Sculpin - Grapefruit
Ballast Point Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- American IPA
Ranked #12 - ABV:
- 7%
- Score:
- 96
Ranked #556 - Avg:
- 4.34 | pDev: 9.22%
- Reviews:
- 907
- Ratings:
- From:
- Ballast Point Brewing Company
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 576
- Gots
- 3,111
SCORE
96
World-Class
96
World-Class
Notes:
Our Award-winning IPA, with a citrus twist.
Our Grapefruit Sculpin is the latest take on our signature IPA. Some may say there are few ways to improve Sculpin’s unique flavor, but the tart freshness of grapefruit perfectly complements our IPA’s citrusy hop character. Grapefruit’s a winter fruit, but this easy-drinking ale tastes like summer.
The Sculpin IPA is a testament to our humble beginnings as Home Brew Mart. It showcases bright flavors and aromas of apricot, peach, mango & lemon. The lighter body also brings out the crispness of the hops. The Sculpin fish has poisonous spikes on its fins that can give a strong sting. Ironically, the meat from a Sculpin fish is considered some of the tastiest. Something that has a sting but tastes great; sounds like a Ballast Point India Pale Ale. This version of our Sculpin IPA has grapefruit added; the grapefruit flavor really enhances the citrus aroma of the hops.
Our Grapefruit Sculpin is the latest take on our signature IPA. Some may say there are few ways to improve Sculpin’s unique flavor, but the tart freshness of grapefruit perfectly complements our IPA’s citrusy hop character. Grapefruit’s a winter fruit, but this easy-drinking ale tastes like summer.
The Sculpin IPA is a testament to our humble beginnings as Home Brew Mart. It showcases bright flavors and aromas of apricot, peach, mango & lemon. The lighter body also brings out the crispness of the hops. The Sculpin fish has poisonous spikes on its fins that can give a strong sting. Ironically, the meat from a Sculpin fish is considered some of the tastiest. Something that has a sting but tastes great; sounds like a Ballast Point India Pale Ale. This version of our Sculpin IPA has grapefruit added; the grapefruit flavor really enhances the citrus aroma of the hops.
Reviews: 907
| Ratings: 6,313
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4.44/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Served off tap in a chilled 16oz tankard so wasn’t getting much of the aroma to start, flavor got better as it warmed slightly. About 2cm of tight, symmetrical white bubbles and slightly rosy golden color—very pretty. Alcohol is hidden extremely well, predominant flavor is (you guessed it) grapefruit, but this does not taste like most flavored beers—very similar to lagunitas supercluster which gets its grapefruit notes solely from citra hops. Pleasant bitterness and nice mild cereal/biscuit flavors from the malt make it slightly chewy and round. Not as sharp as ballast point describes it, while I like that, I think someone looking for that “sting” might want to stick with standard sculpin. Want to try a bottle/can soon and compare to tap.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Served off tap in a chilled 16oz tankard so wasn’t getting much of the aroma to start, flavor got better as it warmed slightly. About 2cm of tight, symmetrical white bubbles and slightly rosy golden color—very pretty. Alcohol is hidden extremely well, predominant flavor is (you guessed it) grapefruit, but this does not taste like most flavored beers—very similar to lagunitas supercluster which gets its grapefruit notes solely from citra hops. Pleasant bitterness and nice mild cereal/biscuit flavors from the malt make it slightly chewy and round. Not as sharp as ballast point describes it, while I like that, I think someone looking for that “sting” might want to stick with standard sculpin. Want to try a bottle/can soon and compare to tap.
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3.78/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Much like the regular Sculpin, however the grapefruit helps to mellow out the hoppiness. A solid IPA. Whether or not you will prefer this over the regular Sculpin depends entirely on how hoppy you like your beer.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Much like the regular Sculpin, however the grapefruit helps to mellow out the hoppiness. A solid IPA. Whether or not you will prefer this over the regular Sculpin depends entirely on how hoppy you like your beer.
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4.73/5 rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Ambience counts and due to the hip locale this draft is pulled from, I will score this brew enthusiastically high. They claim grapefruit but the subtlety is so pronounced that without the title, one would not guess fruit. Still I enjoy this brew to the tilt due to it's smooth and boozy affect.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Ambience counts and due to the hip locale this draft is pulled from, I will score this brew enthusiastically high. They claim grapefruit but the subtlety is so pronounced that without the title, one would not guess fruit. Still I enjoy this brew to the tilt due to it's smooth and boozy affect.
