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Sculpin - Grapefruit | Ballast Point Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Ballast Point Brewing Company
California, United States
ballastpoint.com
Style: American IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
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.
HISTOGRAM
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Ratings: 6,247 | Reviews: 891
3.99/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hazy amber, frothy white head slowly receded to a film; rich fruity aroma, just a tang of hoppiness and a hint of citrus; Rich mellow flavor, tasty; Feels smooth, moderately carbonated, leaves a little tingle behind. The hoppiness stays with you.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hazy amber, frothy white head slowly receded to a film; rich fruity aroma, just a tang of hoppiness and a hint of citrus; Rich mellow flavor, tasty; Feels smooth, moderately carbonated, leaves a little tingle behind. The hoppiness stays with you.
247 characters
3.75/5 rDev -13.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.75/5 rDev -13.2%
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 -0.7%
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 -24.8%
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 -8.8%
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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4.25/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.35/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
3.57/5 rDev -17.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
3.64/5 rDev -15.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
4.3/5 rDev -0.5%
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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3.82/5 rDev -11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
4.27/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.34/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.52/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
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.
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4.35/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.12/5 rDev -4.6%
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
4.35/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.91/5 rDev +13.7%
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.
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4.15/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
I can't believe it's taken me so long to get to this IPA...
...Well, the more I think about it I do. You see, the last BP offering I had, their cream ale, tasted like a liquid ash tray and it just turned me sour on BP ever since. It's been a few years, I was feeling the holiday spirit so I picked up this IPA as I have hear it's pretty go - and whaddaya know - it is. Great clear and effervescent coloration, decent lacing. The smell is sweet and full of grapefruit, which is what I can say about the taste - a punch of puckering grapefruit. Mouthfeel is more carbonated than I prefer but lightly bodied and crisp. This lives up to the hype and sometimes good things do come to those who wait...or procrastinate...
722 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
I can't believe it's taken me so long to get to this IPA...
...Well, the more I think about it I do. You see, the last BP offering I had, their cream ale, tasted like a liquid ash tray and it just turned me sour on BP ever since. It's been a few years, I was feeling the holiday spirit so I picked up this IPA as I have hear it's pretty go - and whaddaya know - it is. Great clear and effervescent coloration, decent lacing. The smell is sweet and full of grapefruit, which is what I can say about the taste - a punch of puckering grapefruit. Mouthfeel is more carbonated than I prefer but lightly bodied and crisp. This lives up to the hype and sometimes good things do come to those who wait...or procrastinate...
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Sculpin - Grapefruit from Ballast Point Brewing Company
Beer rating:
4.32 out of
5 with
6,247 ratings
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