Stone Brewing: Bold IPAs, Big Flavor, and the Craft Beer Spirit Since 1996
When Greg Koch and Steve Wagner founded Stone Brewing in San Marcos, California in 1996, their mission was simple: make bold, flavorful beers for people tired of bland, industrial brews. Fast forward to today, and Stone is one of the most iconic names in American craft beer, especially if you're a hop lover.
Stone’s beers are unapologetically bold, often pushing boundaries with high IBUs, adventurous hop combinations, and strong character. But the brewery isn’t stuck in the past. Whether it’s embracing low-gluten brewing techniques or diving into the world of hazy IPAs, Stone is always evolving.
Here are three standout brews from the Stone lineup that every craft beer fan should try:
🍺 Stone Delicious IPA – 355ml
India Pale Ale | ABV: 7.7% | IBU: 75
If the name didn’t already give it away, yes, this one’s delicious. Stone’s signature West Coast IPA takes a citrusy turn with Lemondrop and El Dorado hops, delivering intense flavors of lemon peel, candy citrus, and herbal bitterness.
But what makes this beer truly special? It’s crafted to be low in gluten which is a first for Stone. Using a special enzyme from long-time partner White Labs, they’ve removed most of the gluten while maintaining full-bodied flavor and aroma.
Whether you're gluten-sensitive or just love a crisp, citrus-forward IPA, Delicious IPA lives up to the hype.
Hops: Columbus, Calypso, Lemondrop, El Dorado
Style: IPA (Low-Gluten)
🍺 Stone Pilsner IPA – 355ml
India Pale Ale | ABV: 7.7%
A citrus-forward twist on the original Delicious IPA, this version amps things up with Talus hops (known for their tangerine notes) and real orange peel for extra punch.
The result is a vibrant, juicy IPA with flavors of ripe orange, grapefruit, white wine, pineapple, raspberry, and even strawberry. It’s bright, layered, and incredibly drinkable.
This one's ideal for anyone who enjoys fruity, citrus-heavy IPAs without too much sweetness.
Hops: Amarillo, Talus, El Dorado
Style: IPA
🍺 Stone Hazy IPA – 355ml
Hazy IPA | ABV: 6.7%
Stone’s take on the East Coast–inspired Hazy IPA is full of bold tropical character, while dialing back the bitterness. Brewed with El Dorado, Azacca, and Sabro hops, this beer bursts with flavors of orange, lemon, melon, mango, and pineapple.
It pours a hazy orange and offers a creamy, smooth texture. Despite the 6.7% ABV, it’s incredibly easy to drink, perfect for fans of juicy, fruit-forward IPAs.
Hops: El Dorado, Azacca, Sabro
Style: Hazy IPA
🍻 Why We Love Stone Brewing
Stone Brewing is one of those rare craft breweries that’s managed to keep its identity while continuing to grow and adapt. Their beers are bold, their flavors are confident, and their attention to quality is as strong as ever.
Whether you’re diving into the bright citrus of Delicious IPA, exploring the fruit-driven complexity of Delicious Citrus, or enjoying the tropical haze of their Hazy IPA, there’s something in the Stone lineup for every hop lover.
Big hops, bold ideas, and California spirit: Stone Brewing is still one of the greats. Cheers!
