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Head-to-Head: Green Flash Imperial IPA vs. Stone Ruination IPA

Posted December 14th, 2008 by Nate
The Contenders

The Contenders

Head-to-head is a feature we will be publishing where we pit similar local brews against each other.  We’ll be putting out at least one of these per week.  As mentioned on our “About Us” page, we are not beer experts.  In fact, we’ll probably say stupid things more often than not.  That’s why we have a comments section. Let us know what you think.

 

The first Head-to-Head features Stone’s Ruination IPA and Green Flash’s Imperial IPA.  Our take after the jump.

Green Flash Imperial IPA

22oz bottle, $4.99

Nate: As soon as you pour this beer you’ll know what it’s about.  It’s full of hop, and not shy about letting you know it.  Green Flash’s IPA is a clear golden brown with a nice head.  Before your first sip you’ll note again the strong hop aroma.  This is what San Diego beer is all about.

I found this IPA to be very drinkable.  There is a bit of hoppiness at first and then a good hard bite once you’ve got it down.  The taste fades quickly and keeps you coming back for more.

Chris: After popping the cap it was known that we were in for a very hop filled treat. The aroma consisted of grapefruit, orange, and a little marijuana (it was very come and go but definitely there). The pour is dark honey in color and almost clear with a nice white head that dissipates slowly. Drinkability is high in this brew. A nice bitter taste balanced with a good alcohol flavor and a hint of sweet complete this beer. The bitterness is strong at first taste but mellows nicely.
Green Flash Imperial IPA is the kind of beer I imagine drinking with good friends.

Stone Ruination IPA

22oz. Bottle, $4.99

Chris: Pour was clear and golden with a beautiful white head. The aroma was strong, but not as strong as the Green Flash Imperial IPA. The hops were strong and citrus aromas were strong but nice. Now on to the taste. At first sip Ruination is smooth with a malty feel and then is quickly followed up by a stinging bitterness.
Stone states that Ruination gets its name for its “ruinous” effect on the palate and boy are they right. It took a while to get the taste out of my mouth that with time got worse and worse. Ruination is definitely a ruining take on IPA both crafty and unique but far from my favorite.

Nate: Chris hit the nail on the head.  This is one of the beers that Stone puts out that I like to call their “dare beers.”  This is not something that everyone will enjoy but you’ve got to admire their aggression.

I was surprised at how much more hop I got out of the Stone, even though the aroma was way more mellow than the Green Flash.  Rather than a smooth drink with a nice little bite at the end like the Green Flash, this gives you a steady hoppy taste throughout the drink.  This is a great beer but not something I’d want to open the night with.  It’s simply too overpowering.

Conclusion

We both really enjoyed both of these beers, but agree that the Green Flash is more drinkable and more enjoyable than the Ruination.

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