Big Eye
Ballast Point Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- IPA - American
Ranked #360 - ABV:
- 7%
- Score:
- 91
Ranked #4,377 - Avg:
- 4.07 | pDev: 9.58%
- Reviews:
- 1,126
- Ratings:
- From:
- Ballast Point Brewing Company
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 240
- Gots
- 1,165
SCORE
91
Outstanding
91
Outstanding
Notes:
Reviews: 1,126
| Ratings: 4,378
| Log in to view all ratings and sort
Reviews by JohnnyK:
More User Reviews:
BlueKurenai from Vermont
4.31/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Of all the IPA's I've tried, as of right now this one is by far my favorite. It has a smooth feel too it, very good flavor and stands out among the other IPA's I've tried. It's darker in color compared to most other IPA's, and is much more flavorful then the others I've tried. Definitely a good buy if you're looking for a good flavorful IPA.
Mar 26, 2016
4.31/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Of all the IPA's I've tried, as of right now this one is by far my favorite. It has a smooth feel too it, very good flavor and stands out among the other IPA's I've tried. It's darker in color compared to most other IPA's, and is much more flavorful then the others I've tried. Definitely a good buy if you're looking for a good flavorful IPA.
Mar 26, 2016
fx20736 from New York
4.17/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Coppery apricot amber, offwhite head, wreaths of lacing. . Aroma of eucalyptus and guavas in syrup. Taste of menthol, pine resin and a touch of tropical fruit. Mouthfeel is slightly spritzy. Overall a fine West Coast IPA
Mar 30, 2015
4.17/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Coppery apricot amber, offwhite head, wreaths of lacing. . Aroma of eucalyptus and guavas in syrup. Taste of menthol, pine resin and a touch of tropical fruit. Mouthfeel is slightly spritzy. Overall a fine West Coast IPA
Mar 30, 2015
osant37 from New York
5/5 rDev +22.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from a 12oz. can at 45 degrees F. into a tulip style ipa glass.
A - golden blossom honey with a slight haze . 1 finger of clingy soapy foam that sticks around. alcohol legs are present around the glass.
S - Tropical fruits are strong, mango, pineapple & mandarin oranges. sweet, sweet malty / honey notes.
T - bitter tropical smash to the pallet. mid mouth sweetness from the malts almost like a frosted donut with tropical fruit salad on top. this is absolutely delicious.
M- full bodied. coats the mouth in flavor and leaves a delicious resiny aftertaste.
O - This Beer is fucking awesome. I can drink this IPA everyday. And IMHO is just slighty better than sculpin. I would buy this and many other of the fantastic offerings by Ballast Point Brewing whenever possible. happy to have a great ipa like this for my 300th beer.
Cheers!
Oct 29, 2014
5/5 rDev +22.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from a 12oz. can at 45 degrees F. into a tulip style ipa glass.
A - golden blossom honey with a slight haze . 1 finger of clingy soapy foam that sticks around. alcohol legs are present around the glass.
S - Tropical fruits are strong, mango, pineapple & mandarin oranges. sweet, sweet malty / honey notes.
T - bitter tropical smash to the pallet. mid mouth sweetness from the malts almost like a frosted donut with tropical fruit salad on top. this is absolutely delicious.
M- full bodied. coats the mouth in flavor and leaves a delicious resiny aftertaste.
O - This Beer is fucking awesome. I can drink this IPA everyday. And IMHO is just slighty better than sculpin. I would buy this and many other of the fantastic offerings by Ballast Point Brewing whenever possible. happy to have a great ipa like this for my 300th beer.
Cheers!
Oct 29, 2014
BuckeyeNation from Iowa
4.15/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Slightly hazy, bright pumpkin orange-amber. The larger than average head is dark cream in color, finely pitting and firmsticky. I'm already seeing loads of fine lace in intricate patterns, ultimately in thin rings. Beautiful hoppy nose. Man I love Centennial! The citrus fruitiness seems to be more orange and lemon than grapefruit. I've smelled a lot of IPAs lately and this aroma is up there with the best.
This may be the most 'orangey' tasting IPA that I've ever had (actually, it tastes more like tangerine juice than orange juice). There's also the unmistakable flavor of grapefruit pith and pine sap that I love so much. The hopping is pretty well done, perhaps a little harsher than I'd like, but not bad. Pale malt is appreciated, but is playing second fiddle for sure. The finish is long, hoppy and bitter and the mouthfeel is full for the style.
