Sculpin - Grapefruit
Ballast Point Brewing Company


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- From:
- Ballast Point Brewing Company
- California, United States
- Style:
- IPA - American
Ranked #25 - ABV:
- 7%
- Score:
- 96
Ranked #1,142 - Avg:
- 4.31 | pDev: 9.28%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 07, 2022
- Added:
- Jan 19, 2013
- Wants:
- 587
- Gots:
- 3,131
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.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.4 by cold_beer on May 07, 2022
4.73/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by BlakeT49ers from Colorado
Really fantastic. One of the most refreshing IPAs. Ballast Point has a super great flavor developed here with awesome balance. Not too bitter but definitely hoppy enough you know you’re into an IPA
Mar 24, 2022
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by BlakeT49ers from Colorado
Really fantastic. One of the most refreshing IPAs. Ballast Point has a super great flavor developed here with awesome balance. Not too bitter but definitely hoppy enough you know you’re into an IPA
Mar 24, 2022
4.17 by Humanusfermentum from Virginia on Mar 20, 2022
4.19 by D-Duvelicious from Illinois on Feb 20, 2022
4.35 by ckaplanmd from New York on Jan 25, 2022
4.25 by slimntubbs from Pennsylvania on Oct 31, 2021
3.98 by DrewTheBrew from Ohio on Oct 16, 2021
3.3 by Barnettaidan81 on Oct 08, 2021
3.83 by Blitz23 from Pennsylvania on Sep 11, 2021
4.71 by soarinsteven from Illinois on Aug 29, 2021
3.75 by akk14 from Illinois on Aug 25, 2021
3.75/5 rDev -13%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by izraelc from New York
Pours a light amber. Thick foam. Mild grapefruit aroma. Big bitter grapefruit body. Bitterness persists. Could use a little sweetness at the end. Average at best.
Jul 19, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by izraelc from New York
Pours a light amber. Thick foam. Mild grapefruit aroma. Big bitter grapefruit body. Bitterness persists. Could use a little sweetness at the end. Average at best.
Jul 19, 2021
4.21/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Rug from Massachusetts
Canned 3/10/21
As mentioned in my Sculpin review (last night), this was also one of the first beers that got me into the craft scene. Thusly, I never got around to actually reviewing it. At the time I just knew that I liked it, but couldn't articulate what about it I liked. Finally, 3 years later it's getting an actual review. Let's dive right in
Pours a cloudy amber gold with 3 fingers of soapy white head that slowly fades to a thin cap and leaves decent lacing
Obviously some hops can give off a pithy grapefruit character, but it's easy to tell that it's just straight up grapefruit used in this one. I'm picking up on aromas of fresh ruby grapefruit, bready malt, white pepper, earthy hops, and light pineapple
In the OG, the aroma is far superior to the taste. Here, they meet in the middle and equalize, matching each others intensity. On the front end of the sip I'm tasting orange rind, sweeter grapefruit juice, grassy hops, bready malt, and light lemon. The swallow brings notes of toasted grain, pithy grapefruit, orange rind, bready malt and light pine
A light medium body pairs with very gentle carbonation, resulting in a slick yet biting beer. Finishes mostly dry without much sweetness
It's good, great even. But it doesn't match the smoothness of the original. Definitely a worthy variant and it stands on its own as a good beer
Jul 12, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Rug from Massachusetts
Canned 3/10/21
As mentioned in my Sculpin review (last night), this was also one of the first beers that got me into the craft scene. Thusly, I never got around to actually reviewing it. At the time I just knew that I liked it, but couldn't articulate what about it I liked. Finally, 3 years later it's getting an actual review. Let's dive right in
Pours a cloudy amber gold with 3 fingers of soapy white head that slowly fades to a thin cap and leaves decent lacing
Obviously some hops can give off a pithy grapefruit character, but it's easy to tell that it's just straight up grapefruit used in this one. I'm picking up on aromas of fresh ruby grapefruit, bready malt, white pepper, earthy hops, and light pineapple
In the OG, the aroma is far superior to the taste. Here, they meet in the middle and equalize, matching each others intensity. On the front end of the sip I'm tasting orange rind, sweeter grapefruit juice, grassy hops, bready malt, and light lemon. The swallow brings notes of toasted grain, pithy grapefruit, orange rind, bready malt and light pine
A light medium body pairs with very gentle carbonation, resulting in a slick yet biting beer. Finishes mostly dry without much sweetness
It's good, great even. But it doesn't match the smoothness of the original. Definitely a worthy variant and it stands on its own as a good beer
Jul 12, 2021
4.31/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by rapayn01 from Kentucky
It's been some years since I had this as one of my neighbors gave me a can he purchased in Cincinnati. For a few years after Sculpin was widely available locally, but now I rarely see it. In any case, it had the great hop bitterness of regular Sculpin -- with grapefruit on top. I liked it, but have not sought it out.
