California-based Stone Brewing is set to launch Stone Pataskala Red X IPA, a new red IPA made with Red X malt from Germany-based BESTMALZ.
The limited edition release will be introduced in 12-ounce six packs for retailers and on draft to restaurants and bars where the Stone beer is sold.
The Red X malt originated when Stone brewmaster Mitch Steele experimented with the distinctively malted barley. The special German malt variety, which is seldom used in hoppy beers, is usually reserved for German amber lagers, Irish red ales and other mildly hopped beers. It is known to give a deep crimson hue.
Stone brewmaster Mitch Steele said: "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.
"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 is brewed first as a small-batch beer and the red IPA comes with an upfront fruity and piney aroma provided by Mosaic, Amarillo and Cascade hops, translating into a stone fruit flavor while leaving a lingering bitter taste. The drink is brewed with late hop additions and dry-hopped generously. With 7.3% ABV, the citrusy drink achieves its balance with hints of cereal and biscuit notes from the malt.
The drink is recommended to be enjoyed within a 90-day 'enjoy by' date period, which is printed on the bottle neck. The limited edition will be made available in the month of May.
Image: New hop beer comes in a distinctive crimson red colour. Photo: Courtesy of Stone Brewing Co.
