ESCONDIDO, CA – Nearly 19 years ago, beer geek entrepreneurs Greg Koch and Steve Wagner launched Stone Brewing Co., selling the very first keg of Stone Pale Ale to San Diego County brewpub Pizza Port. Since that inaugural offering (a creation developed by original Stone Brewmaster Steve Wagner), Stone has earned a reputation for making a wide variety of bold, flavorful and often hop-centric beers. Starting today, a bold new version of Stone Pale Ale—artfully dubbed Stone Pale Ale 2.0—will begin arriving in 12-ounce six-packs and on draft.
More than a year ago, Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele was presented with the challenge of reimagining this iconic recipe. Before deciding on the final formulation for Stone Pale Ale 2.0, Greg, Steve, Mitch and the brewing team evaluated a number of prototypes. It was ultimately decided that the new year-round release should feature a distinctive new hop variety known as Mandarina Bavaria and a radically different grain bill.
“Revamping this recipe was a really big project for us, especially since our loyal fans, myself included, have an emotional attachment to Stone Pale Ale,” explains Wagner. “Mitch and the brewing team really stepped up to the challenge and created something we believe will satisfy people’s changing palates and growing desire for more unique hop varieties.”
Mandarina Bavaria, a relatively new hop varietal developed in Germany’s famed Bavaria region, offers a blend of earthy, citrusy, fruity aromatics. Magnum and Herkules hops provide bitterness that’s substantial, allowing for a unique pale ale that’s more hop-forward than its predecessor, without being overbearing. A touch of rye in the grain bill delivers hints of biscuity character and subtle spice on the palate, adding depth to this nicely balanced, eminently drinkable ale.
Quick facts:
Name: Stone Pale Ale 2.0
URL: Stonebrewing.com/Pale
Stats: 6% ABV, 55 IBUs
Availability: 12-ounce bottles in six-packs and on draft, beginning April 27
Hops Bill: Magnum, Herkules and Mandarina Bavaria
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 (coming soon): Australia; Alberta and British Columbia, Canada; Japan; Singapore; Sweden; and United Kingdom
Find Beer: find.stonebrewing.com