When two iconic San Diego institutions collide, expectations run high.
Stone Brewing has teamed up with San Diego’s own post-hardcore heavyweights, Pierce the Veil (and frontman Vic Fuentes), to craft Stone Pierce the Veil IPA—a 6.5% ABV West Coast IPA brewed to celebrate the band’s sold-out hometown show.
This release relies on a heavy-hitting quartet of hops: classic anchor Centennial, modern powerhouse Citra, tropical-forward El Dorado, and the newly branded Krush (formerly known as experimental hop HBC 586).
- Style: West Coast IPA
- ABV: 6.5%
- Hops: Centennial, Citra, El Dorado, Krush
- Availability: Hyper-limited San Diego & select event release
Visual Presentation
Pours a bright, deep golden amber with crystal-clear brilliance that glows under direct sunlight. A dense, persistent cap of tight, off-white foam rises effortlessly, maintaining solid head retention. Lively carbonation continuously feeds the surface, leaving thick, webbed rings of sticky, resinous lacing down the glass with every sip.
Aroma
According to the brewery’s official release notes, the beer promises a bright, fruit-forward aroma driven by its hop bill. On the nose, that promise largely holds true: immediate citrus leads the way, with freshly peeled orange zest and pink grapefruit up front. A wave of tropical sweetness follows—evoking ripe mango, papaya, and a touch of candied pineapple. Beneath the fruit layer sits a subtle, clean malt sweetness, balanced by a faint, piney resin note that hints at its traditional West Coast backbone.
Flavor Profile
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Initial Impression: A burst of bright citrus rind (orange, tangerine) and juicy stone fruit hits the front of the tongue.
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Mid-Palate: The hop complexity expands into melon, tropical punch, and peach, courtesy of the El Dorado and Krush hop blend. The malt bill stays purposefully clean and light, providing just enough cracker and pale-malt structure to carry the massive hop punch without adding unwanted weight or lingering sweetness.
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Finish: Snappy, clean, and dry. A sharp, classic West Coast bitterness (backed by Centennial) emerges toward the tail end, sweeping away the tropical fruitiness and leaving a crisp, resinous citrus-pith bitterness that invites the next sip.
Mouthfeel & Drinkability
Medium-light body with crisp, effervescent carbonation. At 6.5% ABV, it avoids the heavier, warm alcohol profile of a Double IPA, keeping it remarkably drinkable while maintaining full flavor intensity.
Final Verdict
Stone Pierce the Veil IPA lives up to its name. It bridges the gap between classic West Coast pine-and-citrus bitterness and modern, fruit-forward hop aromatics. It’s an expertly crafted, highly crushable IPA that honors both San Diego’s rich craft beer legacy and its legendary music scene.
Where to Find & Buy Stone Pierce the Veil IPA
Because this is a hyper-limited release tied to Pierce the Veil’s hometown events, distribution is tightly focused. Here is where you can pick up 16oz 4-packs or catch it on draft while supplies last:
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Stone Locations (San Diego):
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Exclusive Early Drop (August 29): Available first on draft and in cans at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station.
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Full Rollout (Week of August 31): Available across all other Stone Brewing taprooms, bistros, and select craft beer retailers throughout San Diego.
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Concerts & Festivals:
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September 12: Available inside the venue at Pierce the Veil’s sold-out hometown show at Petco Park.
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October 3: Pouring live in Sacramento for the band’s headlining set at Aftershock Festival.
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Pro Tip: Supply for this collaboration is strictly limited. If you are looking to secure 4-packs at local San Diego retailers or Stone locations, call ahead or check the Stone Brewing Finder app before heading out.
