Have you ever been out and about, load up your Maps app, and just do a search for “brewery”? That is what I did while wine tasting with my family over the weekend. Little did I know we were 10 minutes away from Old Bust Head Brewing in Fauquier County, one of the newer Virgina breweries. After some mild convincing we arrived at the brewery, did some tasting, and I left with a six pack of the Graffiti House West Coast IPA.
Out of the 12 oz bottle, this 7.5% ABV American IPA pours a deep copper color with a just off-white head that leaves a good amount of lacing on the glass. On the nose there is a good amount of fruit coming through, as well as the IPA standards of citrus. Notes of passion fruit and mango really give this beer a great aroma. These hop aromas are backed up by some caramel malt to add a twinge of sweetness.
For being labeled as a West Coast style, the Graffiti House doesn’t hit you over head with bitterness. The hop flavors shine through with the citrus, mango, and passion fruit from the nose. With those come notes of pine and grapefruit and enough of a lingering bitterness to show this beer is leaning West Coast. Some caramel malt notes help to keep things balanced as well. The medium mouthfeel and lighter finish make this beer really drinkable.
The Graffiti House is a great IPA that provides some of the West Coast bitterness, while maintaining a sense of balance. The bitterness is tame enough that the citrus and tropical fruit flavors come through nicely on the palate. This is one of those non-session IPAs that you could have a few of and not get worn out. A really a good offering from Old Bust Head.
Rating
out of 100
