Sculpin IPA — Ballast Point

Ballast Point's Sculpin IPA achieved a stunning peak: its quality drove a $1 billion acquisition by Constellation Brands in 2015, a record valuation for a single craft beer brand. At 7% ABV, this West Coast IPA delivers nuanced apricot, peach, and mango flavors from seven hop varieties. While the deal later faltered, the beer's taste remains flawless, outperforming #7 competitors in balance and drinkability. It costs 20% more than average IPAs but earns every penny with consistent awards.