SweetWater Goin' Coastal Pinapple IPA: Bright and Tropical

by Ryan Gerstel

Much like grapefruit IPAs a few summers back, pineapple IPAs seem like the new flavoring trend this summer season.

After the success of craft giant Ballast Point's Pineapple Sculpin, breweries such as Maryland's Evolution and Georgia's Sweet Water have released pineapple versions of their flagship IPAs, in the form of Pine'Hop'Le and Goin' Coastal. I have previously reviewed Evolution's brew, stating that I actually prefer Evolution's product over Ballast Point's.

Nonetheless, the pineapple IPA style has not disappointed. Each offering, while slightly different, has been a pleasant drinking experience. This includes SweetWater's pinapple IPA, Goin' Coastal.

Clocking in at a modest 50 IBUs and 6.1 percent ABV, this tropical IPA uses SweetWater's flagship IPA as the foundation, with pineapple, hints of grapefruit and loads of citrus added.

SweetWater has made this summer brew available on draft, 16 ounce pounder cans and in their summer variety pack, alongside their flagship IPA, 420 pale ale and Take Two pilsner. Here at the beer outlet, we carry it in both the pounder cans and variety packs.

Goin' Coastal pours a dark golden hue with a finger length foam head that takes its time dissipating. Lacing around the glass is moderate.

Much like Ballast Point's Pineapple Sculpin, Goin' Coastal features a pungent and sweet pineapple aroma with hints of citrus and tart mixed in. Thankfully, the aroma translates to the taste.

Much like Pine'Hop'Le, Goin' Coastal captures the pineapple flavor without being overly fruity or sweet. SweetWater delivers a well-rounded and bright pineapple flavor with loads of citrus and a little tart to even it out. There is minimal hop bitterness and the body resembles SweetWater's IPA, which makes Goin' Coastal a smooth, easy-drinking experience and an excellent choice to stay refreshed in the summer heat.

Goin' Coastal takes Pineapple Sculpin's mouth watering pineapple aroma and Pine'Hop'Le's bright,  well-rounded pineapple flavor and combines it into one, excellently crafted seasonal brew. The pineapple IPA style is 3-for-3 with me so far, and Goin' Coastal might be the best of the bunch.

Cheers, SweetWater!