Glassware: Hops are on full display in this delicious and well balanced IPL, and glassware that enhances the aroma and taste is best suited for the beer. The Spigelau IPA glass will work well as it was designed to trap hop aroma. However, if this is not an option, a snifter, tulip or nonic pint glass will be sufficient. The key is to use glassware that traps the enticing aroma.

Description: Dayslayer IPL pours a bright and clear golden yellow with an equally bright white head that leaves a a thick layer of lacing on the glass. The aroma has a strong fruit presence featuring both tropical and citrus fruits such as mango, grapefruit, papaya and lemon with sweet honey-like malts in the background. The taste follows the nose with a strong, bitter tropical fruit taste washing over the palate before semi-sweet malts arise to quell any bitter quality. The balance within this IPL is a true highlight and allows the flavors to shine without any single quality dominating.

The medium body and moderate carbonation create an extremely smooth beer that is highly drinkable. While some IPAs can be too much for many casual beer drinkers, the IPL is a great style for those looking to experience a hoppy beer but with a bit more balance. Stone Brewing Co. and Maine Beer Co. have collaborated to create an approachable hoppy beer that, while aggressive, is still a balanced, easy-drinking hop-forward beer.

Food pairing: The ample use of hops and extremely smooth malt character make this beer great to have on hand as the warm summer months approach. Try pairing this beer with barbecue dishes at your next cookout such as the classic cheeseburger piled high with toppings, barbecue chicken, brisket, ribs, or even delicate smoked salmon. Caramelized flavors from the meat will match perfectly with the rich malt profile of the beer, while the hops will cut through spices and add a layer of wonderful citrus, leaving the carbonation to scrub the palate clean between each bite.

This is also a great beer to pair with your next Friday night pizza order. Do not be afraid to pile on toppings; this is a beer that can handle it all. The bready notes from the malt will sink their teeth into the crust and never let go while the hops will agree with most toppings but go especially well with pepperoni and sausage.

The Final Word: Collaboration beers are a great way to build the craft beer community, and when done right, the beer can showcase the talents of all brewers involved. Maine Beer Co. and Stone Brewing Co. both have gained loyal followings through their world-class treatment of American IPAs, so it seems like a natural pairing for a great hop-forward beer. The interesting twist in making an IPL makes for a beer that allows both breweries to shine. The strong malt backbone is the perfect counterpoint for the hefty dosing of hops to create a highly drinkable, hoppy beer. This is no small feat when considering the love of hops that both breweries have as this could have easily become a huge hop bomb. If you are a hop lover, this is a must try. Grab a bottle now while its fresh!

Dayslayer IPL an approachable beer for those who are too casual for IPAs but want to experience hoppy beers.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Stone-Dayslayer.jpgDayslayer IPL an approachable beer for those who are too casual for IPAs but want to experience hoppy beers. Submitted photo

By Derek Warren

For Weekender

Brewer: Stone Brewing Co./Maine Beer Co.

Beer: Dayslayer India Pale Lager

Style: American IPL

ABV: 7.50%

Rating: WWWW

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.