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3.96/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This one is definitely good, but still not as good as the original Sculpin. Pours reddish amber color with small head. Smells pretty mild, can't really detect any grapefruit flavors from the smell. Tastes like Sculpin, with just a hint of grapefruit. Doesn't have any notes of artificial flavoring. Still has a hoppy IPA aftertastes which I believe is pretty important. It also makes your burps taste like grapefruit. Overall I think this is a good IPA but not quite as good as the original Sculpin.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This one is definitely good, but still not as good as the original Sculpin. Pours reddish amber color with small head. Smells pretty mild, can't really detect any grapefruit flavors from the smell. Tastes like Sculpin, with just a hint of grapefruit. Doesn't have any notes of artificial flavoring. Still has a hoppy IPA aftertastes which I believe is pretty important. It also makes your burps taste like grapefruit. Overall I think this is a good IPA but not quite as good as the original Sculpin.
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3.03/5 rDev -30.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Clear yellow/amber. on tap in pint glass.
Grapefruit and tangerines, with the piney hop bitterness as well in smell.
The taste is primarily grapefruit juice.
Medium balanced consistency.
Drinkable in a basic way.
Personally I am not a fan. I may be a purist but I feel a talented brewer could make hops alone taste and smell like citrus fruit. This tastes like they dumped juice in it and overdid it.
(The base sculpin ipa is a winner, I gave that a 4.57 back in the day)
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Clear yellow/amber. on tap in pint glass.
Grapefruit and tangerines, with the piney hop bitterness as well in smell.
The taste is primarily grapefruit juice.
Medium balanced consistency.
Drinkable in a basic way.
Personally I am not a fan. I may be a purist but I feel a talented brewer could make hops alone taste and smell like citrus fruit. This tastes like they dumped juice in it and overdid it.
(The base sculpin ipa is a winner, I gave that a 4.57 back in the day)
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4.45/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
Look: clear amber with a big, foamy tan head.
Smell: grapefruit, grapefruit peel, citrus, sweet fruit and malt aromas, hint of pine.
Taste: clean grapefruit, hint of blood orange. Just the right amount of malt sweetness. Pleasant, clean hop and grapefruit bitterness. Simple, balanced, and delicious.
Feel: medium bodied.
Overall: simple and clean IPA. Instantly one of my new favorites... I'm almost done and I wish I had another one!
Beer was 1.5 months old.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
Look: clear amber with a big, foamy tan head.
Smell: grapefruit, grapefruit peel, citrus, sweet fruit and malt aromas, hint of pine.
Taste: clean grapefruit, hint of blood orange. Just the right amount of malt sweetness. Pleasant, clean hop and grapefruit bitterness. Simple, balanced, and delicious.
Feel: medium bodied.
Overall: simple and clean IPA. Instantly one of my new favorites... I'm almost done and I wish I had another one!
Beer was 1.5 months old.
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3.78/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
(12 oz can, PKGD 22JUL19; purchased off shelf... poured into Belhaven pub pint)
L: crystal-clear, yellow-orange liquid; foam fizzled down posthaste... razor-thin collar; no lace
S: pine in the back, but all grapefruit juice up front - doesn't smell like an IPA, more like a Pellegrino; nice, but faux...
T: lots of grapefruit; back end bitterness rather pithy, but propelled by grapefruity (I'm assuming), peppery, spicy, piney hops... bit of a lithe, toasty, caramelled-grain underbelly, giving it at least a little contrast... stridently dynamic taste, but too heavy on its 'natural flavors'
F: light-bodied, glassy, spritzy... thin, silky resins giving it a little texture, but not much... for an IPA of this abv though, excellent sharp cuts and contours, though perhaps a touch too streamlined
O: alas, an elusive, sort-of-recent packaging.; kept finding year-old bottling, the rare times I was looking for this.. I don't normally go after flavored IPAs - simply checking off a box here... people must love this, otherwise, why bother with this crap? - wasn't that juice-infused IPA thing awhile back?... not a bad drink, but very much prefer base-Sculpin over this any day; this is a f'n boozy soft drink - an IPA/Pellegrino shandy (1446)
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
(12 oz can, PKGD 22JUL19; purchased off shelf... poured into Belhaven pub pint)
L: crystal-clear, yellow-orange liquid; foam fizzled down posthaste... razor-thin collar; no lace
S: pine in the back, but all grapefruit juice up front - doesn't smell like an IPA, more like a Pellegrino; nice, but faux...
