Tuesday, August 2, 2011

50 States/50 Beer Reviews- California

5:04:00 PM  Charleston Craft Beer  No comments


Ballast Point Brewing Company- Sculpin IPA Beer Review


Ballast Point Brewing started with two homebrewers (Jack White and Yuseff Cherney) in the the back room of a homebrewing supply store called "Home Brew Mart."  Eventually Ballast Point had outgrown its back room location and needed to move in order to keep up with the growing demand.   Now they can brew up to 120,000 gallons of delicious beer at their brewery in San Diego, California.  


All Ballast Point's beers are named after fish.  Their lineup includes: Big Eye IPA, Black Marlin Porter, Wheat Beer Wahoo, Pale Ale, Amber Ale Calico, and the beer that I am reviewing, Sculpin IPA. 

Taken from their website: "The Sculpin is a testament to our humble beginnings as Home Brew Mart. It showcases bright flavors and aromas of apricot, peach, mango & lemon. The lighter body also brings out the crispness of the hops. This delicious Ballast Point Ale won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup 2010 in the International Pale Ale category. The Sculpin fish has poisonous spikes on it’s fins that can give a strong sting.  Ironically, the meat from a Sculpin is considered some of the tastiest. Something that has a sting but tastes great, sounds like a Ballast Point India Pale Ale. "



Tasting Notes

Appearance:  Poured a hazy golden orange color with an off white creamy head that lasts for the duration.  Nice lacing up the side of the glass! 

Smell:   Prominent hop aroma.  Picking up grapefruit, mango and lemon, as well as a light malt aroma.  

Taste:  Bursting with a a fruity, citrusy hop flavor.  The light sweet malt balances the hop bitterness. 
   
Mouthfeel:  Medium light bodied.  Nice and creamy like.  Feels like you could have a few of these no problem. 

Overall:  Love the fruity tropical hops and the fact that it's not overly bitter.  Highly drinkable!

Grade: A-
Serving Type: 22 oz Bottle
Stats: Alcohol by Volume 7.0%
International Bittering Units: 70
Awards: Gold Medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup in the International Pale Ale Category.


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