Ballast Point Sculpin IPA
Ballast Point Sculpin IPA is a 7% ABV (70 IBU) West Coast IPA in a six-pack of 12oz cans, brewed in San Diego, California — Ballast Point's flagship. Per the producer, it is hopped at five separate stages during brewing for its signature bright character of apricot, peach, mango and lemon over citrus and pine, and it won a gold medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup in the International Pale Ale category. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 7%
- IBU: 70 (producer)
- Size: 6-pack, 12oz cans
- Style: West Coast IPA (flagship)
- Process: Hopped at five separate stages (producer)
- Award: Gold Medal, World Beer Cup 2010 — International Pale Ale
- Origin: Ballast Point Brewing, San Diego, California (first brewed 2005)
The Sting That Built a Brewery's Name
Sculpin takes its name from the fish — delicious, but armed with stinging spines; artist Paul Elder, who named it, summed it up as a beer with a sting. First brewed in 2005 by combining two homebrew recipes, it grew from Ballast Point's Home Brew Mart roots (the brewery began in 1996) into the definitive San Diego IPA and a World Beer Cup gold medalist. Find the original in our craft beer range, set it against the grapefruit version below, or visit the Ballast Point Brewing vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Sharp citrus, pine and tropical fruit, per the producer. Palate: Hop-derived hints of apricot, peach, mango and lemon, layered by the five-stage hopping. Finish: Firm, bright bitterness at 70 IBU — the sting in the name.
How to Enjoy
Serve cold in an IPA glass and drink it fresh — the tropical-hop top notes are the point. It is the classic San Diego pairing for fish tacos, ceviche and spicy food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Sculpin? For the sculpin fish — tasty but carrying a sting, the analogy the brewery uses for an IPA that drinks bright and finishes with a bite; the name is credited to artist Paul Elder.
What awards has Sculpin won? A gold medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup (International Pale Ale) is its corroborated headline award.
How bitter is Sculpin? 70 IBU per Ballast Point, at 7% ABV — firmly bitter, in the classic West Coast style.
The San Diego IPA standard — pick up Ballast Point Sculpin online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.