The ‘India Pale Ale’ is a style of beer with a long, rich history. Brewed with extra hops to preserve the ale over long ocean voyages, IPAs are usually characterized by their strong bitterness. Their popularity among craft brew enthusiasts (at least some of whom probably take pride in their ability to withstand the intense flavor of the beer) has led to a large number of derivative styles. In particular, the relatively recent Black IPA (also known as the American Black Ale or Cascadian Dark Ale) features a strong roasted malt character which pairs with strong American hops. So grab a bottle or two and prepare to taste history in the making.

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‘IBA’ – LAKEFRONT – Black IPA – 6.50% ABV (Eye Choir’s Choice)

Appearance: Poured a very dark, nearly opaque reddish-brown, with a two finger, creamy tan head. No carbonation or sediment can be seen through the darkness of the body. 4/5

Smell: Pungent roasted malt with notes of dark roast coffee, cocoa, and some toffee, supported by a very subtle hop profile that displays citrus, wildflower, and even fresh pine bordering on mint. There are also traces of fruit such as apples which add to this complexity. 4.5/5

Taste: Very mildly sweet, with a moderate bitterness which manages to highlight the hop character without overstating it, and does a fantastic job of uniting the hops with the earthy, nearly burnt character of the malt. Slightly restrained, but very well-balanced. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium body, with a very smooth, slightly slick mouthfeel that with a gentle push of carbonation and virtually no alcoholic heat gives this beer a refreshing character that is perhaps a bit unexpected in a Black IPA. However, this meshes quite well with the subtlety of the flavor composition. 4/5

Overall: A little mild for a Black IPA, but does a fantastic job of balancing the malt with the unique hop palette, and remains superbly drinkable. 4.5/5

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‘FADE TO BLACK VOL. 4’ – LEFT HAND – Black IPA – 6.50% ABV

Appearance: Poured an impenetrably dark black with a one-finger, dark beige head. Nothing is visible inside the body, but on the periphery a few bubbles of carbonation are seen. 4/5

Smell: A good balance between a round, almost floral, citrus hop flavor and some vaguely cocoa-like roasted malts. Simple, standard flavor profile but memorable nonetheless due to its accessibility. 3.5/5

Taste: Fairly dry with moderate to light tartness and ample bitterness which accentuates the roast on the malts. The hops taste comparatively weaker considering to the aroma, which bringing this down to an average quality (though still drinkable) IPA flavor. 2.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a nice carbonic bite and a surprising alcoholic heat which mobilizes the burnt connotation of the malt. 3.5/5

Overall: Somewhat interesting aromas, but the taste does not elaborate on this much at all. Better than average, but really strikes me as a comparatively simple take on the style. 3.5/5

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BLACK IPA – HARPOON – Black IPA – 7.00% ABV

Appearance: Poured a nearly impenetrable darkness that is touched by tinges of dark red, with a two-finger, rocky beige head. No carbonation or sediment visible. 4/5

Smell: Moderately strong citric, earthy, and slightly floral hops underscored by some milder charred malt, with a distinct smoky coffee note. Simple but balanced, if a little weak. 3.5/5

Taste: Moderate to strong bitterness with a touch of sweet and tartness that binds the beer together. Bitterness brings out the nearly burnt malt character to a slightly better balance. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Moderate to light body with rich carbonation, but a reasonably smooth, even a little slick, mouthfeel. Fits the taste traditionally. 3/5

Overall: A reasonably balanced, hop-forward black IPA, but a little one-dimensional, even if those flavors are inherently fairly tasty. 3.5/5

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‘SUBLIMELY SELF-RIGHTEOUS ALE’ – STONE – Black IPA – 8.70% ABV

Appearance: Poured a nearly opaque dark brown-red with a two finger, persistent and rocky mahogany head. Some carbonation can be barely seen. 4/5

Smell: Extreme piney, resinous hops with hints of citrus which coalesce with a faint fruity undertone. These aromas are supported by a mild, grainy dark-roast coffee malt flavor which benefits from the mustiness of the hops. Hop-forward, though this is to be expected from Stone Brewing Co. 4/5

Taste: Strong to moderately bitter, though the powerful hop flavors evoked by this are balanced very well by a mild to moderate sweetness that evokes chocolate and even molasses from the malt. Not especially complex, but still very good. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium body, with a very smooth, refreshing mouthfeel that pairs with the hop resins quite well. Almost a little slick at times, with enough carbonation to fill things out, despite a relative lack of alcoholic heat. Mirrors the intense, yet refined flavors of the brew. 4.5/5

Overall: Not overly complex, but balanced despite how powerful it is. More IPA than black, however. 4/5