Ballast Point Week: Day 5 (Bonus!) Big Eye IPA w/Ginger, cask conditioned

Almost didn't make it, rode bike to a party, tried to find a liquor store, decided to charge and rode all the way to Daily Pint. It's beer week! And they're featuring Ballast Point. What a coincidence.

I wanted Victory at Sea, amazing name for a beer. They were out so I went for the IPA with a Ginger twist. Ginger and hops go together remarkably well, wow. It's sweet and bitter, and since the carbonation isn't very high they both give you their honest, unmasked character. Wow, this is seriously good. Just when I'm about to think, this is too sweet, the bitter pops in and saves it.

This beer can be Tina Fey. A custom crafted, rare bit of excellence. I don't think this would have the mass appeal of Tina, but it's just as effective of a sweet and bitter balance. The same way Tina will self-mockingly discuss her flaws, this beer would probably tell you, "yeah, I know. Ginger is kinda weird," and I love it.

Big Eye IPA kicks off BALLAST POINT BREWERY week

So we're continuing a week of drinking a single brewery and hoping for a rebound from last week's dismal sacrifice to the gods. I picked up the 4 beers available from BALLAST POINT brewery as well the last 2 from the Ninkasi brewery to finish off what's available from them at BevMo.(we had Panzer Pilsner recently). If the beers suck, as least the labels look good.

2nd Times a Charm for brewery week?

We began the week with Ballast Point's general IPA, the BIG EYE IPA.

WHOA! You eyeballing me son?

Like someone with bug eyes, this BIG EYE came on a little strong for me. It's pretty intense and not very well rounded, but I could find why a hophead might be delighted. Still, it didn't blow my pants off. TRANSFORMERS rating. But so far, a much better start to the week and I'm excited to see how these other bitches are going to pour!

Ballast Point Brewing Co. Week: Day 1, Big Eye IPA

I needed a beer today, and since Walker grabbed beer for this week, I suggested he try looking for a new series (since Mission sucked). I'm looking forward to getting one right.

This IPA is real strong, like bull. It's not too bitter, but it is hugely hoppy. I suppose there's just enough malt too keep the bitter at bay.

Tim Allen. I dont know much about him outside of tool time, crappy movies and Buzz Lightyear, but Buzz is a good corollary to this beer's bitterness. Bold, too bold to be taken really seriously. But well-intentioned and ultimately a success when paired with a mellow, softer-spoken buddy, Woody.

Woody.