While on a trip to the Rose Bowl, Hoppy stopped by Stone Brewing in Escondido, CA. Stone began brewing in 1996 and quickly became one of the largest craft brewers in the country. In 2022 they were purchased by Sapporo USA. While at the Bistro and Gardens Hoppy enjoyed tasting the following beers:

Stone Citragato IPA – Described as a West Coast IPA with Cryo Fresh Citra and Krush hops. 7.7% ABV.

Stone Delicious IPA – Described as an intensely citrusy, beautifully bitter beer worthy of its simple-yet lordly title. El Dorado & Lemon Drop hops combine to bring on a magnificent lemon candy-like flavor that’s balanced by hop spice. It is crafted to reduce gluten. 7.7%, 75 IBU.

Stone Delicious Double IPA – Described as having serious depth of flavor and an explosive aroma of lemon & tropical fruit from Centennial and Amarillo hops, all with less bitterness than a typical double IPA. The result is extra fruity, extra satisfying and extra Delicious. 9.4% ABV, 55 IBU,

Stone Enjoy By 01.01.26 Double IPA – Described as packed with a ludicrous amount of hops for maximum tropical fruit, peach and resiny goodness, this beer is as crisp as the evening air and as dazzling as a midnight fireworks show. 9.4% ABV, 90 IBU.

Stone Imperial Zombie Love Potion – This is an Imperial Chocolate Pomegranate Poter. It is described as having chocolaty richness, balanced nicely by the fruity notes of pomegranate. 9% ABV, 60 IBU.

Hoppy also imbibed full glasses of the following ales:

Stone Green Buds IPA – This is a West Coast IPA headlining Anchovy and Citra hops, harmonizing with vibrant riffs of citrus, golden apple, apricot and melon. 7% ABV.

Stone Hop Squander IPA – Brewed with seven different hops! Described as being juicy with soft bitterness and having citrus, stone fruit, sweet fruits and tropical notes. 7.1% ABV.

Pictures from Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens follow:

Hoppy’s last stop in South Carolina was at Snafu Brewing. They were founded in 2016, and they opened their tasting room in February 2017. They are known for their sour beers, and they call themselves Charleston’s Sour Brewery.

While there, Hoppy quaffed a Keeping It Teal Sour-Fruited beer. It is described as brewed with oats and then conditioned on cotton candy and blue raspberry Italian ice. 5% ABV.

Pictures from the visit follow:

Back in North Carolina, Hoppy visited Wilmington Brewing. They opened their doors in 2014 and opened their new taproom, The Venue, next door to the brewery, in January 2022. They have since opened a second brewery in Wilmington, named Savard Beer & Board, in June of this year.

While there, Hoppy enjoyed a Tropical Lightning IPA. It is described as a West Coast IPA, and it clocks in at 7.4% ABV, 75 IBU.

Pictures from his visit follow:

Next stop was Winyah Bay Brewing, which celebrated their grand opening on August 29, 2024. They had previously operated for a few years inside Buzz’s Roost restaurant, on the Georgetown waterfront, prior to this opening. While there, Hoppy quaffed a Hops “Seewee” IPA described as an IPA paying homage to the Lowcountry. It is powered by Centennial hops with Crystal 10 malt added, which gives the beer a slightly amber hue. 6.8% ABV.

Pictures from the visit follow: