Head To Head: Stone Ruination IPA vs. Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
Welcome to today’s Head to Head challenge.
Style: Imperial India Pale Ale. View the top Imperial IPAs
Appearance
The Hop Rod Rye poured a reddish orange with a small off white head. The head had a few large bubbles and actually left a reasonable amount of lace on the glass for such a small head. The Ruination poured a golden amber color much more to style but also suffered from a very small head what bubbles were there were tiny and very little lace was left on the glass. As for the winner I think it must go to the Bear Republic. While definitely a bit on the dark side for the style it was the beer I wanted to try first.
Winner – Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
Aroma
It is at this point I start to really enjoy these tastings. The first smell of a finely crafted bear can be such a joy. Its a shame that the Ruination did not live up to the expectation. The aroma had a whiff of citrus and a slightly grassy the overall aroma could best be described as subtle or in a less pleasing way as rather bland for an Imperial IPA. This was brought home when I then smelled the Bear Republic. Wow now this is more like it. There is a strong citrus aroma alternating between an orange and a grapefruit and you can smell the presence of hops. Deciding between the two here was fairly easy.
Winner – Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
Taste
Jumping straight I grabbed the Hop Rod Rye and was greeted by a large bitter mouthful. Initially it was a bit of a surprise just how bitter the beer was but then some of the maltiness came through to provide a level of balance that allowed me to enjoy the medium body mouthful. I was keen to try more. But then I tried the Stone and wow! Now that is bitter. In fact I would go so far as to say it was harsh. I kept hoping that a bit of balance would appear but instead I was left wanting. Hop heads should love it but for me It was not the beer that stood out.
Winner – Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
Finish
I am not sure that either of these beers had what I would say particularly appealing finish. The Ruination had a cloying harshness that was very evident on the roof of the mouth. Without a doubt it was a long finish but not what I would call pleasant. On the other hand at least it had a finish full of character. The Hop Rod Rye on the other hand was a bit of a let down after its strong showing up to that point. In isolation the finish is probably good but here it seems a bit weak and short. That might sound a bit harsh but at least it did not assault my palate and the roof of my mouth like the Stone.
Winner – Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
Overall
So pretty straightforward in the end. In every category the Hop Rod wins. Is that to say the Stone is a bad beer? Of course not. In fact if you are a serious hop head you will love it. In fact for the alcohol content I can not imagine many bears could offer you as much bitterness as this big bold beer from Stone. The Bear Republic on the other hand offers an appearance that draws you in, glorious aroma, pleasing taste and a non offensive finish. So Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye for the win!
Winner – Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
