Beer Review: Devilment (Ghost Town Brewing)
Following the massive success of their collaboration brews, Devilment sees Ghost Town Brewing taking a deep dive into the “holy grail” of hops: the New Zealand Nelson Sauvin. By using three different high-tech hop formats, this 7.1% West Coast IPA is a masterclass in modern extraction and technical brewing.
- Style: West Coast IPA
- ABV: 7.1%
- Hops: Nelson Sauvin, Nelson Cryo, Nelson Hyperboost, Simcoe
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pours a brilliant, pale straw color, almost luminous, with a tight, effervescent head that sticks like glue to the glass.
The Aroma: The nose is a complex tug-of-war between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The Nelson Hyperboost creates a massive initial hit of diesel, crushed white grapes, and passionfruit. Just behind that, the Simcoe provides a classic “Old School” anchor of damp forest floor and orange zest.
The Palate: Expect a sharp, clean entry. This beer is notably lean, lacking the heavy malt “breadiness” found in lesser IPAs. The mid-palate is where the Nelson Cryo shines, offering a concentrated, almost oily flavor of gooseberry and lychee. The bitterness is firm but sophisticated; it doesn’t just scratch; it resonates.
The Finish: Devilment finishes exceptionally dry. There is a lingering resin snap that cleanses the tongue, leaving a final impression of white wine spritzer and pine sap. It is incredibly “crisp” for a beer over 7%, making it dangerously easy to finish a pint.
If you are a fan of the “Nelson” profile, that specific mix of fruity, dank, and vinous, this is likely one of the best expressions of the hop on the market today. Ghost Town has made a beer that is technically dense with hop products but remains refreshing and light on its feet.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Spicy Fish Tacos: The carbonation and Nelson acidity cut through lime and cilantro perfectly.
- Sharp Cheddar: The intense hop bitterness stands up to the fat and salt of an aged cheese.
Available at SF Tequila Shop