January 22nd 2010: Samuel Adams Coastal Wheat & Ballast Point Sculpin IPA

Samuel Adams Coastal Wheat

Appearance: 4.5 | Smell: 4 | Taste: 4 | Feel: 3.5 | Drinkability: 4.5

This one pours a very cloudy orange with a fluffy 3/4" white head. Their are tiny bubbles all up the sides of the glass, this one is very effervescent. The smell is wheat and grass with a hint of lemon and some light fruit notes. There is a little spice as well. The taste is very flavorful and a lot better than other Pale Wheat Ales I have had. There is mostly wheat with the tartness of the lemon and another hint of spice and a little sweet finish. The mouthfeel was a little thin but held up when compared with others of the style. The drinkability was high on this one but would be a lot better in the summer.

Serving type: bottle

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Ballast Point Sculpin IPA

Appearance: 4.5 | Smell: 4.5 | Taste: 4.5 | Feel: 4.5 | Drink: 5

Had this one on tap at The Library in Pittsburgh, yes Pittsburgh!!

Served in a pint glass with a 3/4" fluffy white head and an orange hued, slightly hazy body. The smell is amazing! There was a ton of citrus and pine from the hops as well as a slight hint of other fruits such as pineapple. The taste is very clean and well-balanced which is perfect for an IPA. The citrus and pine hop notes were incredible and the malt and sweetness balanced out the bitterness. There is a lot going on with all the different tastes but it all works together beautifully. The mouthfeel was creamy and silky with a slight tang from the hops. Not too much bitterness. The drinkability is high on this one for all the right reasons. I found myself not wanting to finish it but had a hard time putting the glass down. I am glad this one is here in Pittsburgh and will be looking for it more often.

Serving type: on-tap

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