Glassware: RuinTen is an amplified IPA with a huge hop presence in aroma and taste. Glassware that helps capture these qualities will take this world class beer to another level. The best option would be the Spiegelau IPA glass, however if this is not an option a snifter or tulip glass will also be great for RuinTen.

Description: RuinTen pours a clear deep gold with a big fluffy off white head that lingers long and leaves a thick layer of lacing on the glass. The aroma is best described as dank with huge hop notes of citrus fruits with pine and earthy notes mixed with slight hints of semi-sweet malts. The taste follows the nose with a world shattering hop punch up front on the palate with notes of nectarines, lemon, pineapple, and oranges being the most dominant backed by a very full semi-sweet malt bill that arrives to sooth the palate just in time. The full body and moderate carbonation aid in creating the perfect vessel for this hop bomb. The perfect dry finish and lack on any appearance of the high ABV make this a beer that will make you want more, but should come with a danger sign on it as the alcohol will quickly sneak up on you and ruin everything. RuinTen is a must try beer for all who love hops, but be warned, this is not a beer for the timid!

Food pairing: RuinTen is a perfect beer to enjoy with any number of spicier dishes, but also goes with some interesting cheese that will cut through the bitterness. Try pairing RuinTen with a cheeseburger piled high with bacon and jalapenos, the spices will gravitate toward one another while the natural sweetness of the meat will melt into the malt bill. Also try pairing with Mexican dishes, try with simple dishes such as chips and salsa, tacos carne asada, carnitas or taquitos. If you are a cheese fan try pairing with Maytag Blue, Humboldt Fog, or Bucheron. The creamy mouthfeel of the cheese will cut through the bitterness for a truly dream inducing experience. RuinTen will also go surprisingly well with a wide array of desserts, but lean toward the creamy end of desserts for a real treat. Try pairing with vanilla bean ice cream, key lime pie or cheesecake.

The Final Word: Stone Brewing Co. originally brewed RuinTen in 2012 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their fantastic Ruination IPA. The idea was to brew an even bigger version of the beefed up DIPA and the results were astounding, the feedback was strong and the public demanded more. So ever since this hop bomb was made available yearly. This year undergoing a name change to RuinTen Triple IPA, but it’s still the same recipe and the name is instead meant to let drinkers know that this is much hoppier than a standard DIPA. Stone Brewing Co. is most definitely a brewery that knows how to brew amazing IPAs and if you have not had RuinTen yet but love IPAs this is an absolute must try beer, but get them now before they are gone!

Remember, enjoy responsibly!

Brewer- Stone Brewing Co.

Beer- RuinTen Triple IPA

Style- American Double/ Imperial IPA

ABV- 10.80%

Weekender Rating: WWWWW

Derek Warren is a beer fanatic, avid homebrewer and beer historian. Derek can be heard weekly on the Beer Geeks Radio Hour at noon on Sundays on WILK 103.1 FM with past episodes available on iTunes.

By Derek Warren

For Weekender

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