Big Eye is a pretty darn good IPA. It doesn't get into my upper tier, but it's still heartily recommended. Especially if you're of the hophead persuasion.
Jun 06, 2004
4.15/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Slightly hazy, bright pumpkin orange-amber. The larger than average head is dark cream in color, finely pitting and firmsticky. I'm already seeing loads of fine lace in intricate patterns, ultimately in thin rings. Beautiful hoppy nose. Man I love Centennial! The citrus fruitiness seems to be more orange and lemon than grapefruit. I've smelled a lot of IPAs lately and this aroma is up there with the best.
This may be the most 'orangey' tasting IPA that I've ever had (actually, it tastes more like tangerine juice than orange juice). There's also the unmistakable flavor of grapefruit pith and pine sap that I love so much. The hopping is pretty well done, perhaps a little harsher than I'd like, but not bad. Pale malt is appreciated, but is playing second fiddle for sure. The finish is long, hoppy and bitter and the mouthfeel is full for the style.
Big Eye is a pretty darn good IPA. It doesn't get into my upper tier, but it's still heartily recommended. Especially if you're of the hophead persuasion.
Jun 06, 2004
BethanyB from New York
3.96/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look: A swirling flurry of bubbles create a substantial, fluffy off-white head which rests atop a clear body of light copper.
Smell: The bouquet is a tad light for the style, but has some interesting qualities. On top of the expected C-hops, a pinch of nutmeg makes this smell a bit like a pumpkin ale.
Taste: Strong hop bitterness highlighting grapefruit and resin. Grainy toasted malt plays a supporting role that gets a quick moment in the spotlight in the finish. As the beer warms, a drip of caramel can be detected towards the beginning of each sip.
Mouthfeel. Dry finish with lasting bitterness tap dancing on the tongue and roof of mouth. Medium carbonation is just the right amount--more, and this IPA would be on pins and needles. Medium-light body keeps things crisp and refreshing, disguising the 7% ABV.
Overall: Refreshing and balanced, this is a strong IPA for true hop heads, but a bit sharp for those not yet sure of all IPAs. It's classic and traditional, but too well-made to be boring. A stronger aroma would render it excellent.
Oct 11, 2015
3.96/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look: A swirling flurry of bubbles create a substantial, fluffy off-white head which rests atop a clear body of light copper.
Smell: The bouquet is a tad light for the style, but has some interesting qualities. On top of the expected C-hops, a pinch of nutmeg makes this smell a bit like a pumpkin ale.
Taste: Strong hop bitterness highlighting grapefruit and resin. Grainy toasted malt plays a supporting role that gets a quick moment in the spotlight in the finish. As the beer warms, a drip of caramel can be detected towards the beginning of each sip.
Mouthfeel. Dry finish with lasting bitterness tap dancing on the tongue and roof of mouth. Medium carbonation is just the right amount--more, and this IPA would be on pins and needles. Medium-light body keeps things crisp and refreshing, disguising the 7% ABV.
Overall: Refreshing and balanced, this is a strong IPA for true hop heads, but a bit sharp for those not yet sure of all IPAs. It's classic and traditional, but too well-made to be boring. A stronger aroma would render it excellent.
Oct 11, 2015
Gajo74 from New York
4.18/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a darkish amber, thin head, decent retention. Ring like lace is ever present.
Sweet aroma overall; malt, and a combination of tropical and citrus fruit.
At first palate is dry and hops forward, particularly pine and resin. Then a caramel malt backbone becomes evident mid palate, and sweetness becomes present. In addition, I become aware of the zesty citrus quality. The interplay between malt and hops begins alternating in feel, providing an interesting balance. The mouthfeel is medium, at times on the high side due to the maltiness, yet, it feels really light and drinkable at times.
Overall, a really tasty brew that is complex in its sweet and bitter counterpoint. Another good one from Ballast Point.
Aug 11, 2016
4.18/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a darkish amber, thin head, decent retention. Ring like lace is ever present.
Sweet aroma overall; malt, and a combination of tropical and citrus fruit.
At first palate is dry and hops forward, particularly pine and resin. Then a caramel malt backbone becomes evident mid palate, and sweetness becomes present. In addition, I become aware of the zesty citrus quality. The interplay between malt and hops begins alternating in feel, providing an interesting balance. The mouthfeel is medium, at times on the high side due to the maltiness, yet, it feels really light and drinkable at times.
