Stone Brewing Company - Enjoy By 7.4.14 double IPA

Today's beer is an aptly-named double IPA by my go-to brewers of delicious and strong potables, Stone Brewing Co. As you may recall, I enjoy a lot of what Stone produces and have reviewed them often in the past. Today's beer is a double IPA called "Enjoy By 7/4/14." It's a hefty 9.4% ABV that my friend and colleague Dave Slavick brought to me when I had a picnic a few weeks back. I stuck it in the fridge with the intent of drinking it on July 4th - obviously the day to do it.

It's made with a hodgepodge of malts and hops, and is made - according to the bottle - specifically NOT to last. It's meant to be had immediately, with no cellaring.

So, there are quite a few ways that brewers can make their beers last longer. Like anything, beer has an expiration date. So brewers can use a number of techniques at their disposal to make beers last longer - oxygen fixing caps, increased alcohol content, and preservatives all can make a beer last longer. Apparently, the guys at Stone decided not to include any such things in this beer. It's meant to be had immediately - by today, in fact. And since the big storm down south pushed some cooler air up here, the patio was a perfect place to enjoy this beer.

It's got a pretty deep orange color, pretty much par for the course in terms of an IPA. There's really no carbonation to speak of, and no head either.

I let it sit for a few minutes to see if it would open up. The nose is one of hops and a bit of citrus - again, pretty typical for a summer IPA.

I like the bright-but-hazy color that this beer has when held to the light.

Interestingly, the taste of the beer isn't what I was expecting. There's not a lot of bitterness or hoppiness at all - mostly the flavors are surprisingly sweet with a little bit of tartness on the finish. I detect a little bit of orange rind taste, not unwelcome. It's a rather polished and straightforward double IPA, but without some of the usually-accompanying bitterness or unwanted side-effects. 

According to the bottle, this beer is "devastatingly fresh." I don't know about that - but I do know that beer tastes fresh and has full, bright flavors. It's not thick or overwhelmingly strong, but has just the right flavors for a summer beer out on the patio. 

If you find this beer, in the store, grab it and give it a shot. It's not offensive at all, and certainly has enough alcohol and flavor to make it a hit at parties. But jump on it quick! As noted, it's not meant to age. Happy Fourth of July, everyone, and enjoy whatever you're drinking today!