From the Beer Writer: We are entering an interesting age for San Diego’s veteran brewing companies. There are a handful that are now 20 years or older—Karl Strauss Brewing Company (27), AleSmith Brewing Company (21), Stone Brewing Co. (20) and the rest of the class of ’96, which includes Coronado Brewing Company. Over the past year or two, some of the aforementioned companies have significantly tweaked their year-round beer offerings. Karl now leads with its Mosaic Session Ale, Stone revamped its first-ever beer into Stone Pale Ale 2.0 and tweaked its venerable double India pale ale into Stone Ruination Double IPA 2.0. Meanwhile, Coronado has modernized by introducing its own double IPA to its core lineup in the form of Coronado Stingray IPA. Though on the lower end of the ABV scale for an “imperial” brew at 7.9%, it has formidable body that stands up to any double IPA out there. The beer is equally hardy from a hop aroma and flavor standpoint. Big citrus and tropical notes lead an onslaught that finishes out with a sticky, pithy bitterness in the finish. It’s simultaneously modern thanks to its extremely fruity flavor profile, and reminiscent of the Hop Slam era of yore thanks to that brawny back-end.
From the Brewers: “Being able to experiment with some new hops like Southern Cross from New Zealand, and to see how they work with other hops like Mosaic and Citra was awesome and really made for a tropical IPA. Keeping Stingray balanced and low on the bitterness was important to us to make this beer extremely approachable and drinkable. We worked on perfecting this recipe for years and are stoked to see where we finally landed.”—Ryan Brooks, Head Brewer, Coronado Brewing Co.
“The name Stingray comes from a spot in Coronado that only the locals really know about, Stingray Point. This is a secluded beach off of the golf course that you can only get to by going through the course or by boat, and was always inundated with stingrays. You really had to watch your step or your day would take a turn for the worst. Fun times have been had there by many of the locals growing up, drinking beer with friends and enjoying all things Coronado. I think that the beer fits in with the name since it is an easy-drinker for a 7.9% that you really have to watch your step. I know I’ve been drinking a ton of Stingray since we launched it.”—Shawn DeWitt, Director of Brewery Operations, Coronado Brewing Co.
From the Bottle: Named after a serene Coronado shoreline where locals soak up sun and suds, this easy-drinking IPA will transport you to a tropical paradise the moment it hits your lips. Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe and Southern Cross hops provide flavors and aromas of tropical fruits and sun-kissed citrus with soft accents of nectarine and peach.