Smack Of Grapefruit IPA
Alaskan Brewing Co.
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- IPA - American
Ranked #2,417 - ABV:
- 7.2%
- Score:
- 88
Ranked #16,678 - Avg:
- 3.95 | pDev: 10.38%
- Reviews:
- 19
- Ratings:
- From:
- Alaskan Brewing Co.
- Alaska, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 4
- Gots
- 10
SCORE
88
Very Good
88
Very Good
Notes:
45 IBU
Reviews: 19
| Ratings: 46
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Reviews by Oh_Dark_Star:
Oh_Dark_Star from Washington
2.03/5 rDev -48.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 1.75 | overall: 2
Some flavors just feel faked and artificial. This was right next to wretched. I did drink over half of it, but could go no further. There are so many better grapefruit inspired IPAs. Sculpin comes to mind.
Apr 26, 2019
2.03/5 rDev -48.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 1.75 | overall: 2
Some flavors just feel faked and artificial. This was right next to wretched. I did drink over half of it, but could go no further. There are so many better grapefruit inspired IPAs. Sculpin comes to mind.
Apr 26, 2019
More User Reviews:
Joosboyd from Alaska
4.19/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Growler poured into a tulip.
L: Cloudy golden in color wth a hint of ruby coming though. White, lacy head that quickly faded.
S: Big hit of citrus smell.
T: Again hit wth citrus and a slight resinous after taste.
F: Good body. Leaves a slight sticky feeling behind.
O: A very good IPA. I would have liked a bit more resinous flavor. Would buy again.
Dec 17, 2015
4.19/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Growler poured into a tulip.
L: Cloudy golden in color wth a hint of ruby coming though. White, lacy head that quickly faded.
S: Big hit of citrus smell.
T: Again hit wth citrus and a slight resinous after taste.
F: Good body. Leaves a slight sticky feeling behind.
O: A very good IPA. I would have liked a bit more resinous flavor. Would buy again.
Dec 17, 2015
garymuchow from Minnesota
3.94/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I liked this. It wasn't a great IPA base, but it wasn't bad. It's just the grapefruit was done so subtly and nicely. Slightly sweet, slightly tart and each take has it's own soft grapefruit experience. Looked nice with a classic amber color with a slightly off-white head with decent staying power. Moderate feel enhanced the overall experience. Aroma was a little tight with a too soft aroma and needing a little more hop presence.
I had it only a couple days short of best by date, so I wonder how it would have been fresh, but I"m thinking pretty good based upon trial.
May 28, 2017
3.94/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I liked this. It wasn't a great IPA base, but it wasn't bad. It's just the grapefruit was done so subtly and nicely. Slightly sweet, slightly tart and each take has it's own soft grapefruit experience. Looked nice with a classic amber color with a slightly off-white head with decent staying power. Moderate feel enhanced the overall experience. Aroma was a little tight with a too soft aroma and needing a little more hop presence.
I had it only a couple days short of best by date, so I wonder how it would have been fresh, but I"m thinking pretty good based upon trial.
May 28, 2017
Bitterbill from Wyoming
4.34/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Best by ? The date got ..okay. I see May 2017.
It is a hazy orange with a finger of foam. Lacing is good.
Grapefruit and orange citrus with some sweet malt in the smell.
Same in the taste. Close to being balanced and so drinkable. The caramel malt grows as the session goes on but never overtakes the delicious hop profile.
Medium is where I put the body and carbonation.
Kinda out of the blue when I saw it on a shelf. I am so glad that I grabbed one.
Jan 18, 2017
4.34/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Best by ? The date got ..okay. I see May 2017.
It is a hazy orange with a finger of foam. Lacing is good.
Grapefruit and orange citrus with some sweet malt in the smell.
Same in the taste. Close to being balanced and so drinkable. The caramel malt grows as the session goes on but never overtakes the delicious hop profile.
Medium is where I put the body and carbonation.
Kinda out of the blue when I saw it on a shelf. I am so glad that I grabbed one.
Jan 18, 2017
arizcards from Arizona
4.24/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Picked up a bomber from TW Arrowhead 4-15-17 for $9.99. Best before 060317 but been stored in the beer fridge since purchase.
Beer poured orange with a very nice white head that has some great hang time.
Nose is a very nice combo of bready malts and grapefruit.
Taste is very well balanced between the bready malts and the grapefruit hop and fruit additions. No bitterness or astringency in the finish.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied and smooth.
Overall this is a very nice beer that grew on me with each sip. Very well balanced and dangerously drinkable. Even thought the Pilot Series is a bit expensive i pretty much have loved everything the last several years. Would love to see this in a 12 oz format!
