The Ultimate Stone IPA Variety Pack 2025: Unpacking The Four Essential IPAs You Need To Try
The Stone IPA Variety Pack remains one of the most popular and compelling craft beer mixed packs on the market, and the 2025 edition brings a fresh twist to its already stellar lineup. This 12-pack is consistently lauded as a "greatest hits" compilation, showcasing the pioneering spirit of Stone Brewing and their mastery of the India Pale Ale style.
As of late December 2025, the latest iteration of the pack is perfectly curated to offer a complete journey through the IPA landscape, ranging from crushable low-ABV options to intensely hopped Double IPAs. The biggest news for hopheads is the inclusion of the refreshing Stone Dayfest IPA, a new seasonal offering that balances the pack's power with sessionable flavor, making this mixed case a must-buy for any beer enthusiast this year.
The Stone Brewing IPA Legacy: Founders and History
Stone Brewing Co. is not just a brewery; it is a foundational pillar of the American craft beer movement, particularly for the West Coast IPA style. Founded in 1996 in San Marcos, California, by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, Stone's original mission was to challenge the status quo and create bold, flavorful beers that prioritized hops and intensity.
The brewery quickly became synonymous with the unapologetically bitter and crisp West Coast IPA, setting a benchmark for the entire industry. Today, headquartered in Escondido, California, Stone Brewing ranks among the top craft breweries in the U.S. and continues to innovate, which is perfectly demonstrated by the diverse range of IPAs found in their flagship variety pack.
Stone Brewing Co. Biography & Key Facts
- Founders: Greg Koch and Steve Wagner
- Founded: 1996
- Original Location: San Marcos, California
- Headquarters: Escondido, California
- Signature Style: West Coast IPA (Stone IPA)
- Mission: To brew amazing, flavorful beers and challenge the conventional beer market.
- Current Status: Ranks among the top U.S. craft breweries.
Unpacking the 2025 Stone IPA Variety Pack: Four Essential Brews
The 12-pack typically contains three cans of each of the four featured beers, providing a perfect opportunity to compare and contrast different IPA styles. The current lineup is a masterclass in hop expression, offering a spectrum of ABV, bitterness (IBU), and flavor profiles.
1. The Newcomer: Stone Dayfest IPA
The most exciting inclusion in the latest variety pack is the low-ABV Stone Dayfest IPA. This beer is an exclusive seasonal offering designed to be the ultimate refreshing, crushable IPA, perfect for long days and warm weather.
- Style: West Coast IPA / Session IPA
- ABV: 4.5%
- Tasting Notes: Bursting with a gorgeous aroma of mango, pineapple, citrus, and bubblegum. It features Mosaic, Vista, and Nelson Sauvin hops, delivering bold hop character without the heavy bitterness, making it light and easy-to-enjoy.
- Intention: A refreshing, lower-alcohol option that doesn't sacrifice the signature Stone hop flavor.
2. The Icon: Stone IPA
The beer that started it all. Stone IPA is the definitive West Coast IPA, known for its bold, crisp, and unapologetically bitter profile. It is the benchmark against which many other IPAs are measured.
- Style: West Coast IPA / American IPA
- ABV: 6.9%
- IBU: 71–77
- Tasting Notes: A classic profile of pine, citrus rind, and tropical hop notes, crafted for balanced intensity. The generous "dry hopping" process gives it an abundant hop aroma and a crisp finish.
- Hops: Magnum, Chinook, Centennial, Azacca, Calypso, Ella & Vic Secret.
3. The Modern Classic: Stone Hazy IPA
Stone’s entry into the popular Hazy IPA category, this beer delivers a juicy, smooth experience that has fueled growth in the IPA segment. It’s significantly less bitter than the classic Stone IPA but still packs a powerful hop punch.
- Style: New England / Hazy IPA
- ABV: 6.7%
- IBU: 35
- Tasting Notes: Juicy, smooth, and endlessly crushable, Stone Hazy IPA brings tropical fruit flavors front and center. It blooms with bold, juicy notes from hops like Sabro, Magnum, and El Dorado.
- Intention: To provide a tropical, less-bitter, yet flavor-forward IPA that appeals to modern tastes.
4. The Heavy Hitter: Stone ///Fear.Movie.Lions Hazy Double IPA
For those seeking intensity, the Stone ///Fear.Movie.Lions Hazy Double IPA is the powerhouse of the pack. This unfiltered beer is a high-octane version of the Hazy style, delivering massive flavor and a significant alcohol boost.
- Style: Hazy Double IPA / Imperial IPA
- ABV: 8.5%
- Tasting Notes: Juiced up with massive Loral and Mosaic hops, it delivers intense tropical and citrus notes. The light haze, gold appearance, and relatively dry body complement the powerful double IPA style, leading to a short, moderately bitter finish.
- Intention: An unfiltered, high-impact beer that offers a juicy hop experience with a strong kick.
Why This Variety Pack Dominates the Craft Beer Scene
The enduring popularity of the Stone IPA Variety Pack stems from its ability to offer a comprehensive cross-section of the entire IPA category, all under one trusted brand. It’s a smart purchase for several reasons, particularly when compared to competitors like the Voodoo Ranger variety pack.
First, it provides topical authority in a single box. You get the classic, the modern, the light, and the heavy—a complete education in hop flavors. The inclusion of a seasonal exclusive like the low-ABV Dayfest IPA keeps the pack fresh and relevant, encouraging repeat purchases as the lineup subtly changes with the seasons.
Second, the quality is consistent. Stone Brewing is known for its commitment to fresh, bold flavors, which is critical for the volatile nature of IPAs. The pack serves as a perfect introduction for a novice craft beer drinker, allowing them to discover their preferred IPA sub-style, whether it’s the crisp bitterness of a West Coast or the juicy tropicality of a Hazy.
Finally, the price point, which typically ranges from $16.99 to $25.99 depending on the retailer and region, offers excellent value for 12 cans of premium, high-quality craft beer, including an 8.5% Double IPA.
How to Best Enjoy Your Stone IPA Variety Pack
To get the most out of this diverse selection, consider tasting the beers in order of Alcohol by Volume (ABV) or Bitterness (IBU). Start with the lightest and most refreshing to cleanse your palate before moving to the bolder, higher-ABV selections.
- Start with Dayfest IPA (4.5% ABV): Its light body and sessionable ABV make it the perfect opener.
- Move to Stone Hazy IPA (6.7% ABV): Enjoy the tropical, juicy notes before your palate is overwhelmed by bitterness.
- Next is Stone IPA (6.9% ABV): Re-calibrate with the iconic, crisp West Coast bitterness.
- Finish with ///Fear.Movie.Lions Hazy Double IPA (8.5% ABV): End your tasting session on the high-impact, full-bodied double IPA.
This Stone IPA Variety Pack is more than just a mixed case; it’s a curated experience that honors the brewery's legacy while embracing the newest trends in the craft beer world. Whether you are a lifelong hophead or just dipping your toe into the world of IPAs, this 2025 collection is an essential purchase.
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