American IPA
San Diego, CA
ABV: 7.0% | IBU: 70
Availability: Year-round in 12oz. Bottles, 12oz. Cans & Draft

In the world of IPA’s, leave it to the west coast to remind us what flavors we didn’t quite realize we were missing, or flavors that were better left in the cupboards. For the ever popular Ballast Point Brewing Company in San Diego, California, pushing the envelope isn’t new territory. Just this past weekend, I was able to experience the strange and not quite so enjoyable Habanero Sculpin. This beer most definitely plays in a league of its own and even now, I am not sure what those rules are.

On the fortunate side for the Sculpin family, Ballast Point has hit a homerun for those with simpler, citrusy inclinations. Enter the Grapefruit Sculpin IPA. For this beer drinker, grapefruit flavors are usually only palatable in the form of Halls Vitamin C Drops, and I would not be surprised if those flavors are as artificial as they come. But when it comes to this India Pale Ale, it hits the mark. Weighing in at 7.0% ABV, one must approach this beer with caution and not reckless abandon. As for bitterness, GSculp hits 70 IBUs. With a limited availability (at date of article), chances are you may not be seeing it in your market. But have no fear, with spring quickly becoming summer, we are on the verge of Beer Fest season.

San Diego Beer Week kicked off this past Friday with plenty of events featuring both local and far-away favorites. Since Grapefruit Sculpin is new this year, promotion is to be expected.

https://instagram.com/p/6dDTI5BXWf/

While the original Sculpin showcases many citrusy flavors such as lemon, peach, apricot and mango, this year’s special addition adds the extra punch that signifies and separates the winter fruit from its counterparts. Grapefruit’s strong bitterness and flavor quality creates an exceptional aroma and first taste that it really doesn’t taste like alcohol. It also enhances the refreshment factor by depreciating the dry bitterness that is characteristic of many West Coast IPAs. With a great mouthfeel and satisfying lacing as you finish your first bottle, you will rush quickly to your next bottle (or cans, another recent addition to the IPA arsenal). Seek out and enjoy.

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