Stone Coast 420 India Pale Ale

Had a pint of this at the Beale Street BBQ Grill, in Downtown Bath. I was happy to see that Stone Coast is still putting out this beer (since I assumed they were in trouble, after closing down their massive Old Port facility in Downtown Portland).

While I enjoy many different types of Mainer beers, I often find myself thinking "Jeez, just once wouldn't it be nice if they used a yeast strain that wasn't so buttery and estery?". Well, this particular beer meets that wish, and then some. Probably the closest thing to a "dry & bitter PacNW IPA" to be had in New England, seemingly.

Peachy/orangish body, with thick foaming on top. Hops immediately in the forefront of the aroma department -- unusual for these part, seemingly. Perhaps not too complex, but appealing, nonetheless.

But where this beer really comes into it's own is in the flavor profile. Quite clean and mildly fruity -- but making sure that the hops are front-stage-center. Not citrusy, so not much in the way of Cascade, Centennial, and/or Goldings, but still with enough of a fruity twang to give this beer some interesting highlights. I'm thinking more along the lines of Fuggles, or perhaps their Americanized cousins (Willamettes). No matter. This is damn tasty off-the-tap, that's for sure.

Interesting note: I noticed that this beer (when bottled in 12-oz bottles) has a label different than that's posted here. Namely, the addition of the word "BATCH" above the "420". Perhaps they're trying to imply that this beer has nothing to do with a certain cousin-of-the-hop, and certain ritual smokings of said herb at 4:20pm every day across the country..? ;^)

Either way, this remains one of my favorite East Coast IPA's -- if, for no other reason, than the fact that it isn't soft, mushy, and buttery...! Recommended.
//TB