Beer Review: Ghost Town Brewing – Inhume West Coast IPA
Style: West Coast IPA
ABV: 7.0%
IBU: Not listed (but expect solid West Coast bitterness)
Brewery: Ghost Town Brewing (Oakland, CA)
Appearance: Pours a clear, brilliant gold with a slight amber hue, looking bright and inviting. A sturdy, off-white head forms upon pouring, settling into a nice cap and leaving behind sticky lacing on the glass as you drink. It’s exactly the kind of crisp, clean appearance you’d expect from a well-made West Coast IPA.
Aroma: The nose is a classic West Coast IPA delight – bold and pungent with a fantastic interplay of citrus, pine, and a distinct dankness. Strong notes of grapefruit, orange peel, and lemon zest dominate, backed by a significant resinous pine quality. There’s also that characteristic “dank” or slightly herbal, marijuana-like aroma that many West Coast hopheads crave. A subtle biscuity malt sweetness provides a foundation for the hops to shine.
Taste: “Inhume” delivers a robust and satisfying West Coast IPA experience. The initial taste is a burst of bright, zesty citrus—grapefruit and tangerine are prominent—quickly followed by a firm, clean bitterness. The pine and resin flavors come through strongly in the mid-palate, giving it that classic sticky, chewy hop character. The dankness from the aroma translates well, adding depth and complexity. There’s a subtle, balancing malt presence that prevents the bitterness from being overwhelming, but it certainly leans bitter and hop-forward, as it should. The finish is long, dry, and assertively bitter, inviting another sip.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with a crisp and dry finish. The carbonation is lively and clean, cutting through the hop resins and enhancing the refreshing quality. It leaves the palate feeling clean and invigorated, with a pleasant lingering bitterness that avoids being harsh or astringent. It has that signature West Coast “bite.”
Ghost Town Brewing’s “Inhume” is an excellent example of a modern West Coast IPA that respects its roots while still feeling fresh. It showcases a fantastic balance of bold citrus, earthy pine, and pungent dankness, all supported by a clean, dry malt profile. The bitterness is assertive and satisfying, making it a great choice for those who appreciate the classic, hop-forward, non-hazy IPA style. It’s incredibly drinkable and refreshing, making it a perfect beer for any time you’re craving a serious hop hit. Ghost Town continues to prove they are masters of the style.