Stone - Levitation Ale

Another night, another tasty brew!  Tonight's brew comes courtesy of Stone Brewing.  Every since these guys started to distribute out our way Dunz and I have jumped on the opportunity to taste as many Stone creations as we could.  Prior to tonight, we have reviewed seven (seems to be a common number these days) Stone brews to date.  We have tasted everything from Stone's Arrogant Bastard to their Cali-Belgie IPA and on into a delicious Sublimely Self Righteous Dark IPA.  Unfortunately, the limited release bottles don't make their way out here.  Hopefully if we drink enough Stone beer they will think the market is large enough to warrant sending a few bottles our way.

This bottle of Stone Levitation boasts the same gargoyle theme that we have all come to know and love.  The beer trapped inside is a clear burnt amber color.  A solid, creamy light tan foam forms and refuses to retreat.  Citrus and floral aromas are very prominent and supported by a hint of caramel and toasted bread.  The flavors here are intense replications of the aroma.  It starts off with a strong hop bitterness that quickly gives way to a fruity-citrusy combination which further yields itself to a sweet caramel finish.  No alcohol and a mild carbonation allow the primary flavors of citrus and caramelized bread to linger throughout.

Overall - A very tasty hoppy amber ale from Stone.  As with most Stone beers, Levitation doesn't really fit nicely into any single category of beer.  If anything, its a majorly hoppy American Amber Ale on steroids.  Bold flavors throughout kept me coming back for each sip.  Even though each aspect was bold and distinct, nothing completely overpowered this beer.  Levitation is a nicely balanced but bold brew.  Lucky for me its availability is year round!