The Sculpin fish is a spiny prehistoric looking fish.  At any moment you would expect it to sprout some decrepit legs and crawl out of the water.  Spikes on the fish’s fins contain a venom that when injected results in a nasty sting.  It is from this fish that San Diego based Ballast Point Brewing Co. draws its inspiration for their Sculpin IPA.  

The connection between this oddity from the sea and an award winning beer is readily apparent.  It explained by Ballast Point: “Ironically the meat from a Sculpin is considered some of the tastiest.  Something that has a sting bust tastes great, sounds like a Ballast Point India Pale Ale.” 

Appearance
Golden amber in color and slightly hazy.  A finger and a half of nearly white head sits atop the pint and is reluctant to leave.  Ample lacing is left clinging to the side of the glass.

Smell
Fruits typical of American IPAs are dominate in the nose and include grapefruit and apricot.  Fresh pine and hints of tropical fruits are also present.  These aromas are derived from the ample hopping which foreshadows the punch that will come with the first sip.  Traces of malt manage to penetrate the hops in the form of caramel and toasted bread.

Taste
Strong hop notes of resiny pine hit the taste buds upfront and are followed by the bitter citrus of grapefruit.  Layers of flavor dissolve into notes of mango, pineapple, and apricot.  70 IBUs packs a punch, but not a knockout blow.  Nice long finish lingers on the tongue begging for the next sip.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium body is complimented by a fairly high level of carbonation.  The beer is smooth and refreshing with a somewhat dry finish.

Drinkability
An excellent example of a West Coast IPA.  Ample hops produce all the floral and citrus notes that typify the style.  Let a pint of Sculpin IPA warm up a bit to release all of the aromas and flavors.  A great beer to drink while watching a summer sunset. 
Overall grade for Ballast Point Sculpin IPA: A-


Ballast Point Sculpin IPA

Up next on Tuesday Tastings: The Lost Abbey’s Angel’s Share