Haven’t had a variety pack in a while, but was at Costco shopping for a wedding reception and happened across the Stone Mixed Pack. Bought one for the bride and groom and one for us. All four beers in the pack are IPAs, but they are all rather unique in some different ways. This case had an enjoy by date in December, so super fresh as well.
Hop Revolver #4 – Mandarina Bavaria – Distinct orange like aroma. Very hoppy, some caramel sweetness but mostly citrusy hops. This is very much the calling card of Mandarina Bavaria hops. Mandarin is a type of citrus fruit very similar to an orange (often referred to as a Mandarin Orange). Lives up to it’s billing. (4.5 stars of 5)
Stone Delicious IPA – This one is well, delicious. Strong orange/citrus aroma with slight “dank” note to it. Strong citrus flavor with backing of dank/pine. Medium to low bitterness that hangs on for a while. Reminiscent of candied orange peel, but in a different way than the Hop Revolver. (4.25)
Ruination Double IPA – Bring out the big guns. Toppling the scales at 8.5% and this one punches you in the mouth (in a good way). Very strong piney hop aroma. Pine and citrus hop flavor balanced by some caramel malt sweetness. Bitterness lingers. (4.25)
Stone IPA – The box touts it as an “Iconic West Coast Style IPA” but I might have to disagree. That’s not to say it’s bad, but it’s quite different than the other IPA’s in this box. This one has a much more delicate flavor, the hops more floral and earthy. West Coast, at least the Pacific Northwest is more dank, piney and citrus. I guess it could be West Coast if you go back far enough, since it seems to be more English IPA in style. Which isn’t bad, but a bit startling after the other three punch you in the mouth and then one is light and gentle. Still, quite drinkable. (3.75)
So there you have it, a nice four pack of Stone IPA’s available (for now) at Costco, at the very least in Oregon. Hopefully in some other places as well. Overall a very enjoyable variety that I would recommend seeking out. If you’re a fan of Stone, a fan of IPAs, or both, this is the pack for you.
Cheers!