East To West IPA
Ballast Point Brewing Company

 

Believing they can bring the world together through beer, a bitter IPA lead by Ballast Point is the catalyst for fusing the flavors of east and west. High citrus flavors and a collection of exotic grains give this IPA a unique flavor that can only be inspired by both the West Coast and by the Orient.

Pale gold and with a hazy amber hue, East to West builds a typically rich lather that fuels a tangy citrus aroma that leads with lemon. However, its the grain influences that make first impressions on the early palate with the standard caramelized honey and granola-like character of malted barley.

But as soon as the sweetness clears, the hops and fruit additions make a strong impact that leads with lemon, white grapefruit, orange peel and even lime. The exotic fruit of yuzu only influences the citrus and imparts a mild kiwi and passionfruit type of tropical taste. But trending spicy, dry and decidedly bitter, any fruit succulence follows to malt in a lesser role on the late palate. Bitter resins shine with a sharp embrace of shaven pine, lemon verbena, citrus peels and a peppery resinous character of saps and grasses.

Medium bodied but trending dry, the bitterness latches onto the throat tightly and is unwavering, outlasting any fruit flavors, malt balances or added complexity on route to a crisp, refreshing and effortless session, but does so at the sake of exposing a vegetal spice of pectins, tannins and wood spices.

 

 

 

 

In tulip at Daleville, VA brewery.

It’s the color of mango, healthily hazed with an off-white year of large bubbles. The color hold the promise of hops.

Mint, thyme, tangerine, pineapple. Crisp herbal front is chased by tropical goodness.

The lemons come through as an earthy, herbal, gritty, very complex addition. The herbal hop note buzzes through the middle then it finishes with medium high bitterness.

Medium-light body with active carbonation. The flavors are released almost perfectly.

I really, really like this one. However they incorporated the Meyer lemons is so well done.

 

 

On tap, pours a very clear orange-gold. Two fingers of foam, plenty of lacing. Smells and tastes of citrus, pine, spicy herbs and a touch of tropical fruit. Decent lingering bitterness. Perfect carbonation. This is a really fine beer. Think it gets rated down 'cause it's not a hazy juice bomb. I like those too, but have to give props to this one.