Overall, a really tasty brew that is complex in its sweet and bitter counterpoint. Another good one from Ballast Point.
Aug 11, 2016
WVbeergeek from West Virginia
4.25/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: Orange amber body with a monsterous cream colored head very creamy texture to it, awesome retention that forms into specks of lacing down the sides of my glass. Aroma: Aggressive dose of hops is the main act here with big grapefruit notes and woody herbal flowery hop bursts some caramel malts are here to contrast the hops. Taste: Great mixture the hops are there doing their thing, but the balance of a bready yeast and specialty malts blended is a nice break from the amount of Centennials they used here. Hops are floral with a piney grapefruit edge to them very nice stuff, nice cohesion here like a well oiled machine. Mouthfeel: Medium bodied ale creamy smooth texture even carbonation. Drinkability: Very solid all around IPA glad I got ahold of this sample through a beer trade, thanks Chap.
Feb 02, 2004
4.25/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: Orange amber body with a monsterous cream colored head very creamy texture to it, awesome retention that forms into specks of lacing down the sides of my glass. Aroma: Aggressive dose of hops is the main act here with big grapefruit notes and woody herbal flowery hop bursts some caramel malts are here to contrast the hops. Taste: Great mixture the hops are there doing their thing, but the balance of a bready yeast and specialty malts blended is a nice break from the amount of Centennials they used here. Hops are floral with a piney grapefruit edge to them very nice stuff, nice cohesion here like a well oiled machine. Mouthfeel: Medium bodied ale creamy smooth texture even carbonation. Drinkability: Very solid all around IPA glad I got ahold of this sample through a beer trade, thanks Chap.
Feb 02, 2004
BBThunderbolt from Kiribati
3.57/5 rDev -12.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Enjoy by date 10/27/13. Poured into straight pint glass. Poured a clean, clear, coppery amber color with over 1/4 of just off-white head that had decent retention and moderate lacing.
The aroma was a little sweet up front, then gave way to some very nice pine and floral hops. No real malt or grain in the nose however. There was a bit of sweetness at the front of the palate as well, then big, bright hops took over. The above mentioned floral and pine notes across the front and middle, with some gently bitter citrus on the back.
The body was a bit fuller than average, and had a bit of light stickiness. The citrus lingered a few moments at the end. Drinkability was good for a 7% IPA, not a quick, smooth drinker, but one that's a nice companion during a couple innings of a ball game. Overall, a pretty nice brew. One that's not particularly different or outstanding from so many others, but a beer that's certainly worth your time.
Jul 07, 2013
3.57/5 rDev -12.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Enjoy by date 10/27/13. Poured into straight pint glass. Poured a clean, clear, coppery amber color with over 1/4 of just off-white head that had decent retention and moderate lacing.
The aroma was a little sweet up front, then gave way to some very nice pine and floral hops. No real malt or grain in the nose however. There was a bit of sweetness at the front of the palate as well, then big, bright hops took over. The above mentioned floral and pine notes across the front and middle, with some gently bitter citrus on the back.
The body was a bit fuller than average, and had a bit of light stickiness. The citrus lingered a few moments at the end. Drinkability was good for a 7% IPA, not a quick, smooth drinker, but one that's a nice companion during a couple innings of a ball game. Overall, a pretty nice brew. One that's not particularly different or outstanding from so many others, but a beer that's certainly worth your time.
Jul 07, 2013
TheHoppiest from Ohio
4.47/5 rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 22 oz bomber into a pint glass. Pours a clear copper color with a 1" off-white head that is slow to reduce, leaving scant lacing down the sides.
Has a thick, piney aroma, with heavy resin, hints of citrus, dry leaves, and spicy greens. This has a heavily hopped aroma, like whole cones were tossed in and allowed to impart their oily essence!
Starts slightly sweet and hoppy, before a tidal crash of astringent, resinous hops hit. Hints of orange, pineapple and mango dance beneath a surf of bitter pine and notes of tobacco. Finish is bitter, pithy, and dry.
Medium to almost full-bodied, this is a sipper, that oddly enough sweetens as you get further into it (either that or my tongue is going numb!). Drying to the tongue, but not so hopped that it leaves your tongue or gums tingling.
