hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin

Ballast Point Brewing
United States·Fruited IPA
Tap to rate

Fresh grapefruit added to the Sculpin base. The citrus intensifies the hop character and adds a tart, refreshing quality. One of America's most successful fruit IPAs — a rare case where the addition genuinely improves the original.

ABV
7%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden6
PaceTwo or Three
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppycitrusytart
hoppy
citrusy
tart
orange
clean
piney
Aroma
The nose is dominated by bright, fresh grapefruit notes that immediately leap from the glass, complemented by classic Sculpin citrus hop character.
also:malty
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin

◎ Appearance

Brilliant pale golden color with exceptional clarity and a bright, white head that demonstrates good retention. The beer displays vibrant carbonation with fine, persistent bubbles that contribute to its refreshing visual appeal.

pale goldenbrilliant claritywhite headeffervescent

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by bright, fresh grapefruit notes that immediately leap from the glass, complemented by classic Sculpin citrus hop character. Underneath lies a subtle spicy hop complexity and clean malt foundation that supports without overwhelming the fruit-forward aromatics.

fresh grapefruitcitrus hopsspicyclean malt

◐ Taste

The palate opens with vibrant grapefruit tartness that integrates seamlessly with the underlying hop bitterness at 70 IBUs. Mid-palate reveals crisp citrus notes and a light, clean body that maintains excellent drinkability, while the spicy hop character provides complexity without harshness.

tart grapefruitcrisp citrushoppy bitelight-bodied

◑ Finish

A remarkably clean finish with lingering grapefruit and citrus notes that fade gracefully into a dry, refreshing aftertaste. The bitterness resolves quickly, leaving the palate ready for the next sip.

clean finishdryrefreshing
87
hopIQ score
Aroma
86
Taste
88
Appearance
85
Finish
86
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin

More from Ballast Point Brewing

Ballast Point Sculpin IPA
Ballast Point Victory at Sea

About Fruited IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Fruited IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar Fruited IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, citrusy, tart character as Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →