Ballast Point Grunion Pale Ale

LOC: San Diego, California ABV: 5.5% | IBUS: 50 | SRM: N/A

What the brewer says

“Originating from an employee-only homebrew contest, this award-winning hoppy pale ale is named after the tiny local fish known for late-night frolics on shore. A pair of new hops varieties lends strong yet balanced summer melon aromas and herbal flavors, while a soft caramel malt sweetness holds it all together.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Nice dank pine and citrus (orange/clementine) hops aroma with an underlying bready sweetness. Hint of peach and strawberry as the beer warms. Really nice and clean.” Flavor: “Chewy malt, some caramel, bready sweetness, but it’s backed by a citrus and resinous piney bitterness on the finish to balance very nicely. Fantastic finish! The rich body keeps the bitterness in check, and the caramel and pine/citrus hops notes linger.” Overall: “Definitely toward the more robust/aggressive side of pale ale, this is a well-balanced but decidedly bitter beer. Great finish, lots of malt, hops character, and just enough bitterness that lingers on the palate to make you want more.”

AROMA: 12 APPEARANCE: 3 FLAVOR: 20 MOUTHFEEL: 4 OVERALL: 9 97