Manta Ray
Ballast Point Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

355 ml bottle, from the Norwegian importer. ABV is 8.5%. Golden colour, slightly hazy, moderate white head. Nice aroma of pine, tropical fruits and citrus. Well hopped flavour, slightly dry, but still with some residual sweetness. Notes of pine needles, resin and grapefruit.

 

 

 

Mine poured from a bottle slightly more colorful than an ordinary beer. There's almost no head and there isn't any lacing. There's a smell of bitter hops, but it's not pronounced. Onto what matters most, the taste. It's very good for a DIPA, solid malt base with enough hop complexity to make it an enjoyable quaff. That and the almost total absence of the taste of alcohol in such a style, redeems it from its shortcomings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 ounce bottle poured into a tulip glass.

L---Mostly clear, golden color. Puffy white head with good retention and very good lacing. The bottle did fizz over when opened, and it had been stationary since I bought it a week ago. No shaking it up on my part.

S---Hoppy. Peach is prominent. Lots of citrus and a light touch of pine.

T---Pine, peach, orange rind and a touch of malt for balance. Quite nice.

F---Thick & juicy. Good carbonation. Medium mouthfeel. Alcohol isn't noticeable.

O---This is a really good one. I'm glad I bought more than just this one.

It is a quite intensive and dank Imperial IPA from the lovely Ballast Point - who make only great beers (?) Why is this one no different?
Because not only is it a superb double IPA with all its traits (tropical aroma, syrupy dank hoppiness and intensive character) but they make it excellently well balanced: it does not become too boozy nor too sweet, it is not too malty nor too bitter - it somehow manages to be a full Double IPA in a way you (or at least, I) love it! Instead of just reading the beer reviews, you had better try this one out if you’re out for a good one!