There is this fine Brewery in San Diego by the Name of Ballast Point and at this fine beer producing business they make what might be my second favorite IPA in the country. Sculpin IPA is that beer, and boy does it leave you feeling like you just had a sublime beer experience. This beer is a complete single IPA, it has everything you want and nothing you hate, this beer is just that good. Furthermore, is that this beer is a single IPA and it delivers all the robust textures and flavors of double IPA's. Moreover, what enhances the taste of this beer is the dry hopping stage that this beer goes through, it adds more complexity to the beer and it lets all the fruity flavors blend together to give Sculpin a wonderful aroma. Like most top of the line IPA's you want to enjoy this beer out of the proper glassware, and for this beer I fully recommend drinking this beer out of a snifter, but a tulip will work ok if a snifter is not available to you. At 7 % abv this beer drinks smooth and clean with plenty of refreshing qualities. Lastly, this beer is worth every dime, at $7.99 a 22 oz bottle I believe this is a steal and this beer should be in your fridge at all times. Try Sculpin with an array of foods, but my recommendation is to pair this beer with meaty pizza or other robust Italian dishes, the pairing is amazing.
Color: A hazy hopper color with an orange hue around the edges. This beer is excellently carbonated and it forms a nice 2 finger head when you pour it into your glass. Not much lacing but it does stick to the glass.
Nose: Delightful! This beer delivers a plethora of floral and fruity flavors. Mango, apricots, peach, and some mellow papaya make their way up your nose. The bouquet of hops follows and it is accompanied by a welcomed sweetness..
Palate: A full bodied beer that is balanced, explosive, and complex. This beer just throws everything at you and it all works so well together. Smooth and clean and exploding with flavor.
Finish: Just sublime! The Hops are more evident at this stage and the fruit kinda takeas a back seat but nothing wrong with that. Best Single IPA on the west coast and maybe the whole country.
Rating: 96 out of 100
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