Beer Review: Breakside/Ghost Town Albatross West Coast IPA
The Breakside/Ghost Town Albatross West Coast IPA pours a hazy golden amber with a robust, frothy white head that laces beautifully down the glass. The aroma immediately transports you to a pine forest after a rain, with dominant notes of dank pine, resin, and a vibrant citrus zest, primarily grapefruit and orange peel. Underlying tropical fruit hints, like mango and passionfruit, add a layer of complexity without overshadowing the classic West Coast character.
On the palate, it delivers a powerful yet balanced hop punch. The bitterness is assertive, true to the West Coast IPA style, but it’s well-integrated and not harsh. Flavors of pine and resin dominate, supported by bright citrus and a touch of stone fruit. There’s a subtle malt sweetness in the background, just enough to provide a backbone for the hops without making it overly malty. The body is medium, and the carbonation is lively, contributing to a crisp and refreshing mouthfeel.
The finish is long, dry, and pleasantly bitter, with the lingering flavors of grapefruit peel and pine. At 7% ABV, it’s a potent IPA that drinks remarkably smoothly, inviting you back for another sip.
The collaboration between Breakside and Ghost Town has yielded a truly excellent West Coast IPA that showcases the best of the style, featuring bold hop character, bright aromatics, and a satisfyingly bitter finish. This is a must-try for any hop-head.