Ballast Point Brewing Company Unfiltered Sculpin
What the brewers say
“Our trophy beer, extra-hopped and unfiltered. Our Unfiltered Sculpin IPA packs extra hops into every sip, enhancing the classic Sculpin notes of fresh apricot, peach, mango, and lemon with a slight haze and less bitterness.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Pine and lemon lead the way with orange and a touch of light toasted malt in tow along with some marigold notes, slightly sticky malt (caramel), light mint, and basil. Clean and hoppy in all of the ways a West Coast IPA should be.”
Flavor: “Pine and lemon are front and center. Orange citrus notes with just a touch of toasted malt support. Significant, but not overwhelming, bitterness with enough malt backbone to make this beer really drinkable. A bit of pine. The keynote is that clean bitterness that offers a long aftertaste, partnered with the pine and some citrus. Well after the swallow, I’m still savoring.”
Overall: “Refreshing and enjoyable. The hops came through as bright and sweet but not heavy. The inviting bitterness added complexity. Very tasty and smooth. A celebration of exactly what a West Coast IPA should be.”