Jun 16, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by rapayn01 from Kentucky
It's been some years since I had this as one of my neighbors gave me a can he purchased in Cincinnati. For a few years after Sculpin was widely available locally, but now I rarely see it. In any case, it had the great hop bitterness of regular Sculpin -- with grapefruit on top. I liked it, but have not sought it out.
Jun 16, 2021
4.1/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by blazerkor from Nevada
Obviously very citrussy scent with the sweetness of a little malt.
The taste is almost exclusively bitter which is good and then the grapefruit and some bready malts.
It's thin with moderate carbonation. The finish is actually both bready and a little citrus.
Overall it's a very solid IPA. I give it a 4.9 out of 6.
Jun 16, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by blazerkor from Nevada
Obviously very citrussy scent with the sweetness of a little malt.
The taste is almost exclusively bitter which is good and then the grapefruit and some bready malts.
It's thin with moderate carbonation. The finish is actually both bready and a little citrus.
Overall it's a very solid IPA. I give it a 4.9 out of 6.
Jun 16, 2021
4.25 by MikeSegrist on Jun 06, 2021
3.7 by Gregory88 from California on Jun 04, 2021
3.73/5 rDev -13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Mugman8 from New York
Have seen this around forever and bought a six. Not impressed. Has a nice puffy head and plenty of lace, but it tastes like grapefruit peel and is more bitter than anything else. Won't be buying again....
May 29, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Mugman8 from New York
Have seen this around forever and bought a six. Not impressed. Has a nice puffy head and plenty of lace, but it tastes like grapefruit peel and is more bitter than anything else. Won't be buying again....
May 29, 2021
4.52 by Sorrbm2 from Pennsylvania on May 27, 2021
3.79/5 rDev -12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by KT3418 from Colorado
For a fresh pack im kind of disappointed. Feel is great there is definitely a grapefruit taste so that's a win but the hops don't come through as much taste wise. The overall feel is great though.
Upping the taste a little bit as since this is a variation the grapefruit should be the featured flavor and I did get it
May 26, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by KT3418 from Colorado
For a fresh pack im kind of disappointed. Feel is great there is definitely a grapefruit taste so that's a win but the hops don't come through as much taste wise. The overall feel is great though.
Upping the taste a little bit as since this is a variation the grapefruit should be the featured flavor and I did get it
May 26, 2021
4 by parkwood from Pennsylvania on May 23, 2021
4.51/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
by deleted_user_1314598
First off this is definitely my favorite grapefruit beer of all time..Its been awhile since I've seen it on the shelves but it just showed up at my local hipster, labodega, gourmet beer store so I was enticed to pick up a can. ..
The date shows that it's only a month and a half old which is game on for an ipa, and I've had it in the past so it was like running into an old friend that your actually happy to see..
I poured this beauty into my speigelau IPA glass and got a perfect 2 finger head with a slight carmelized note and a pure strong grapefruit scent like no-other beer I've ever experienced...
Like I said before, best grapefruit beer on the market period!!! And at a solid 7% abv you can't go wrong!!! HOMERUN!!!!
May 22, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
by deleted_user_1314598
First off this is definitely my favorite grapefruit beer of all time..Its been awhile since I've seen it on the shelves but it just showed up at my local hipster, labodega, gourmet beer store so I was enticed to pick up a can. ..
The date shows that it's only a month and a half old which is game on for an ipa, and I've had it in the past so it was like running into an old friend that your actually happy to see..
I poured this beauty into my speigelau IPA glass and got a perfect 2 finger head with a slight carmelized note and a pure strong grapefruit scent like no-other beer I've ever experienced...
Like I said before, best grapefruit beer on the market period!!! And at a solid 7% abv you can't go wrong!!! HOMERUN!!!!
May 22, 2021
3.75 by Burg from New Hampshire on May 05, 2021
4.42/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by Hop_2_It from Spain
I have had this beer from draft, bottle, and can. By far the draft is the most fresh of course, but all versions are enjoyable.
Look: Clear and light golden in color with a decently long lasting two fingers of white head
Smell: Immediately can smell the grapefruit notes up front, otherwise is just nice and fresh smelling
Taste: Again, up front is initially strong notes of grapefruit and floral fading to the more hoppy IPA, not too bitter though
Feel: Easy to drink, not too heavy nor too rich, good amount of carbonation
Overall: This is a solid go to IPA that is further improved upon by the grapefruit aspect. Perfect for a summer afternoon
May 02, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by Hop_2_It from Spain
I have had this beer from draft, bottle, and can. By far the draft is the most fresh of course, but all versions are enjoyable.
