Brut IPA
Ballast Point Brewing Company

Got an old sixer of this stuff from a place that keeps old beers on stock. Nobody had to tell me why this was named "Brut"--I figured that out after one mouthful. Ya, it tastes like Brut Champagne mixed with a simple beer. Not bad. I'm finding it very drankable on this Super Bowl Sunday, but this is probably the only time I will ever find this as it's probably not made anymore!

 

The pour is light yellow with a slight haze look to it. It sure looks like a bubbly brut in the nucleated IPA glass. I can't spot a date on the bottle although if my memory serves me correct I remember use to put dates on their beers. Furthermore, the beer is quite aromatic, it's scent reminds me of light stoned fruits. The taste is pear, apricot, white grapes, faint pineapple, it's a little juicy, with a hit of dryness & bitterness that lingers a for a few seconds after the swallow. This is one of the more well rounded Brut IPA's that I've had. The 7% abv is well hidden. This is a new style of IPA so it will take a few batches down the line before the breweries develop an overall crowd pleaser but this ain't bad for starters. This is darn good Brut IPA, I highly recommend this beer. Cheers! B

A: slight haze; medium gold in color; 1+ finger finely pored white head that receded to a thin cap; nice lacing;

S: tangerine, pineapple, and lemon;

T: almost no flavor for a moment, then it's lemon through the finish; mild to moderate bitterness at the end;

M: light to medium bodied; moderate carbonation; very dry finish;

O: a nice version of the style;

 

 

 

 

This is the first Brut IPA that I liked, or maybe this is the first real Brut IPA I had - and it was great! First of all, the aroma is terrific, full of fresh, fruity hops. Not the tropical type though, but the raw, almost sweet and zesty hops that make you want to dive in immediately - and when you do, you know that this is a great beer. Once again, the hops are very well selected and balanced with each other, complementing each other to create a full flavor that is not only fresh but at the same time mild and very pleasantly fruity - to sum it up in one word, it is like peaches, according to my wife and it is so true. It is almost like a very light peach juice.
The carbonation feels a bit more intense than your average IPA and at some points it even felt quite like a champagne, there were traces of some wild yeast in there (although I might have been wrong about this...)
All in all, I love what Ballast Point is doing and this beer, especially as a Brut IPA, is truly outstanding - I would buy this beer again! If this is how Bruts are (this ranked 29 in all Brut IPAs, not bad!), then this style should remain in production for long.

 

 

Lighter shade of clear gold color with lasting white cap and lacing.

Aroma of rich malt and fairly intense hops that definitely lean toward the ripe tropical fruit laced with grapefruit camp with some piney touches as well.

Taste is hop forward (it is an IPA) with bright, vibrant grapefruit zest and fruit along with some touches of ripe tropical fruit such as mango, some floral touches,all supported by a solid malt base. I'll say the hops have a firm bitterness without bitter bite. It starts, drinks and finishes dry leaving a refreshing aftertaste.

Medium to full texture with balancing carbonation.

So well balanced and cleanly brewed I don't notice the 7% ABV at all, which is a bit risky because this beer is very drinkable.

 

 

 

 

 

Color is light, hazy. Fine one finger head, fine lacing. Smells lovely, the kind of bouquet I want on Valentines Day. Smells hoppier than it tastes. Forward middle palate, not a lot on the finish (Which is what you'd expect from Brut IPA). Spicy and floral. Light. Clean finish.

The label says "bone-dry." This is true. This is the kind of IPA I dig. However, if the flavor profile, and not the 7% ABV, is what you're after, keep in mind that Shorts Juicy Brut exists at 4.5% ABV and is possibly even tastier.