 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Dec 25, 2005
Ruination was my second experience with Stone Brewing, that is to say I indeed experienced the ruinous effects of the Ruination IPA. As I’ve mentioned before my penchant is usually towards the less hoppy of beers, but I can make an exception especially for the exceptional - of any style. In this case I had been preparing all day for the buccal massacre, so Stone’s craft was not so much of a slaughter as it could have been. The appearance of this so-called monster seemed rather innocuous, even mundane. Under the soapy bubble bath of a head hid a clear tangerine-colored liquid. Every citrus fruit you can think of finds its way into the nose of this beer: orange, grapefruit and lime especially are enhanced by the aroma of pineapple, apricot, apple and pear. Quite tropical of a blend. Toasty biscuits and graham crackers sweeten the deal and provide a light malt backbone. In the mouth, Ruination bears more resemblance to its name and takes on an aggressive persona. The abrasive carbonation and dry mouthfeel make it difficult to find complexity in the flavor which thus limits it to heavily burnt toast and a slight grapefruit tang. I can see what people like in IPAs, but my preference goes to less hostile styles as I generally don’t equate beer and pain... Unless I’m going for a Century Club.
gorditoabd (88), San Diego, California, USA
Jul 4, 2009 Bomber. Pours the color of a shiny, new penny. About 2-3 fingers of full foamy head that does an efficient job of lacing. Aroma is metalliic, hoppy, and full of roasted malt. Full hop-infested flavor, lots of standard Stone bitterness. This is a good beer. In the style, by the assorted Micro(Macro)Brews nationwide, it is one of the better to be had.
muffy (16), Longwood, Florida, USA
Jul 3, 2009 Purchased this at $10 a six pack as a misorder by a store. I was intrigued from the pour as it was a bright transparent liquid gold. As usual I drank the first one at room tempature which added to the appeal of the pour. At entranced IPA has a smooth flat feel but a little swoosh releases the hoppy bitter bite. Flavor like taste is piney and stongly reminicent of grapefruit. Although hoppy IPA maintains it a smooth taste and feel for a 7.7% beverage. All in all it is bold, hoppy and bitter. Did I say bitter? A good IPA; especially at 7.7% but not as complex in flavor as I had hoped for. I never thought I would say it but I miss the malty sweet touch. Nevertheless a great beer.
matthasson (27), Pennsylvania, USA
Jul 2, 2009 very enticing citrus lemon, pine smell. starts sweet and ends with an intense bitter hoppiness that really lingers in the back of throat and side of mouth. very well balanced and satisfying. a great representative of an ipa
MereLikesBeer (69), Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
Jul 2, 2009 Ya know... these guys talk a lot of shit about being all badass etc... I like IPAs, yet have met some that are just a bit too bitter for me.. This one however, is not that intense.. I mean, yes, it has a lot of hops, and it is pretty bitter, but it’s balanced! I shared a bottle of this with BeerBaron617 and we both thought it was pretty stellar. It poured a nice amber color, had some great hoppy citrus aromas....and tasted great. Initial sip was pretty intense in the bitter category, but it just worked in all the right ways.
thooper41 (322), Oregon, USA
Jul 2, 2009 12oz bottle:: Apperance is amber brown with slow fading off white head, aroma of citrus hops and hints of orange, flavor from the first sip was pretty hoppy then the second sip was even stronger in hops, not overly citrusy and has some floral hops in there also. one of the best IIPAs I have ever had one to rememeber.
beer4mencc1701 (14), Irving, Texas, USA
Jun 30, 2009 Nearly red in dark golden color, lovely thick lasting head. You know this is a big IPA even 5 inches from your nose- intense hop scent makes the mouth water instantly. Tastes like bathing your tongue in hops soup & if you’re into hops, it’s orgasmic. Dry crisp, resiny, slight sweetness from the high ABV makes this strong full-bodied beer surprisingly balanced. Rich, substantial, demands a sipping approach (& your full respect)
ThaddeusBraun (8), North Carolina, USA
does not count  Jun 29, 2009 the only thing that throws me off of this beer is the alcohol. it is only 8% but it is very apparent and unbalaced other than that this IPA (double) is killer. great citrus and floral hops with a malty back bone that is not overly assertive.
hawk1 (8), Portland, Oregon, USA
does not count Jun 28, 2009 Bitter and well balanced. Nice head. Full bodied. Delightful and memorable
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