Beachwood Brewing 'Sunset Viper' West Coast IPA Beer, California

Beachwood Brewing Sunset Viper West Coast IPA is a boldly expressive India Pale Ale that showcases the precision, intensity, and hop-driven character for which Beachwood Brewing has become renowned. Built on a streamlined foundation of Canadian Pilsner malt, this 7.1% ABV IPA brings together Nelson Sauvin, Citra, Ekuanot Cryo and Simcoe hops in a combination designed to emphasize vibrant aromatics and assertive bitterness. With 80 IBUs, Sunset Viper delivers the unmistakable structure of a classic West Coast IPA, allowing its distinctive hop selection to take center stage against a clean, restrained malt backbone.

Product Details:

• Founders: Gabriel Gordon and Lena Perelman
• Co-Owner & Brewmaster: Julian Shrago
• Alcohol: 7.1% ABV
• Bitterness: 80 IBUs
• Malt: Canadian Pilsner
• Hops: Nelson Sauvin, Citra, Ekuanot Cryo and Simcoe
• Hop Character: Aromatic, citrus-driven and resinous, with potential tropical fruit and white grape nuances
• Malt Profile: Light, clean and supportive
• Overall Character: Hop-forward, firmly bitter and crisp

Sensory Description:

Sunset Viper's hop combination suggests a vivid aromatic spectrum, with Nelson Sauvin contributing its characteristic white grape and tropical fruit associations, while Citra introduces bright citrus and juicy fruit impressions. Ekuanot Cryo adds the potential for layered tropical, citrus peel and herbal notes, complemented by the familiar piney, resinous character of Simcoe. Together, these varieties create the framework for a complex, assertively aromatic West Coast IPA.

On the palate, the Canadian Pilsner malt provides a relatively lean foundation, allowing the hop character and substantial bitterness to remain prominent. At 80 IBUs, Sunset Viper promises a firm, enduring bitter edge balanced by aromatic fruit and resinous depth. Its West Coast styling favors definition and freshness over heavy malt sweetness, leading toward a crisp, hop-focused finish. The overall impression is energetic and structured, appealing to drinkers who appreciate expressive hops and a pronounced bitter profile.

Brewer's Background:

Beachwood's story began in 2006, when chef Gabriel Gordon and his wife, Lena Perelman, opened a restaurant and craft beer bar in Seal Beach, California. Their concept brought inventive cooking and carefully selected beer together in a relaxed, community-oriented setting. In 2011, they expanded into brewing in Downtown Long Beach, partnering with accomplished homebrewer Julian Shrago to establish Beachwood Brewing. The brewery quickly developed a reputation for its technically accomplished beers, particularly its distinctive interpretations of the West Coast IPA. Its subsequent growth included Beachwood Blendery in 2015, dedicated to beers inspired by Belgian Lambic traditions, and Beachwood Distilling in 2024.

Julian Shrago, Beachwood Brewing's co-owner, brewmaster, and Director of Brewing Operations, brought an engineering background and a rigorous, experimental approach to the brewhouse. Before entering professional brewing, he spent years developing recipes as a homebrewer and became known for his skill with hop-forward beers. His brewing philosophy combines technical precision with continual refinement, emphasizing thoughtful ingredient selection and a willingness to revisit established recipes in pursuit of greater balance and expression. Under his brewing leadership, Beachwood has earned recognition for its range of craft beers, while West Coast IPAs have remained a defining part of the brewery's identity. Sunset Viper reflects that broader commitment to aromatic intensity, clean structure and purposeful bitterness.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve fresh and chilled at approximately 7-10°C in a clean IPA glass, tulip glass or nonic pint to capture its expressive hop aromas while allowing its bitter structure to unfold. Sunset Viper is a natural match for bold, savory dishes, including spicy grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, smoked brisket, loaded burgers and pepperoni pizza. Its pronounced bitterness can cut through rich, fatty textures, while the citrus and resinous hop character offers an engaging contrast to fried seafood, fish tacos and sharp aged cheddar. For a particularly satisfying pairing, enjoy it alongside a generously seasoned burger or smoky barbecue with a touch of heat.