T: lots of grapefruit; back end bitterness rather pithy, but propelled by grapefruity (I'm assuming), peppery, spicy, piney hops... bit of a lithe, toasty, caramelled-grain underbelly, giving it at least a little contrast... stridently dynamic taste, but too heavy on its 'natural flavors'
F: light-bodied, glassy, spritzy... thin, silky resins giving it a little texture, but not much... for an IPA of this abv though, excellent sharp cuts and contours, though perhaps a touch too streamlined
O: alas, an elusive, sort-of-recent packaging.; kept finding year-old bottling, the rare times I was looking for this.. I don't normally go after flavored IPAs - simply checking off a box here... people must love this, otherwise, why bother with this crap? - wasn't that juice-infused IPA thing awhile back?... not a bad drink, but very much prefer base-Sculpin over this any day; this is a f'n boozy soft drink - an IPA/Pellegrino shandy (1446)
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4.33/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
After the amazing Sculpin I had to try its other varieties as well. This one came with real grapefruit added, just like it says, it is somewhere quite sour and grapefruity bitter. However, unlike many other grapefruit(y) IPAs, this one doesn’t fo the bitterness over, but keeps it on a level that you could expect from a real grapefruit. It really reminded me of real grapefruits, or at least real grapefruit juice, it blendes very well with the beer.
Actually it took me the whole beer to get to this conclusion - because I kind of expected it to be like the Sculpin, with which it could not catch up. But on its own, it is a quite nice, mild fruit IPA with medium intensity imho.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
After the amazing Sculpin I had to try its other varieties as well. This one came with real grapefruit added, just like it says, it is somewhere quite sour and grapefruity bitter. However, unlike many other grapefruit(y) IPAs, this one doesn’t fo the bitterness over, but keeps it on a level that you could expect from a real grapefruit. It really reminded me of real grapefruits, or at least real grapefruit juice, it blendes very well with the beer.
Actually it took me the whole beer to get to this conclusion - because I kind of expected it to be like the Sculpin, with which it could not catch up. But on its own, it is a quite nice, mild fruit IPA with medium intensity imho.
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4.06/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Can dated May 20th 2019, so a little over three months old. I saw two cans at my local bodega for $.50 each. These were the last two, so I said '"what the heck" and bought both. Pour is a golden color with an off white head. Nose is citrus and sweet malts. Getting some white bread. Grapefruit is there but not dominating. Taste is definite west coast IPA. Citrus, hops, sweetness, some bitterness on the finish. A medium mouthfeel with average levels of carb. Goes down smooth. Can't detect the alcohol. No real grapefruit here. I mean it's there, just not dominant. It's a good, balanced beer.
I'd love to try a fresher can or bottle and that will be what I will search for. However, for being over three months old, it was quite tasty. I am wondering if a fresher offering would be hoppier. I'm thinking, yes.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Can dated May 20th 2019, so a little over three months old. I saw two cans at my local bodega for $.50 each. These were the last two, so I said '"what the heck" and bought both. Pour is a golden color with an off white head. Nose is citrus and sweet malts. Getting some white bread. Grapefruit is there but not dominating. Taste is definite west coast IPA. Citrus, hops, sweetness, some bitterness on the finish. A medium mouthfeel with average levels of carb. Goes down smooth. Can't detect the alcohol. No real grapefruit here. I mean it's there, just not dominant. It's a good, balanced beer.
I'd love to try a fresher can or bottle and that will be what I will search for. However, for being over three months old, it was quite tasty. I am wondering if a fresher offering would be hoppier. I'm thinking, yes.
