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All IPA, All the Time
Before I start this review I feel like I should make something clear. One of my friends told me once that he was not going to travel internationally. I thought that was bizarre, since there are so many astounding places to see. When I asked him why. He said that he had not seen all of the US’s beauty yet and when he did see at least all of the states, he would go somewhere over seas. This is how I feel about Indian Pale Ale beer. I love IPA and there are so many out there that I have not tried, sampled, or even heard of yet. So I say, why stray from the herd. So if you are just tuning in, the beer reviews that are found here will be like a good jazz station, All IPA, All the Time.
I found a fantastic Liquor store in the heart of Tokyo via a beer website that has a very exciting and impressive beer selection. Tanakaya also carries a wide variety of scotch, bourbon, vodka, and wine. The highest quality selection that I have come across in Japan actually. From here on out, unless I note other wise, I will be reviewing beers that I have purchased from Tanakaya. I do not have much of a chance these days to go out to a bar and drink off tap, but when I do, I will try one of my previously reviewed brews and post a follow-up review of the tap/bottle difference that I find. With that said, I bring you the Ballast Point Big Eye IPA.
I find it important to point out that this bottle cost a whopping 565 yen, about $7. That is more than a sixer of these cost back home. But, due to a Japanese ABV tax and shipping fees, IPAs and high ABV beer are very expensive here.
The Big Eye is a nice IPA. This is my commensural beer from this San Diego based microbrewery Ballast Point. The Big Eye is one of two IPAs that BP brews. The Big Eye is their year round IPA offered in a 12 or 22 oz bottle and on draft.
When the bottle is first opened it boasts a sharp but refined hoppiness. Right out of the refrigerator you notice a hint of floral in the hop aroma. The beer looks splendid and delectable, I could not wait to taste this one. With a golden appearance and a small head this beer shows carbonation throughout the entire pour.
The Big Eye is 7% ABV and has 85 IBUs. It is not overly bittered and is sure smooth. As you taste this IPA, initially there is an agreeably bitter flavor followed by light delightful hints of floral and citrus. After about three seconds you pick out a fruitiness in the flavor that is quite lovely. An interesting oily coating of the mouth follows surprisingly adding a nice complexity to the whole experience.
My overall impression of this beer is delight. This beer is smooth and not too bitter. This brew has many delicious characteristics to it that will leave you wondering what the ingredients are. I would choose this beer as a mid summer’s day refreshment. Big Eye is light compared to many other IPAs that I have enjoyed, making this beer a nice choice for this time of the year or the new comer of IPAs. I will absolutely purchase Ballast Point’s other IPA, the Sculpin, as soon as I can. I will give this beer a 2 on the EGS. Thanks for a lovely beer Ballast Point. Keep them coming!
If you go to Tanakaya ask for Kitayama san. He speaks a bit of English and is a very pleasant and helpful man.
Tanakaya Liquor Store
