Habanero Sculpin | Ballast Point Brewing Company | American IPA with Habanero Peppers | San Diego, CA | 7.00% ABV
I had been looking to try this one since it was initially released, and was pleased to find it at Palumbo's in Medfield, MA. What a treat to not only find it, but pick up a 6-pack (knowing it was Ballast Point I was going to love it).
Served chilled from a 12 oz bottle and poured into a tulip. Pours an orange amber color with a two finger frothy foam head. This is one of my favorite beer pictures I have ever taken. Such a beautiful color for an IPA. Smell is a mostly citrus and hops, with hints of pepper (but not much). Carbonation is medium to light with a medium body. Taste contains a few distinct parts. The initial taste is exactly like the regular version Sculpin. The malt is sweet and the hop blend mixes the floral with the citrus. All of a sudden after swallowing the beer, you get a quick rush of freshly sliced jalapeño or habanero peppers. Not the spice just yet-just the veggie flavor. Basically like someone just picked it fresh from the garden. Then comes the heat. WOAH! This stuff is HOT! The spicy flavor lingers for 10-15 seconds before fading into nothing. Such a complex beer, and so delicious.
I would highly recommend trying this one. It makes you drink much slower, knowing the intense heat that sits on the horizon of the next sip. Yet, each time the flavor and tasting pattern follows, with IPA, fresh peppers, then HEAT. I could drink this one all summer. Be sure to be on the lookout!
95/100
85/100 BA
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