BEER REVIEW: Sculpin Indian Pale Ale from Ballast Point Brewery

April 13, 2014 0 Comments

by Adam Keen…

Beer Name: Sculpin Indian Pale Ale

Brewery: Ballast Point Brewery

Website:

Available locally at: Kroger, Ale Yeah in Decatur, many craft beer stores around Atlanta

ABV: 7% | IBU: 70

Glassware: Goblet or pint glass

Appearance: Golden, plain ale

Scent/Aroma: Hops, fruit, floral,

Taste/Flavor: hop forward, pretty strong bite

Body/Mouthfeel: smooth and spicy

First Taste: This is a beer with a kick. It reminds me of some beers brewed with serrano peppers that I’ve tried but I don’t think it was brewed with peppers. Ballast Point says: “After years of experimenting, we knew hopping an ale at five separate stages would produce something special. The result ended up being this gold-medal winning IPA, whose inspired use of hops creates hints of apricot, peach, mango and lemon flavors, but still packs a bit of a sting, just like a Sculpin fish.”. So they mention the kick I refer to as a ‘sting’ but I don’t think peppers are a factor. The ’sting’ is really prevalent in each taste and dominates the after taste as well…and is really good. A great IPA with a kick AND a bite.

Season: year round

Food/Dessert: I say Mexican and after dinner when you’re not eating dessert. Ballast Point says: “Coconut Basmati Rice, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Tropical Bread Pudding.”

Scale: 8

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