Jun 25, 2017
4.24/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Picked up a bomber from TW Arrowhead 4-15-17 for $9.99. Best before 060317 but been stored in the beer fridge since purchase.
Beer poured orange with a very nice white head that has some great hang time.
Nose is a very nice combo of bready malts and grapefruit.
Taste is very well balanced between the bready malts and the grapefruit hop and fruit additions. No bitterness or astringency in the finish.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied and smooth.
Overall this is a very nice beer that grew on me with each sip. Very well balanced and dangerously drinkable. Even thought the Pilot Series is a bit expensive i pretty much have loved everything the last several years. Would love to see this in a 12 oz format!
Jun 25, 2017
Gagnonsux from Texas
3.7/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Jan 17, 2017
3.7/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Jan 17, 2017
Wasatch from Colorado
4.25/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22 oz. Bomber
Pours a pretty nice clean/clear dark golden orange color, pretty nice carbonation, with a pretty nice thick/creamy one-finger off-white head, which also leaves some pretty nice sticky lacing behind. The nose is hoppy, with some nice grapefruit/citrus. The taste is pretty nice hoppy, citrusy, pretty nice grapefruit. Medium body, with a nice dry/bitter finish. Overall, a tasty brew.
Apr 02, 2017
4.25/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22 oz. Bomber
Pours a pretty nice clean/clear dark golden orange color, pretty nice carbonation, with a pretty nice thick/creamy one-finger off-white head, which also leaves some pretty nice sticky lacing behind. The nose is hoppy, with some nice grapefruit/citrus. The taste is pretty nice hoppy, citrusy, pretty nice grapefruit. Medium body, with a nice dry/bitter finish. Overall, a tasty brew.
Apr 02, 2017
SortaAmbivalent from Minnesota
4.35/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Feb 12, 2017
4.35/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Feb 12, 2017
Strix from Wisconsin
3.23/5 rDev -18.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Cloudy amber, good initial head
Bready with slight citrus, and a buttery diacetyl note
Dank, earthy, and buttery. Lacking crispness, very sweet and earthy. Seems a bit off.
Suitable mouthfeel.
Perhaps this is not as fresh as it could be, but struck me as off a bit.
Mar 04, 2018
3.23/5 rDev -18.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Cloudy amber, good initial head
Bready with slight citrus, and a buttery diacetyl note
Dank, earthy, and buttery. Lacking crispness, very sweet and earthy. Seems a bit off.
Suitable mouthfeel.
Perhaps this is not as fresh as it could be, but struck me as off a bit.
Mar 04, 2018
jdavin from Washington
2.84/5 rDev -28.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.5
Very disappointing. Not a West coast IPA at all, like another reviewer said, more like an east coast IPA. Heavy body with sticky mouthfeel and very sweet.
S: Some grapefruit and hop aromas but really overpowered by the caramel malt aromas.
T: caramel malt, sweet, and some fruity hop flavors.
M: Sticky, heavy mouthfeel. Feels underfermented, almost like a barley wine or Dogfish Head 90 Min.
O: Not worth the $10 for a bomber and I almost dumped the rest to switch to aBale Breaker or Fremont IPA. Alaskan Freeride or Icy Bay IPA is much better than this, so I know they know how to make a dry light bodied IPA - this experiment was not what I was looking for.
May 12, 2017
2.84/5 rDev -28.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.5
Very disappointing. Not a West coast IPA at all, like another reviewer said, more like an east coast IPA. Heavy body with sticky mouthfeel and very sweet.
S: Some grapefruit and hop aromas but really overpowered by the caramel malt aromas.
T: caramel malt, sweet, and some fruity hop flavors.
M: Sticky, heavy mouthfeel. Feels underfermented, almost like a barley wine or Dogfish Head 90 Min.
O: Not worth the $10 for a bomber and I almost dumped the rest to switch to aBale Breaker or Fremont IPA. Alaskan Freeride or Icy Bay IPA is much better than this, so I know they know how to make a dry light bodied IPA - this experiment was not what I was looking for.
May 12, 2017
DangerDawg from Ohio
4.24/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Feb 12, 2017
4.24/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Feb 12, 2017
buschbeer from Ohio
4.04/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
1 PINT 6 FL OZ bottle
Served in a tulip glass
This beer pours a brilliant amber color with burnt orange highlights. It is topped with two inches of off white head that leaves some nice lacing.
It has a citrus aroma including grapefruit, but the grapefruit doesn't really stand out as I expected.
