ESCONDIDO, CA (Feb. 1, 2016) – Stone Brewing is introducing Stone Pataskala Red X IPA, a red IPA brewed with newly available Red X malt from Germany-based BESTMALZ and featuring a backstory as vibrant as its hop bill. Starting this week, the limited seasonal release will debut in 12-ounce six-packs to retailers and on draft to restaurants and bars where Stone beer is sold.
Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele discovered Red X malt through homebrew circles and was intrigued to experiment with this uniquely malted barley. Rarely used in hoppy beers, the special German malt variety is typically reserved for German amber lagers, Irish red ales and other mildly hopped beers and is known for creating a deep crimson hue. Given Stone’s well-documented obsession with hops, an abundant hop bill was (without hesitation) considered the perfect combination for a trial.
“After sampling a prototype that was brewed last year for Pataskala, OH, I really enjoyed how well the hop flavors and aromas shined through when combined with Red X malt,” said Steele. “Liberty Station Brewing Manager Kris Ketcham really nailed the brew, so after a successful regional release in and around its namesake town, we couldn’t resist making this recipe widely available for our fans nationwide.”
Stone Pataskala Red X IPA may strike a familiar note to loyal Stone fans, as it was first brewed as a small-batch beer to support a special cause. In early 2015, Stone CEO & co-founder Greg Koch received a letter from a determined high school student in Pataskala that explained the dire situation of her high school’s extracurricular and educational programs, which were facing the ax because a funding levy had repeatedly failed to get enough votes. There was one last chance with a vote coming that May. Could he help? Koch, who grew up in Pataskala, was touched by the plea and promised to brew a special beer with proceeds to further benefit school arts and music programs should the measure pass. The hope was that it might help the community to support the cause. Fortunately, this time the people of Pataskala rallied in support as well and the levy passed! Stone’s CEO made good on his promise and personally celebrated with locals in September 2015 upon the delivery of the beer to Pataskala and surrounding areas. More than $10,000 was raised for the Watkins Memorial High School Band Boosters and Ally’s Warriors of Stone Foundation.
Mosaic, Amarillo and Cascade hops provide this red IPA with an upfront fruity and piney aroma, transcending into stone fruit flavor and pleasingly lingering bitterness. Brewed with late hop additions and generously dry-hopped, the 7.3 percent alcohol-by-volume beer is incredibly citrus-forward, yet balanced by cereal notes and biscuit undertones from the malt. When all the ingredients are combined, this IPA showcases the signature qualities of hop-forward Stone beers.
To fully experience the generous dose of hops and its unique malt bill, Stone Pataskala Red X IPA should be enjoyed within the 90-day “enjoy by” date printed on the bottle neck. Fans will be able to find this seasonal release in limited quantities through May.
Quick Facts
Stone Pataskala Red X IPA
Name: Stone Pataskala Red X IPA
URL: stonebrewing.com/pataskalaipa
Stats: 7.3% ABV, 75 IBUs
Availability: Seasonal 12-ounce bottles in six-packs and draft, beginning February 1
Hop Varieties: Mosaic, Amarillo, Cascade
National Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA and Puerto Rico
International Distribution: Australia; Alberta and British Columbia, Canada; Baja California, Mexico; Germany; Hong Kong; Japan; Korea; Singapore; Sweden; Thailand; United Kingdom
Find Beer: http://find.stonebrewing.com/
Tasting Notes
provided by Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele
Appearance: A beautiful beer! It pours deep amber with ruby red highlights and a tan head.
Aroma: A blend of dank, herbal and citrus hop aromas dominate, followed by a nice low-level toasted malt character.
Taste: The hops come across very citrusy, followed by a bit of dankness and stone fruit, then the malt flavors provide a nice balance and layers of complexity.
Palate: Dry and moderately bitter.
Overall: I learned about Red X malt through a homebrewer friend, who happened to share one of his brews with me and also mentioned a local brewery in my hometown that was using it to brew a red ale. Intrigued by the balanced flavor and the deep red color after tasting his beers, I sent Liberty Station Brewing Manager Kris Ketcham a recipe for a red IPA. He brewed a great beer, and after tasting it, we decided it was the perfect candidate to replace Stone Delicious IPA in our seasonal lineup (Stone Delicious IPA is now available year-round). Red X is an interesting malt. It looks like pale malt, but produces brilliant red color in beer and balanced flavor, not cloying or too sweet. The flavor is mild, not intense like other red malts, but unique and adds a great component to a hoppy beer.
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