Credit: ZeBeerGuy

Session beers were typically designated as beers with lower alcohol content, over the years the ‘defined’ limit has seemingly increased with the ability to drink a stronger beer with ease. I feel that it is socially accepted to entertain the theory that any beer under 5% abv can be considered a ‘Session Beer’; however as an individual, I accept any beer that I can comfortably drink with ease and have a few without feeling any affects.

My god, has it been a while since I have posted a blog on my website! Well every time I take a hiatus, I always say that I will be more on top of making these posts. With a little effort and a bit more motivation, I hope to be successful in this. As of late, more and more ‘session’ IPA’s seem to be popping up. 2014 seems to be the year of the session ale. Now i am sure i have mentioned this before, but to many individuals there are different definitions of ‘session’ ales. Session beers were typically designated for beers with lower alcohol content, over the years the ‘defined’ limit have seemingly increased with the ability to drink a stronger beer with ease. I feel that it is socially accepted to entertain the theory that any beer under 5% abv can be considered a ‘Session Beer’; however as an individual, I accept any beer that I can comfortably drink with ease and have a few without feeling any affects. So without any delay let’s jump back into my blog reviews with Stone’s nearly new Go To IPA.

Stone Brewing Co. – Go To Session IPA

Ze Maker? Stone Brewing Co.

Ze Style? IPA

Ze Content! 4.5% abv

Serving Type: 12oz bottle

Stone’s newest IPA, Go To IPA pours a very clear yellowish color into my glass almost resembling Apple Juice. Tiny micro bubbles stream from the bottom of the glass giving off a wonderful aroma as it breaks at the surface of this beer. A fizzy inch and a half head forms from the pour, but only retains for a few minutes before fizzing away. Immediately front eh pour you get a very pine infused resin aroma from the hops used, with more of a juicier citrus flavor. When you drink this IPA, it really gives off a great oily character and isn’t short of hop flavors and characteristics one bit. A nice strong dandy hop bitterness is presented on the palate while you’re drinking this beer, and great carbonation throughout as well. You cal tell when you’re drinking this IPA that the alcohol presence is much lower than your typical IPA, but though it only really shows in the overall presence, it doesn’t take one bit from the hop character in this beer. Go To IPA is just as hoppy and bitter as a lot of IPA’s out there and in fact a lot better than many as well. If you are a big fan of hops then this beer is a definite must have. Hop Bursted with a ton of hoppy characteristics, it doesn’t fall short of what you want and expect form an IPA in the slightest.

Stone Brewing is known for their army of wonderfully hopped ales, and within their arsenal they deliver just what they mean to; big beers with big hops. Go To IPA is their first take on a “Session IPA” and they do a great job of delivering just that. The best part is, I can drink several of these in one setting. Whatever Stone set out to do with this beer I feel they accomplished it in a fantastic way. At only 4.5% abv, this beer has one of the best flavor profiles that I have ever had in a “Session Beer”. Like I mentioned above, many breweries are starting to make these session-able ales, and to be honest i was a little surprised when Stone announced that they were making one as well. I had always assumed that with an aggressive personality as Stone to provide heavily hoppedThis will easily become a great Go To for me from now on. Well done Stone Brewing!

Should YOU Buy this Beer? Definitely! this beer is a bit pricey for a beer that is only 4.5% but the flavor and hop characteristic wont disappoint and easily makes up for the lack of ABV. Made with a plenty of hops this beer tastes just like having a big double IPA that gets into the 8-10% but clearly is not. This is really great for a easy going beer when you want a great hop taste without actually drinking a big beer. Stone has been doing a lot of different beers as of late, some are fantastic while others are seemingly a bit odd, but this one really just knocks it out of the park. Way to bring it back home guys, great job!

Is there a beer out there and easily accessible for me to obtain in the Southern California Region? Let me know and ill do my best to obtain it and share my thoughts with you! Just leave a comment or contact me at [email protected]

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Cheers,

ZeBeerGuy