Ballast Point call this their flagship IPA, and I can see why. Tasty, full-flavored, and with enough hops for the most intense hop-heas out there, this is an AIPA to seek out and try. The flavor is intense enough, though, that served as from a 22 oz bottle, you will really want to find someone to share this with.
May 04, 2012
4.47/5 rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 22 oz bomber into a pint glass. Pours a clear copper color with a 1" off-white head that is slow to reduce, leaving scant lacing down the sides.
Has a thick, piney aroma, with heavy resin, hints of citrus, dry leaves, and spicy greens. This has a heavily hopped aroma, like whole cones were tossed in and allowed to impart their oily essence!
Starts slightly sweet and hoppy, before a tidal crash of astringent, resinous hops hit. Hints of orange, pineapple and mango dance beneath a surf of bitter pine and notes of tobacco. Finish is bitter, pithy, and dry.
Medium to almost full-bodied, this is a sipper, that oddly enough sweetens as you get further into it (either that or my tongue is going numb!). Drying to the tongue, but not so hopped that it leaves your tongue or gums tingling.
Ballast Point call this their flagship IPA, and I can see why. Tasty, full-flavored, and with enough hops for the most intense hop-heas out there, this is an AIPA to seek out and try. The flavor is intense enough, though, that served as from a 22 oz bottle, you will really want to find someone to share this with.
May 04, 2012
mattsdenney from Tennessee
4.17/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On draft at Rita's Folly Beach.
Light amber in color, clear, bubbly with little head. Strong hop presence, grassy, earthy, piney. Great hop flavor. Medium bodied, slightly dry, refreshing. Overall a solid ipa, very flavorful and drinkable. A solid ipa that is what you'd expect from the style.
Oct 04, 2013
4.17/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On draft at Rita's Folly Beach.
Light amber in color, clear, bubbly with little head. Strong hop presence, grassy, earthy, piney. Great hop flavor. Medium bodied, slightly dry, refreshing. Overall a solid ipa, very flavorful and drinkable. A solid ipa that is what you'd expect from the style.
Oct 04, 2013
ThirstyMiner from California
4.5/5 rDev +10.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Nov 16, 2011
4.5/5 rDev +10.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Nov 16, 2011
SurferEric from Hawaii
4.5/5 rDev +10.6%
Refreshingly delicious IPA from Ballast. Very hoppy and full of flavor. Bitter with the perfect amount of hoppiness.
Oct 22, 2014
4.5/5 rDev +10.6%
Refreshingly delicious IPA from Ballast. Very hoppy and full of flavor. Bitter with the perfect amount of hoppiness.
Oct 22, 2014
npachl from Wisconsin
4.06/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Aug 10, 2015
4.06/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Aug 10, 2015
Gusler from Arizona
4.29/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The beer as it immigrates from the Brown Bomber to my special mug a transpicuous deep amber color and no slight is intended to that master of pugilism, Joe Louis who was the real Brown Bomber! The head is modest in its stature, the texture spumous and the color a beauteous light tan with the resultant lace a silky sheet to cover the glass. Nose has a mild hop floral spiciness at the front with a sweet malt middles, the back is fresh and crisp, and start is ambrosial with a nice malt presence, which leads us to the middling top. Finish is benevolent in its acidity; the hops survigrous in their spicy bite, droughty aftertaste continues the spicy floral bite from the hops, a quaffable brew, and a palate pleaser. Im always quite impressed with their labels and think them an excellent brewery.
Mar 24, 2004
4.29/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
The beer as it immigrates from the Brown Bomber to my special mug a transpicuous deep amber color and no slight is intended to that master of pugilism, Joe Louis who was the real Brown Bomber! The head is modest in its stature, the texture spumous and the color a beauteous light tan with the resultant lace a silky sheet to cover the glass. Nose has a mild hop floral spiciness at the front with a sweet malt middles, the back is fresh and crisp, and start is ambrosial with a nice malt presence, which leads us to the middling top. Finish is benevolent in its acidity; the hops survigrous in their spicy bite, droughty aftertaste continues the spicy floral bite from the hops, a quaffable brew, and a palate pleaser. Im always quite impressed with their labels and think them an excellent brewery.
Mar 24, 2004
Big Eye from Ballast Point Brewing Company
Beer rating:
91 out of
100 with
4378 ratings
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