Our fourth of 12 candidates for America's Next Top Beer ...

Stone Pale Ale
Stone Brewing Co. -- San Diego

A distinctly British ale by way of San Diego, Stone Pale Ale is one of the main reasons Stone Brewing Co. has seen its production explode from 400 barrels in 1996 to 98,500 barrels last year. In fact, given the company's growth, it may be unfair to include the Stone folks in the America's Next Top Beer debate -- they may have already arrived.

Their finely crafted brews are available in 33 states, and they now have their sights set on Europe. "They have that necessary combination of quality products, big investment capital and marketing, to become a true national success story," the Beer Sommelier, Matt Simpson, says.

But you can't deny the true artisanal nature of their Pale Ale, a golden, creamy, delicate drink that goes down smooth but packs enough nuanced flavor to appeal to die-hard hopheads. No wonder Beer Advocate put the Stone Brewing Co. at the top of their list of All-Time Top Brewers.

The final word:

Joe Sixpack: "Easy-drinking"
The Beer Sommelier: "Crisp"
Jay Jankowski: "Quenching"
Marty Wombacher: "Delicious"

To see a roundup of all the nominated beers, and to get more information on our Microbrewed Beer of the Month giveaway, check out our America's Next Top Beer hub.

Which microbrew should be America's Next Top Beer?
AleSmith Anvil ESB Ale104 (1.2%)
Alpha King252 (2.9%)
B.O.R.I.S. the Crusher Oatmeal-Imperial Stout 411 (4.8%)
Bell's Two-Hearted Ale882 (10.3%)
Brooklyn Lager649 (7.5%)
Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA 262 (3.0%)
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA1198 (13.9%)
Lagunitas Brewing's IPA417 (4.9%)
New Belgium Brewing's Fat Tire Amber2488 (28.9%)
Ommegang Abbey Ale369 (4.3%)
Stone Pale Ale1204 (14.0%)
Surly Brewing Co.'s Furious361 (4.2%)