The taste is citrus and once again the grapefruit really doesn't stand out any more than other IPA's that I have had that have not added grapefruit.
Medium mouthfeel
This is a well made IPA. I like it. I just don't feel that the added grapefruit really makes it stand out, but as IPA's go, this is a good one.
Mar 06, 2017
4.04/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
1 PINT 6 FL OZ bottle
Served in a tulip glass
This beer pours a brilliant amber color with burnt orange highlights. It is topped with two inches of off white head that leaves some nice lacing.
It has a citrus aroma including grapefruit, but the grapefruit doesn't really stand out as I expected.
The taste is citrus and once again the grapefruit really doesn't stand out any more than other IPA's that I have had that have not added grapefruit.
Medium mouthfeel
This is a well made IPA. I like it. I just don't feel that the added grapefruit really makes it stand out, but as IPA's go, this is a good one.
Mar 06, 2017
hreb from Washington
3.85/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
22oz bottle best by 053117. Served in a can glass. Beer is very hazy and medium orange in color. Moderate white head. Fruity aroma of yellow grapefruit juice. Flavor: yep, this is a grapefruit IPA. Decidedly moderate in hoppiness and citrus peel, combining to yield a slightly more bitter than average brew (by single AIPA standards), but with a much more fleeting experience on the palate. Strikingly clean in the finish -- bonus points for that. Very drinkable at 7.2% ABV.
Not as good as Sculpin (or a few other IPAs-with-grapefruit-added), but solid, and above expectations for Alaska IMO.
Jan 20, 2017
3.85/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
22oz bottle best by 053117. Served in a can glass. Beer is very hazy and medium orange in color. Moderate white head. Fruity aroma of yellow grapefruit juice. Flavor: yep, this is a grapefruit IPA. Decidedly moderate in hoppiness and citrus peel, combining to yield a slightly more bitter than average brew (by single AIPA standards), but with a much more fleeting experience on the palate. Strikingly clean in the finish -- bonus points for that. Very drinkable at 7.2% ABV.
Not as good as Sculpin (or a few other IPAs-with-grapefruit-added), but solid, and above expectations for Alaska IMO.
Jan 20, 2017
vette2006c5r from Minnesota
3.81/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Smack of Grapefruit pours a copper color, with a long lasting lacing head. Aroma has lots of grapefruit, and earthy hops. Flavor, is the same, earthy backbone, some hops, a good, not overpowering, grapefruit flavor. Good body and feel. Overall, its a little more on the earthy side, with a nice blend of grapefruit.
Jun 21, 2017
3.81/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Smack of Grapefruit pours a copper color, with a long lasting lacing head. Aroma has lots of grapefruit, and earthy hops. Flavor, is the same, earthy backbone, some hops, a good, not overpowering, grapefruit flavor. Good body and feel. Overall, its a little more on the earthy side, with a nice blend of grapefruit.
Jun 21, 2017
ovaltine from Indiana
4.11/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
he pour reveals a golden-hued amber beer with a finger+ of very slightly off-white head. The aromas, primarily citrus from the Citra/Cascade/Centennial hop combo combined with the grapefruit addition, is surprisingly muted, but the taste is not - loads of citrus flavors, with grapefruit leading the flavor parade.
Significantly more astringent than other grapefruit IPA's I've tried, the rye malt addition elevates this a couple of notches, giving it a sharper bite than I usually associate with an IPA with fruit additions. I'm glad I purchased a 2nd bomber of this, because I really like it.
Feb 05, 2017
4.11/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
he pour reveals a golden-hued amber beer with a finger+ of very slightly off-white head. The aromas, primarily citrus from the Citra/Cascade/Centennial hop combo combined with the grapefruit addition, is surprisingly muted, but the taste is not - loads of citrus flavors, with grapefruit leading the flavor parade.
Significantly more astringent than other grapefruit IPA's I've tried, the rye malt addition elevates this a couple of notches, giving it a sharper bite than I usually associate with an IPA with fruit additions. I'm glad I purchased a 2nd bomber of this, because I really like it.
