Ballast Point Brewing Company Watermelon Dorado American Double / Imperial IPA at 10.0% ABV (US$2.17 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 355 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 7-May-2016, reviewed 8-May-2016)
Appearance: clear pale amber with a short, short-lived off-white head, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: pithy grapefruit, watermelon rind, resiny pine, grainy caramel malt. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, strong bitter. (6/10) Medium-light body, moderate carbonation, lingering bitter finish. (3/5)
I knew this was rated on the low side going into it, and was quite surprised for that to be the case with a Ballast Point beer. Having now tried it, I’m not surprised by the low ratings: the watermelon flavour is definitely there, but presents as acrid and astringent watermelon rind, rather than juicy watermelon pulp. I suspect it’s a case of the hop bitterness playing up to that aspect of the flavour, and think that watermelon might be a better combination with a lighter, less intensely bitter base beer. Not terrible, by any means, and it grows on you after a bit, but definitely not one of their stronger performers. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
