Beer Review: Ghost Town Brewing Gloomfang Hazy IPA
Ghost Town Brewing has built a legendary reputation in Oakland for its “sharp-edged” West Coast IPAs, but Gloomfang is proof that it can master the shadows of the New England style just as effectively. This Hazy IPA isn’t just a soft juice box; it maintains a bit of that gritty, resinous DNA that makes Ghost Town one of the best in the Bay.
Appearance
Gloomfang pours a heavy, opaque pale gold, looking like a fresh glass of pineapple nectar. It’s topped with a dense, frothy white head that shows excellent persistence. As it settles, it leaves behind thick “tide lines” of foam on the glass, a visual testament to its heavy hop saturation.
The Experience
The Nose: The aromatics are aggressive and hauntingly good. You’re immediately greeted by a massive wave of tropical fruit punch, specifically passion fruit and guava. However, in true Ghost Town fashion, there is a persistent “dank” undercurrent of pine needles and damp earth that beautifully balances the sweet fruit notes.
The Palate: The first sip is an explosion of citrus zest and stone fruit. Bright notes of tangerine and fuzzy peach dominate the mid-palate. What sets Gloomfang apart from other hazies is its depth of flavor; it tastes “green” and fresh, with a hop-oil richness that coats the tongue without being cloying.
Mouthfeel: Pillowy and soft. The oat and wheat additions provide a luxurious, creamy texture that carries the flavors effortlessly. It has a medium body that feels substantial but finishes with a surprising, palate-cleansing snap.
The Verdict
Gloomfang is a “Hazy IPA with teeth.” It delivers all the juice and velvety texture that fans of the style crave, but it refuses to abandon the bold, dank character that put Ghost Town on the map. It is exceptionally well-executed and stands as a top-tier example of how Oakland is interpreting the New England style. Whether you’re a haze-head or a die-hard West Coast fan, this beer has something to offer.
Ideal Pairing
From the Shop: The tropical intensity of Gloomfang is a spectacular match for a bright, citrus-forward Blanco Tequila. The hop oils in the beer and the agave sweetness of the tequila create a vibrant, high-energy pairing.
Local Eats: Pair this with a spicy carnitas burrito or some Nashville hot chicken; the haze tames the heat while the citrus notes pop against the spices.