Ballast Point Sculpin IPA
Ballast Point Sculpin IPA 7.0 ABV Limited Release
Appearance: Beautiful amber color, very clear with a dense, thick white head.
Aroma: Right off the bat I notice how strikingly different this beer smells, Overwhelmingly fresh, flowery from the hops, apricots, pine notes, then something I really can’t put my nose on, almost like a type FA transmission fluid, but in a good way, lemons or grapefruit, still something biting at me, can’t tell what it is. I smell some more, it starts to remind me of some fine Afghani cannabis, some hindu kush maybe. I take another whiff and, BAM, mango, that sort of sweet, piney, funky goodness only to be found in a mango. I spent so much time smelling this beer, it really should be a cologne, or at least a room deodorizer, maybe a candle!
Taste: At first I’m hit with the apricot, then a little hop bitterness, and then believe it or not jasmine and lavender hints take effect. A few more sips and almonds come in on the scene, peachy too. I try to let it sit for awhile, maybe to change the taste and nose. I can’t put it down, I keep smelling and taking small sips. Trully one of , if not THEE best IPAs I’ve ever tasted!! I have had many IPAs, and it is my favorite style, but I was blown away by this beer! Truly a top notch brew.
Mouthfeel: Feels like a thousand little IPA fairies fluttering on my tongue, slightly fizzy, light, refreshing, good carbonation.
Drinkability: I have tasted a few Ballast Point beers before, good stuff, but kinda run of the mill I thought. This particular beer opened my eyes and is making me completely reconsider this brewery alltogether. I hate to be redundant, but seriously, one of the best IPAs in the world, really. I would say, run, don’t walk, to your nearest beer monger, and physically make him/her find this beer for you. It is a limited release, so good luck. I’m driving down to San Diego next monday, and I really hope I can find it on tap, somewhere! I can only imagine what it tastes like fresh on tap, the stuff beer dreams are made of!