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4.8/5 rDev +10.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
I had this while playing Torrey Pines South. Perhaps it was the golf course or San Diego or the right day, but it was excellent! I had it out of a can and it did not disappoint. Wonderful taste with a bite
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
I had this while playing Torrey Pines South. Perhaps it was the golf course or San Diego or the right day, but it was excellent! I had it out of a can and it did not disappoint. Wonderful taste with a bite
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3.71/5 rDev -14.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I'm always surprised at how many people love this beer. I guess I'm in the serious minority but to me grapefruit notes are okay in a bee but not actual grapefruit. To me it's not a match made in heaven.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I'm always surprised at how many people love this beer. I guess I'm in the serious minority but to me grapefruit notes are okay in a bee but not actual grapefruit. To me it's not a match made in heaven.
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4.31/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Revisited this one tonight. I don't remember the first time well. To borrow from another review that sums it up so well:
"Overall: Quite a remarkable IPA. It's the first IPA where I can definitively discern the grapefruit without a doubt. It's actually so much grapefruit that I would argue this has more flavor than an actual grapefruit, b/c it cuts through the tartness. Definitely not as well-rounded as the original, and most people will prefer the latter."
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Revisited this one tonight. I don't remember the first time well. To borrow from another review that sums it up so well:
"Overall: Quite a remarkable IPA. It's the first IPA where I can definitively discern the grapefruit without a doubt. It's actually so much grapefruit that I would argue this has more flavor than an actual grapefruit, b/c it cuts through the tartness. Definitely not as well-rounded as the original, and most people will prefer the latter."
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4.09/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours orange, cloudy. Half finger of head, dissipates in lacing quickly. Light and citrusy on the nose. Hoppy, but not hoppy like other citrus, hop-monster, or dry-hopped IPA. The grapefruit really helps mellow down the IPA notes, I never thought I'd be thankful for bitter bitter grapefruit. Surprisingly light bodied and well balanced. I don't know if I'd call it an 'introductory' IPA, but it is a nice break from the same old same old.
After seeing so many reaction videos featuring the Sculpin IPA, I am genuinely surprised at how great it tasted. This beer is in my top 10.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours orange, cloudy. Half finger of head, dissipates in lacing quickly. Light and citrusy on the nose. Hoppy, but not hoppy like other citrus, hop-monster, or dry-hopped IPA. The grapefruit really helps mellow down the IPA notes, I never thought I'd be thankful for bitter bitter grapefruit. Surprisingly light bodied and well balanced. I don't know if I'd call it an 'introductory' IPA, but it is a nice break from the same old same old.
After seeing so many reaction videos featuring the Sculpin IPA, I am genuinely surprised at how great it tasted. This beer is in my top 10.
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4.07/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Pours a clear, but darker orange color with a moderate, crisp head that fades.
Aroma: Not much aroma. Slight grapefruit. Perhaps the beer is too cold.
Taste: Immediately hits you with a strong grapefruit flavor. So much that you could overlook it's other qualities. Robust flavor, even with some tartness. Moderately bitter. Some toasted grain malts, but finishes on the bitter end.
Feel: Medium bodied. Decently carbonated. Finishes dry and bitter on the palate.
Overall: Quite a remarkable IPA. It's the first IPA where I can definitively discern the grapefruit without a doubt. It's actually so much grapefruit that I would argue this has more flavor than an actual grapefruit, b/c it cuts through the tartness. It reminds me of what a grapefruit tastes like. Definitely not as well-rounded as the original, and most people will prefer the latter. However, this beer definitely achieves it's goal 100%.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Pours a clear, but darker orange color with a moderate, crisp head that fades.
Aroma: Not much aroma. Slight grapefruit. Perhaps the beer is too cold.
Taste: Immediately hits you with a strong grapefruit flavor. So much that you could overlook it's other qualities. Robust flavor, even with some tartness. Moderately bitter. Some toasted grain malts, but finishes on the bitter end.
Feel: Medium bodied. Decently carbonated. Finishes dry and bitter on the palate.
Overall: Quite a remarkable IPA. It's the first IPA where I can definitively discern the grapefruit without a doubt. It's actually so much grapefruit that I would argue this has more flavor than an actual grapefruit, b/c it cuts through the tartness. It reminds me of what a grapefruit tastes like. Definitely not as well-rounded as the original, and most people will prefer the latter. However, this beer definitely achieves it's goal 100%.
