Crowning Star
Beachwood Brewing - Huntington Beach

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: American IPA
Glass: Pure Project 14-oz. Teku glass
Price: $4.49
From: Bine & Vine Bottle Shop in Normal Heights (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: Nov. 4, 2020
Consumed: Nov. 12, 2020
Misc.: Canned on Oct. 16, 2020

Grabbed this after picking up some pre-orders at Bine & Vine. Was intrigued first by Beachwood and then the back of the can - "This west coast-style IPA was brewed using only the finest hops, specifically selected by Beachwood. Simply put, it’s hops in their purest expression! A blend of Beachwood select Mosaic, Citra and Simcoe hops, paired with Propino malt.” No idea what Propino malt is, but damn do I like this those hops or what?

Poured a light amber clear color with two fingers of off-white frothy-to-fizzy head, which dissipated quickly. Could see a few bubble streams coming up from the bottom of the glass at slow speeds. Below average watery lacing. Poor retention. (Sight - 2.75)

Smelled apricot, nectarine, mango, red grapefruit, tangerine, orange citrus, pineapple and papaya. In terms of hops, definitely Citra, followed by less Mosaic and lesser Simcoe. Slightly better out of the can with more Mosaic following the Citra. (Smell - 4.00)

Tasted about as good as the nose. Got apricot, nectarine, mango, red grapefruit, tangerine, orange citrus, Citra, pineapple, papaya, hints of Mosaic, floral, orange blossom and lingering Simcoe on the tongue. The 7.1 pct. ABV was well hidden, tasting more like a pale ale than an IPA. (Taste - 4.00)

Medium body. Creamy texture. Soft carbonation. Long, smooth, citrusy finish. (Feel - 4.50)

Outstanding overall. A little unique in that it tastes more like a strong pale ale than an IPA, but outstanding. (Overall - 4.00)

3.98 | 89 | B+

 

 

 

 

 

Clear amber brew with plenty of foam in the goblet. So fragrant. I think of jasmine rice and limeade and apricot. Just tangy enough. So light bodied and crisp, but somehow not acidic. Flavors of mango and pineapple upside down cake. I think of Booming Rollers, the Modern Times seasonal. Hops are listed as Simcoe, Mosaic, and Citra.

This is the least wild of Beachwood's beers in my experience. Somehow they've been able to reign in the urge to over-hop and it's totally delicious. While it's light, bright, and tastes more like a Pale Ale, it's among the most drinkable IPAs I've had this year. From the 16 oz can purchased at Bine & Vine.

what does "100% Beachwood select" mean....? i mean, you dont select your own stuff? it really IS a funky kind of IPA (as Raul mentioned before me), but very easy to drink, very light on the palate (even if it IS a 'funky direction'), and damnnnn it's easy to drink.... did i say that already?

This is a strange one. It’s all kind of West Coast like a Newport Beach sunrise, but then it ends kind of wild like a night that started with a tab of acid. It’s like, I like it. But then it’s like, do I? It’s just, it’s just... Maybe a lil too wild. I’m into some things that are wild (I see you, ma), but not too much with my beer.

Peace!