Beer Review: Beachwood Hyperspeed West Coast IPA
Beachwood Brewing has built a massive reputation for “proper” West Coast IPAs, and Hyperspeed (released in 2024 to celebrate their 13th anniversary) is a masterclass in the “Hyper IPA” style.
This isn’t just another IPA; it is engineered to be as light, dry, and hop-saturated as possible.
The Technical Specs
- Style: West Coast IPA (“Hyper IPA”)
- ABV: 7.1%
- IBU: 65
- Hops: Mosaic (standard, 702, and Cryo), Strata CGX, and HBC-586 (Krush)
- Malts: Extra Pale Pilsner
Tasting Notes
Appearance and Aroma
It pours a brilliant, crystalline straw gold with a frothy white head that sticks to the glass. The aroma hits you immediately upon cracking the can—it is a punchy, “loud” bouquet of blueberry, dank pine resin, and an underlying hit of tropical passion fruit. The use of Mosaic in three forms (standard, 702, and Cryo) creates an incredibly layered berry-and-dankness profile.
Flavor Profile
The first thing you notice is the attenuation. Thanks to the pilsner malt base and the specific enzymes used during brewing, this beer is bone-dry.
-
- The Lead: Bright citrus zest and ripe blueberry.
- The Mid-Palate: A massive wave of “indica” dankness and sticky pine sap.
- The Finish: Crisp and clean. There is a firm, assertive bitterness that lingers just long enough to invite another sip, but none of the heavy caramel sweetness found in old-school IPAs.
Mouthfeel and Drinkability
Despite the 7.1% ABV, Hyperspeed lives up to its name. It is lean and effervescent, feeling almost weightless on the tongue. It drinks more like a 5% lager in terms of refreshment, though the hop complexity quickly reminds you of its true strength.
Hyperspeed is Beachwood at the top of their game. It perfectly captures the modern shift toward paler, drier, and more aromatic West Coast IPAs. If you enjoy the resinous punch of Amalgamator but want something even crisper and more “high-definition,” this is a must-buy.
Pro Tip: Freshness is everything with this hop bill. If you find a 4-pack, check the canning date—you want to drink this within 60 days to catch those Mosaic and Strata volatile oils at their peak.
Available at SF Tequila Shop
Exploring the dynamic craft beer scene of San Francisco, one pint at a time. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, we’re dedicated to uncovering the best local brews. We believe in the power of community and the unique stories behind every bottle. Our mission is to share our passion for craft beer with the Bay Area and beyond.