I would usually start my review with appearance but the smell of Green Stone, a NZ IPA from Durham brewers S43, is so amazing that I thought it deserved the first mention. It is so fruity that it wafts out of the can the second it is opened and continues to fill the air with a fruity and pine aroma while it sits in the glass. It's like having a scented candle in the room with notes of grapefruit, peach and pine.
I'm not a huge fan of beers with a hazy appearance as they look too much like fruit juice, as does Green Stone. With the small cream coloured head doing a rapid disappearing act, I was left with what looks like a glass of orange squash. Although there is some sediment in the can, I expected there to be a lot more so with a careful pour I got a decent glass full.
On to the all important taste and what a lovely surprise this is. Initially fruity and hoppy with a pinch of pine, it has a lovely sweet/bitter balance followed by an amazing dry finish. It's full bodied and perfectly carbonated, providing a decent amount of fizz without being harsh. The taste is so very different to anything I have tried before; I didn't expect to love the pine as much as I did. The pine complements the bitter grapefruit and the addition of peach adds some sweetness to give a very well balanced ale.
So tasty and very refreshing, you have to remember not to guzzle this one as it packs a punch at 6.8%. Not being a citrus lover, I'm very surprised to say that Ale Be Seeing You again to Green Stone.
Brewed by S43 Brewery, Durham
6.8% ABV
My rating:
My Untappd score: 4.5/5
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