Greg Koch and Steve Wagner founded Stone Brewing Co. in 1996 with their first beer, Stone Pale Ale, considered very hoppy at the time. But the two were on to something: The hoppy style took off, and by 2005, Stone Brewing had outgrown its original San Marcos, Calif., facility and moved to a much larger brewery in Escondido, Calif. In 2014, Stone Brewing announced plans to open a brewery in Berlin, making it the first American craft brewer to independently own and operate a brewery in Europe. Today, Stone remains one of the nation’s “Fastest Growing Private Companies,” according to Inc. magazine.
Renowned for its hoppy beer, Stone Brewing released Stone IPA for its first anniversary in 1997. Brewed with Columbus, Chinook and Centennial hops, Stone IPA is very hop-forward and helped define the West Coast IPA style. Now available year-round, Stone IPA’s 6.9 percent ABV keeps it true to style, with a huge hop aroma, flavor and bitterness throughout. Its noticeable malt character is balanced by generous dry hopping, which gives it a crisp hop flavor.
Stone continues to brew Stone Pale Ale, along with Stone Levitation Ale (Amber/Red Ale), Stone Ruination IPA (Double/Imperial IPA), Stone Smoked Porter, Arrogant Bastard Ale (American Strong Ale), OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone Cali-Belgique IPA (Belgian IPA) and Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale (American Black Ale/”Black IPA”).
Stone special releases include Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine, Double Bastard Ale and Stone Imperial Russian Stout, as well as Stone Anniversary Ales, plus other treats and collaboration beers brewed with other breweries.
Source: Stone Brewing Co.
