Ballast Point Big Eye 6Pk

Ballast Point Big Eye IPA 6Pk is a 7.0% ABV San Diego-style IPA sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles, dry hopped with American Columbus and Centennial hops. It earned a 90 score on BeerAdvocate across more than 4,385 ratings, placing it firmly among the top-regarded West Coast IPAs from one of San Diego's most recognized breweries.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.0%  |  IBUs: 71  |  Origin: San Diego, California  |  Style: San Diego IPA  |  Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Ballast Point Brewing Company originated in San Diego, California, growing from a small homebrew supply shop into one of the city's flagship craft breweries. Big Eye IPA is built on a two-hop bill of American Columbus and Centennial varieties, with dry hopping during fermentation to amplify aroma without adding further bitterness beyond its already assertive 71 IBUs. The brewery positions Big Eye as its interpretation of the "San Diego IPA" — a substyle distinguished from broader West Coast IPAs by its leaner body and restrained caramel malt presence, letting hop character dominate the glass.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Passion fruit and bright citrus lead the nose, followed by floral hop notes and a layer of pine resin. The dry hopping contributes a pronounced aromatic intensity that announces the beer well before the first sip.

Taste: The entry is fruity and citrus-forward, with Columbus and Centennial hops delivering their characteristic blend of resinous bite and tropical brightness. A firm caramel-crystal malt backbone provides structure at the mid-palate, but stays restrained enough to let the hops push through to a puckering, bitter peak. A light malt sweetness balances the intensity without dulling it.

Finish: Long and decidedly bitter, with lingering pine and resin that coat the palate. The drying effect is clean, encouraging another sip rather than overwhelming the drinker.

How to Drink Big Eye IPA

Big Eye is best poured into a tulip glass or standard pint at around 45–50°F to let the hop aromatics open up fully. Drink it fresh — hop-forward IPAs lose their aromatic punch over time, so this six-pack rewards promptness rather than cellaring.

• IPA Shandy: Mix with fresh lemonade for a bitter-tart summer drink that tames the 71 IBUs while preserving citrus character.
• Michelada: The resinous hop backbone stands up well to lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice in a spicy beer cocktail.
• Beer Float: Pair with vanilla ice cream — the caramel malt sweetness and hop bitterness create an unexpectedly balanced dessert serve.

Best For

• Sharing with friends during a backyard barbecue or cookout
• Introducing someone to the San Diego IPA substyle
• Pairing with bold, spicy, or smoky grilled foods
• Building a West Coast IPA tasting flight alongside regional competitors

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Big Eye IPA taste like? Big Eye IPA leads with bright citrus and passion fruit hop flavors, backed by firm caramel malt sweetness and a pronounced, resinous bitterness that defines its San Diego IPA character.

How does Big Eye IPA compare to Green Flash West Coast IPA? Both are hop-forward San Diego IPAs, but Big Eye runs a leaner, less malt-heavy profile with a thinner body, while Green Flash West Coast IPA tends toward a fuller mouthfeel and slightly more balanced malt-to-hop ratio. Big Eye's 71 IBUs and dry-hopped character give it a sharper, more resinous edge.

Is Big Eye IPA good for sipping on its own? Yes — its 7.0% ABV and assertive but clean hop bitterness make it a satisfying standalone pour, especially for drinkers who appreciate bold West Coast-style IPAs without residual sweetness.

Where is Big Eye IPA made? Big Eye IPA is brewed by Ballast Point Brewing Company in San Diego, California, a city widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of the American craft IPA movement.

What foods pair well with Big Eye IPA? Carne asada tacos benefit from the citrus hop contrast against charred, seasoned beef. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda can stand up to the bitterness. Spicy Thai curry mirrors the tropical hop notes. Fish and chips work classically, with the carbonation and bitterness cutting through fried batter. Smoked brisket creates an excellent interplay between resinous hops and rich, smoky meat.

What sizes does Big Eye IPA come in? Big Eye IPA is commonly available as a six-pack of 12 oz bottles, which is the standard retail format.

Is Big Eye IPA worth the price? Big Eye positions as a mid-tier craft IPA — reasonably accessible in price for a 7.0% ABV, dry-hopped offering from an established San Diego brewery, and its BeerAdvocate score of 90 suggests strong quality at its price point.

Why Big Eye IPA?

Big Eye IPA's primary distinction is its role as a benchmark San Diego-style IPA — leaner and more hop-focused than many West Coast IPAs that lean into caramel malt balance. Its BeerAdvocate score of 90 across thousands of reviews speaks to consistent quality rather than hype-driven demand. The straightforward Columbus and Centennial hop bill delivers a classic American IPA profile without chasing trendy adjuncts or haze, and the dry-hopping technique gives it aromatic depth that punches above its relatively simple recipe. For drinkers who want to understand what San Diego IPA means as a substyle, this six-pack is one of the most direct examples available.