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3.79/5 rDev -12.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
5/8/19 (Chicago): $6.00 plus tax pint pour at Edison Park Inn.Bronze draft 16 oz pour into pint glass, light pinky sized head dissipates quickly. Light grapefruit and hops aroma. Taste similar to aroma, nice blended hops and fruity taste, grapefruit strong and pleasant. Light mouth feel and carbonation, easy drinking. Overall nice offering.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
5/8/19 (Chicago): $6.00 plus tax pint pour at Edison Park Inn.Bronze draft 16 oz pour into pint glass, light pinky sized head dissipates quickly. Light grapefruit and hops aroma. Taste similar to aroma, nice blended hops and fruity taste, grapefruit strong and pleasant. Light mouth feel and carbonation, easy drinking. Overall nice offering.
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4.35/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Hazy amber with a heavy bite. It’s letting you know what it’s about from the first minute you drink it. Taste is rough and finish is rough but it is a good drink. Enjoy this beer and the flavor it imparts. Great aftertaste.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Hazy amber with a heavy bite. It’s letting you know what it’s about from the first minute you drink it. Taste is rough and finish is rough but it is a good drink. Enjoy this beer and the flavor it imparts. Great aftertaste.
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3.84/5 rDev -11.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Hazy amber, frothy white head slowly receded to a film; rich fruity aroma, just a tang of hoppiness and a hint of sour grapefruit; Rich mellow flavor, tasty; Feels smooth, moderately carbonated, leaves a little tingle behind. The hoppiness/sourness stays with you.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Hazy amber, frothy white head slowly receded to a film; rich fruity aroma, just a tang of hoppiness and a hint of sour grapefruit; Rich mellow flavor, tasty; Feels smooth, moderately carbonated, leaves a little tingle behind. The hoppiness/sourness stays with you.
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3.75/5 rDev -13.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
After work, nice, bitter, not-overly flavored beer - nice way to relax. Not too complex, and does to pretend to be - a good, easy drinking, tasty beer.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
After work, nice, bitter, not-overly flavored beer - nice way to relax. Not too complex, and does to pretend to be - a good, easy drinking, tasty beer.
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4.29/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a nice golden color, huge rich foamy head. Great lacing.
Strong grapefruit. Touch orange or lemon and some grassy floral notes.
Smooth and clean taste. Lots of carbonation. Not sure what the IBUs are for this beer but it’s not as dry a finish as I’d expected from a West Coast IPA.
Prefer a bit more hoppy beers, but this is pretty solid.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a nice golden color, huge rich foamy head. Great lacing.
Strong grapefruit. Touch orange or lemon and some grassy floral notes.
Smooth and clean taste. Lots of carbonation. Not sure what the IBUs are for this beer but it’s not as dry a finish as I’d expected from a West Coast IPA.
Prefer a bit more hoppy beers, but this is pretty solid.
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3.25/5 rDev -25.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Bottled fall 2014; drank 10/29/14 & the Yarchives.
Clear, bright orange liquid.
Big off-white head; frothy lace.
Fresh grapefruit nose.
Thin mouthfeel.
Tart grapefruit juice flavor; if it weren't for the thin mouthfeel this would be tough to drink. A bone dry finish.
Not awful, but not what I want in an IPA.
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look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Bottled fall 2014; drank 10/29/14 & the Yarchives.
Clear, bright orange liquid.
Big off-white head; frothy lace.
Fresh grapefruit nose.
Thin mouthfeel.
Tart grapefruit juice flavor; if it weren't for the thin mouthfeel this would be tough to drink. A bone dry finish.
Not awful, but not what I want in an IPA.
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3.94/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
The beer is a nice clear golden color and has a fluffy and foamy head. The beer has a very typical American IPA smell of hops and citrus but surprisingly not a very strong grape fruit smell. The beer has a very strong grape fruit flavor though. The fruit flavors mixed with a nice pine flavor creates a very nice balance to this beer. Starts off tart then a hint of sweetness followed by bitterness.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
The beer is a nice clear golden color and has a fluffy and foamy head. The beer has a very typical American IPA smell of hops and citrus but surprisingly not a very strong grape fruit smell. The beer has a very strong grape fruit flavor though. The fruit flavors mixed with a nice pine flavor creates a very nice balance to this beer. Starts off tart then a hint of sweetness followed by bitterness.
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4.3/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Look - poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass. ~half finger head. Golden in color, with a lot of carbonation.
