Beer Review: Ghost Town Heinous West Coast IPA
Brewery: Ghost Town Brewing (Oakland, CA)
Style: West Coast IPA
ABV: (Assumed) 6.8% – 7.5%
Hops: (Assumed) Mosaic, Simcoe, and/or Chinook for classic West Coast punch
First Impressions
Ghost Town‘s labels are always a treat, and “Heinous” is no exception, featuring their signature, darkly artistic, and slightly unsettling aesthetic. Poured into a glass, this IPA shines with a brilliant, clear gold—a welcoming sight for any West Coast purist. A frothy, bone-white head forms and leaves behind beautiful lacing as it slowly recedes. The clarity is immaculate, signaling a crisp, dry experience.
Aroma
The nose is a beautiful blast of classic West Coast hop character. Dominant notes of pine resin and grapefruit zest leap out of the glass, backed by a subtle but enticing layer of tropical fruit—perhaps a hint of passion fruit or mango—that adds a modern twist. There’s a clean, faint malt sweetness underneath, but the aroma is all about the hops, promising a sharp, pungent bite.
Taste
“Heinous” delivers exactly what the aroma promises. The initial taste is intensely citrus-forward, featuring a powerful, slightly pithy flavor of grapefruit and orange peel. This quickly transitions into that familiar, beloved piney bitterness that defines the style. Crucially, the bitterness is assertive and present, but remarkably clean and focused, preventing it from becoming harsh. The malt profile is lean and dry, serving only as a canvas to showcase the vibrant hops. This beer is neither hazy nor sweet; it is a bone-dry, hop-focused crusher.
Mouthfeel
The body is medium-light, contributing to the beer’s exceptional drinkability. It is crisp and clean from start to finish. High carbonation lifts the hop oils off the palate and pushes through the dry finish. The drying effect is paramount, leaving the mouth ready for the next sip. This is remarkably refreshing and textbook West Coast in terms of mouthfeel.
Ghost Town‘s “Heinous” West Coast IPA is a masterclass in the style. It’s a bold, unapologetic return to form that reminds you why this style became famous in the first place. If you’re tired of sweet, turbid IPAs and crave that nostalgic, bitter, and beautifully clear hop punch, this is a must-try. Highly recommended for fans of traditional, aggressively hopped IPAs.