Ballast Point Brewing Company Even Keel Session IPA at 3.8% ABV | 51 IBU (C$3.99 at Oak & Vine, 355 ml, bottle date 29-Dec-2016, acquired 11-Mar-2017, reviewed 21-Mar-2017)
Appearance: clear deep gold with one finger of medium-dense ivory head, good retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, pale malt, light pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate-low sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, crisp dry moderate bitter slightly sharp finish. (3/5)
Quite nice, which makes the fact that there will be my last two from these guys for the foreseeable future all the more painful. (I’ve decided I have to boycott them because of the political activities of the parent corporation, Constellation. So, I’ll drink the ones I have left, and that’s it.) Bright citrusy hops lead the way over a very clean, almost non-existent malt backbone. Overall, the hop presence is impressive for such a light malt bill, and remains generally enjoyable until the tail end of the finish, which comes across as slightly thin, sharp, or astringent. Which, I guess, is an excuse to drink more… oh, right… (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
