On the docket: 12 oz. can of Stone’s Ghost Hammer IPA
Poured into: Wine & Whiskey Country snifter
S: A Lightly golden, somewhat hazy body stands beneath a white frothy head. Decent lacing accrues on the sides of the glass, but the head dissipates, like a specter you’re not sure you saw. Small zippy bubbles make their way to the top.
A: A grapefruit citrus mixes with a subtle floral aroma. A pinch of pine.
T: Mirroring the aroma, citrus leads, followed by the floral component. Interesting hop choice. It finishes with a bit of cracker-y malt and firm but not bracing bitterness.
F: Medium-light. Gentle, but discernable carbonation. Excellent bitterness to balance the malt.
O: On the lighter side, but a smooth, easy-drinking IPA despite the 6.7% abv. It’s a bit of a departure from what we expect from Stone, but that’s by no means a bad thing. An intermediate-level IPA that will vanish quickly from your glass. Ooooooo!
Suggested food pairing: Arugula salad with sliced mango, tropical style roasted chicken, fruit tart, medium-sharpness cheddar.
