Starting out in the back of a local homebrewing supply store in 1996, Ballast Point Brewing has continued to expand its exceptional beer lineup, including the sublimely hop-driven Sculpin IPA. A quintessential “San Diego” IPA, Sculpin’s aroma is laced with pungent notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and hints of resin. Brandon liked the interweaving of grapefruit, Thai basil, and lemon zest, but dug further to find a tantalizing, faintly caramel-like maltiness riding beneath the hop blast. Tyson, too, was blown away by the hop aroma, likening the mélange of orange zest, peaches, and sweet mango to “holding a freshly crushed hop cone” in his hand. Brilliantly clear, and pouring a pale orange-gold, Sculpin is capped by a tightly-beaded collar of snow white foam. This hop-centric beer’s flavor maintains a sophisticated balance between hop and malt. Firmly bitter, leading with brash notes of Clementine, mango, and a hint of piney resin, it retains enough malty sweetness to yield a superbly balanced whole. Peter applauded the big citrus hop presence and felt the underlying malt sweetness beautifully tempered the aggressive bitterness. Tom was a bit surprised by his first impression of lightly malty sweetness, but that was followed immediately by a big smack of bitterness. Sculpin is a world class IPA, a solid example of San Diego County-brewed beers. Take it anywhere. Pair it with anything. Just be sure to get some Sculpin.