Smell - a blast of complex hoppy flavors, ranging from tropical fruits to some citrus (lemon). not much grapefruit, at least from the smell alone. some malt presence as well.
Taste - what a smooth beer. Initially taste is quite mild, and the tartness of the grapefruit is immediately detectable. long, lingering hoppy flavor that lasts for well over a minute, rounded out by a sweet and almost creamy finish, as in the case of many great IPAs. a real masterpiece.
Feel - medium bodied, above average carbonation, and decently booze at 7%.
Overall - this one is a winner. an IPA that has stood the test of time, Sculpin and any of its spin-offs are usually a solid choice. some are better than others, and this one definitely works.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Look - poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass. ~half finger head. Golden in color, with a lot of carbonation.
Smell - a blast of complex hoppy flavors, ranging from tropical fruits to some citrus (lemon). not much grapefruit, at least from the smell alone. some malt presence as well.
Taste - what a smooth beer. Initially taste is quite mild, and the tartness of the grapefruit is immediately detectable. long, lingering hoppy flavor that lasts for well over a minute, rounded out by a sweet and almost creamy finish, as in the case of many great IPAs. a real masterpiece.
Feel - medium bodied, above average carbonation, and decently booze at 7%.
Overall - this one is a winner. an IPA that has stood the test of time, Sculpin and any of its spin-offs are usually a solid choice. some are better than others, and this one definitely works.
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4.33/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4
(2019)
A: Pours a bright gold with a white bubbly head.
S: Grapefruit is the star, although pinecone and floral tones come through as well.
T: Up front is humongous bitter grapefruit and pinecone. Fragrant floral notes linger all throughout. The more subtle flavors are tangerine and orange skin.
M: Carbed up and zippy.
O: This is great. I still like the original Sculpin better, as it stays true to the IPA ingredients and simplicity, but this is a surprisingly great brew, especially given the great base beer.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4
(2019)
A: Pours a bright gold with a white bubbly head.
S: Grapefruit is the star, although pinecone and floral tones come through as well.
T: Up front is humongous bitter grapefruit and pinecone. Fragrant floral notes linger all throughout. The more subtle flavors are tangerine and orange skin.
M: Carbed up and zippy.
O: This is great. I still like the original Sculpin better, as it stays true to the IPA ingredients and simplicity, but this is a surprisingly great brew, especially given the great base beer.
522 characters
4.12/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L-Pours a nice looking one finger headed IPA with a golden amber body. Very clear in appearance as well.
S-Nice tangy hop aroma upfront. Crisp grapefruit is also present. Aroma is very nice, but toned down quite a bit.
T-Tastes great. What can I say? A nice bitter bite develops immediately, followed by a citrusy grapefruit and sweet blood orange. Toned down and surprisingly sessionable.
F-Crisp and bubbly. Light and fresh.
O-Extremely well crafted American IPA. It isn't as memorable as I remember, no pun intended, but it was just pure quality. Crisp, refreshing, and dangerously inviting.
597 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L-Pours a nice looking one finger headed IPA with a golden amber body. Very clear in appearance as well.
S-Nice tangy hop aroma upfront. Crisp grapefruit is also present. Aroma is very nice, but toned down quite a bit.
T-Tastes great. What can I say? A nice bitter bite develops immediately, followed by a citrusy grapefruit and sweet blood orange. Toned down and surprisingly sessionable.
F-Crisp and bubbly. Light and fresh.
O-Extremely well crafted American IPA. It isn't as memorable as I remember, no pun intended, but it was just pure quality. Crisp, refreshing, and dangerously inviting.
597 characters
4.91/5 rDev +13.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pours a yellow orange hue mostly clear. Smell of strong grapefruit citrus. Taste is outstanding with big hops and bursts of citrus. Feels like it should from a great IPA. Overall this is by far the greatest IPA I have ever had. The cost is high but worth the price.
265 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pours a yellow orange hue mostly clear. Smell of strong grapefruit citrus. Taste is outstanding with big hops and bursts of citrus. Feels like it should from a great IPA. Overall this is by far the greatest IPA I have ever had. The cost is high but worth the price.
265 characters
Sculpin - Grapefruit from Ballast Point Brewing Company
Beer rating:
96 out of
100 with
6313 ratings
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