There’s only about a week left to experience the Enjoy By 4-20-13 IPA, a limited release beer produced by San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. So you better drink some—fast.
While some beers improve with age, Stone designed this brew to be enjoyed before April 21 to experience its “über hop-forward flavor and aroma.” Eleven varieties of hops were used to brew the beer, as was a technique called “hop bursting,” where fresh hops are added at the end of the boiling stage of the brewing process.
After trying the stuff both in the bottle and on tap, I can safely say that this is the hoppiest beer I have ever tasted—and one of the most delicious.
While the nose was all hops—I can still smell its strong, fresh, floral aroma—the medium-bodied beer itself almost pales in comparison, but that’s a good thing. With citrus and caramel flavors beautifully balancing the hoppy bitterness, the 9.4 percent ABV brew goes down almost too fast.
Stone unleashed the brew in Las Vegas late last month, so finding it might be a bit tricky. I looked for bottles all across the Valley to no avail—this stuff is flying off the shelves. The silver lining? Local bar Aces & Ales had the ale on tap as of press time.
So, if you’re a hop-head like me, get down to A&A and have yourself a pint. And be sure to tell all your friends what you think, as Stone is gauging Enjoy By’s appeal with hashtags (#EnjoyBy and #Vegas). If you want the opportunity to taste Stone’s next Enjoy By brew, you better get to tweetin’.
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