Feb 05, 2017
superspak from Ohio
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22 ounce bottle into tulip glass, best before 6/3/2017. Pours slightly hazy golden orange color with a 1-2 finger dense and rocky off white head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice spotty soapy lacing clings on the glass, with a fair amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of big grapefruit, tangerine, pineapple, peach, apricot, mango, melon, passion fruit, lemon/orange peel, light pine, wheat, rye, bread, light caramel, and floral/grassy earthiness. Damn nice aromas with great balance and complexity of citrus/tropical hops, grapefruit, and moderate bready malt notes; with great strength. Taste of big grapefruit, tangerine, pineapple, peach, apricot, mango, melon, passion fruit, lemon/orange peel, light pine, wheat, rye, bread, light caramel, and floral/grassy earthiness. Light-moderate pine/grassy/citrus peel bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of grapefruit, tangerine, pineapple, peach, apricot, mango, melon, passion fruit, lemon/orange peel, light pine, wheat, rye, bread, and floral/grassy earthiness on the finish for a while. Great complexity, robustness, and balance of citrus/tropical hops, grapefruit, and moderate bready malt flavors; with a great malt/bitterness balance, and zero lingering hop astringency after the finish. Light dryness from bitterness, increasing through the glass. Medium carbonation and body; with a very smooth, moderately creamy/bready/grainy/sticky, and slightly resin/rindy balanced mouthfeel that is great. Zero warming alcohol for 7.2%. Overall this is a great fruited IPA. All around great complexity, robustness, and balance of citrus/tropical hops, grapefruit, and moderate bready malt flavors; very smooth and easy to drink with the mellow bitterness. Great juicy grapefruit and hop complexity; balanced malt backbone with minimal lingering sweetness. A really enjoyable offering.
Feb 11, 2017
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22 ounce bottle into tulip glass, best before 6/3/2017. Pours slightly hazy golden orange color with a 1-2 finger dense and rocky off white head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice spotty soapy lacing clings on the glass, with a fair amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of big grapefruit, tangerine, pineapple, peach, apricot, mango, melon, passion fruit, lemon/orange peel, light pine, wheat, rye, bread, light caramel, and floral/grassy earthiness. Damn nice aromas with great balance and complexity of citrus/tropical hops, grapefruit, and moderate bready malt notes; with great strength. Taste of big grapefruit, tangerine, pineapple, peach, apricot, mango, melon, passion fruit, lemon/orange peel, light pine, wheat, rye, bread, light caramel, and floral/grassy earthiness. Light-moderate pine/grassy/citrus peel bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of grapefruit, tangerine, pineapple, peach, apricot, mango, melon, passion fruit, lemon/orange peel, light pine, wheat, rye, bread, and floral/grassy earthiness on the finish for a while. Great complexity, robustness, and balance of citrus/tropical hops, grapefruit, and moderate bready malt flavors; with a great malt/bitterness balance, and zero lingering hop astringency after the finish. Light dryness from bitterness, increasing through the glass. Medium carbonation and body; with a very smooth, moderately creamy/bready/grainy/sticky, and slightly resin/rindy balanced mouthfeel that is great. Zero warming alcohol for 7.2%. Overall this is a great fruited IPA. All around great complexity, robustness, and balance of citrus/tropical hops, grapefruit, and moderate bready malt flavors; very smooth and easy to drink with the mellow bitterness. Great juicy grapefruit and hop complexity; balanced malt backbone with minimal lingering sweetness. A really enjoyable offering.
Feb 11, 2017
a77cj7 from South Dakota
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jul 02, 2017
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jul 02, 2017
archero from Texas
3.75/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Mar 05, 2017
3.75/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Mar 05, 2017
BeerDawgs from Georgia
4.25/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L - Copper with no clarity, 1/2 a finger of head, and some nice lace left on top of the brew
S - Grapefruit, citrus, oranges, acidic. Nice and hoppy. Smells delicious
T - Like the smell, it's an assault on the citrus senses. Grapefruit dominates. Very tasty!
F - Well carbonated, medium body
O - An awesome grapefruit IPA. Definitely worth picking up
Feb 12, 2017
4.25/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L - Copper with no clarity, 1/2 a finger of head, and some nice lace left on top of the brew
S - Grapefruit, citrus, oranges, acidic. Nice and hoppy. Smells delicious
T - Like the smell, it's an assault on the citrus senses. Grapefruit dominates. Very tasty!
F - Well carbonated, medium body
O - An awesome grapefruit IPA. Definitely worth picking up
Feb 12, 2017
MatthewD4 from Alaska
3.81/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Jan 08, 2017
3.81/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Jan 08, 2017
BarryMFBurton from Indiana
3.84/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Feb 16, 2017
3.84/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Feb 16, 2017
InfernoBoss from California
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Apr 08, 2017
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Apr 08, 2017
cbcrunch from Wyoming
4.14/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Jan 17, 2017
4.14/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Jan 17, 2017
WDJersey from Colorado
3.94/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
May 14, 2017
3.94/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
May 14, 2017
Smack Of Grapefruit IPA from Alaskan Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
88 out of
100 with
46 ratings
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