Look: Clear and light golden in color with a decently long lasting two fingers of white head
Smell: Immediately can smell the grapefruit notes up front, otherwise is just nice and fresh smelling
Taste: Again, up front is initially strong notes of grapefruit and floral fading to the more hoppy IPA, not too bitter though
Feel: Easy to drink, not too heavy nor too rich, good amount of carbonation
Overall: This is a solid go to IPA that is further improved upon by the grapefruit aspect. Perfect for a summer afternoon
May 02, 2021
3.9 by magine from Pennsylvania on May 01, 2021
4.35/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
12oz can. Can bottom is stamped 'PKG 15MAR21'.
Clear, deep gold colored body. One thin finger of white head. Leaves behind spots and trails of lacing.
Aroma of citrus (lots of grapefruit) and piney hops, with a sweeter malt base. When the nose is taken away from the glass, the grapefruit is picked up again.
Taste is grapefruit citrus, resin, and piney hops. Good honey malt base. The hops yield a classic bitterness. The hops and some sweetness linger into the aftertaste.
Just about medium mouth feel. Very good carbonation. Very clean in expression.
Really a solid example of the West Coast IPA, and the grapefruit adds positively to the bitterness angle. This remains a classic beer recipe.
May 01, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
12oz can. Can bottom is stamped 'PKG 15MAR21'.
Clear, deep gold colored body. One thin finger of white head. Leaves behind spots and trails of lacing.
Aroma of citrus (lots of grapefruit) and piney hops, with a sweeter malt base. When the nose is taken away from the glass, the grapefruit is picked up again.
Taste is grapefruit citrus, resin, and piney hops. Good honey malt base. The hops yield a classic bitterness. The hops and some sweetness linger into the aftertaste.
Just about medium mouth feel. Very good carbonation. Very clean in expression.
Really a solid example of the West Coast IPA, and the grapefruit adds positively to the bitterness angle. This remains a classic beer recipe.
May 01, 2021
4.44 by Jalle from Sweden on Apr 20, 2021
4.37 by BombayDingleMonkey from Pennsylvania on Apr 17, 2021
4.24 by Slyde180 from Texas on Apr 11, 2021
4.31 by samEBC from Belgium on Apr 07, 2021
4.5 by shigg85 from Japan on Apr 04, 2021
4.49/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by stosh66 from Pennsylvania
Poured from 12oz can into a glass.
A: Pours golden yellow with a very slight haze. Holds a thin 1/8" white head.
S: Fruit. Grapefruit of course, but also a hint of over ripe tropicals. Hint of dankness.
T: Grapefruit juice bitterness upfront, some malt sweetness and then it finishes with citrus pith bitterness.
M: Body is somewhere between light and medium.
O: So refreshing! The grapefruit is well balanced within. Well done. Actually the only fruit infused beer that I would buy again and again.
Mar 14, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by stosh66 from Pennsylvania
Poured from 12oz can into a glass.
A: Pours golden yellow with a very slight haze. Holds a thin 1/8" white head.
S: Fruit. Grapefruit of course, but also a hint of over ripe tropicals. Hint of dankness.
T: Grapefruit juice bitterness upfront, some malt sweetness and then it finishes with citrus pith bitterness.
M: Body is somewhere between light and medium.
O: So refreshing! The grapefruit is well balanced within. Well done. Actually the only fruit infused beer that I would buy again and again.
Mar 14, 2021
5 by eternalsoundscape from Colorado on Mar 13, 2021
3.82 by hybridnoisebloom from Wisconsin on Mar 03, 2021
4.5 by hester7 from Texas on Mar 01, 2021
4.4/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by imnodoctorbut from Texas
pours a slightly hazy deep near-amber gold body with an off white (near burnt cream) fluffy foam head that has moderately low retention and leaves no lacing as it dissipates completely within 10 odd minutes.
the aroma is deep lush earthy grapefruit and a dash of pine
taste follows the nose. there is a sizeable hop bitterness hit, but just beyond this is a wonderfully lush grapefruit bite.
moderate carbonation and medium bodied mouthfeel. smooth with a dry finish and an earthy bitter aftertaste
Feb 09, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by imnodoctorbut from Texas
pours a slightly hazy deep near-amber gold body with an off white (near burnt cream) fluffy foam head that has moderately low retention and leaves no lacing as it dissipates completely within 10 odd minutes.
the aroma is deep lush earthy grapefruit and a dash of pine
taste follows the nose. there is a sizeable hop bitterness hit, but just beyond this is a wonderfully lush grapefruit bite.
moderate carbonation and medium bodied mouthfeel. smooth with a dry finish and an earthy bitter aftertaste
Feb 09, 2021
4.08 by Yungcoolship from Wisconsin on Feb 05, 2021
4.37 by Ernald_Elbertson from Delaware on Feb 02, 2021
3.99 by GaryM6 from New York on Jan 28, 2021
3.33 by Rlabar1288 from New Jersey on Jan 17, 2021
Sculpin - Grapefruit from Ballast Point Brewing Company
Beer rating:
96 out of
100 with
6389 ratings