Stone Cali-Belgique IPA

6.9% ABV

77 IBUs

When I bought this beer I had several predictions about what it might be.  I thought one of two scenarios would play out.  Number one, intense Belgian yeast character would be present and dominate the flavor profile of the brew.  Number two, the hop character would be overwhelming and dominate the flavor the brew.  Which one was correct?

Neither!

The beer is a hybrid style beer which combines a Belgian style (yeast) and an American India Pale Ale (hoppy/bitter).  The beer poured out golden in color with a big off-white head.  The brew had good hop aroma with some fruit and spice from the yeast.  This beer was very very balanced for an IPA (India Pale Ale).  The hop flavor and bitterness was perfectly balanced with the malt sweetness.  So as an IPA it's not super duper hoppy but beautifully balanced.  Then there is the Belgian yeast character of which is perfectly added in.  It does not get lost nor does it dominate the beer.  Overall (I will say it again) this brew is beautifully balance in all aspects.  Very good beer and would recommend to anyone.  I got mine from Gomer's Midtown but is is available at many Missouri stores.

P.S. sorry for the worn out Sam Adams' Sensory glass in the picture.  I love the damn thing though.