPA whhich is brewed in the American IPA style. Now I love Stone’s IPA already and when the Ruination IPA came out I was more than pleased. When the Cali-Belgique was released I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. My sister lives near the Stone brewery and brought some to me on Thanksgiving.
It pours a golden amber color, similar to the Stone IPA and has a moderate lacing and head that is nice and sticks around for a while. It smells of hops, although not as strong as the Stone IPA, and probably due to the Belgian yeast influence. The result is definitely a Stone beer, but a very nice twist, one that prompts Stone to bill this as a California IPA.
Sawyer’s Triple: This very special triple from Stone was created by Stone brewer Bill Sherwood and named for his son. Sawyer Benjamin Sherwood was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy, also known as ALD a rare neuro-degenerative disease. 100% of the proceeds go to benefit Adrenoleukodystrophty. Stone keeps nothing. At the time of the original release in 2003, Sawyer was fighting for his life, unfortunately he is no longer with us. However the fight continues to cure this disease. If ever there was a reason to drink beer, this was it. For more info, check out Stone’s Sawyer’s Triple blob.
This one is brewed is the Triple style and is a strong ale indeed, as strong as it’s namesake. It weighs in at 7.6% alc/vol . It pours nice with minimal head, but a long lasting one, however the lacing leaves quickly and has a typical golden yellow coloring, it’s aromas hint of strong hops, and a nice alcohol on the back end. It tastes sweet and has a Hefe-Weizen feel to it, but don’t be fooled, it packs a punch
Thanks for the write up!
I second that!
Shoot me an e-mail. I would like to have a beer with you at the Saucer.
Cheers!