bikesandbeers (419), San Diego, California, USA May 11, 2008 On Tap @ Hamilton’s Tavern, South Park SD. It was listed on the board as 10% IIPA, and i had no idea in would come out black. Of course it invites comparison to Stone 11th, but I think this was much better. the roasty malt arom blended well with the hops, and it hit the tounge with some carmel-choclate and then faded into pinney hops. Drank easy without much hint of alcohol. yum!
BrotherGrendel (135), San Diego (La Jolla), California, USA Aug 23, 2008 On draft at O’Brien’s for CBC/WBC.
Appearance is a pitch black hue, thin layer of off-white head dissipates, minimal lacing.
Smell is big grassy and pine hops, subtle roast and caramel malts, alcohol, and sweet candy.
Taste is big hops and alcohol burn initially, opens up to coffee and roast malts, pine resin and caramel linger, finishes bitter and dry with moderate alcohol presence.
Mouthfeel is medium-bodied, watery smooth texture, amped up carbonation.
Drinkability is moderate and hampered mostly by the alcohol presence which seems larger than the 8%, overall a nice balance of malts and hops, more of a sipping beer.
DA (2389), Portland, Oregon City, Oregon, USA Aug 16, 2008 RBSG 2008. I really enjoyed this beer, very nice floral flavors that worked off the malts up front. The malts had a nice depth, layers of caramel and cherry, hints of chocolate, all balanced against the hop finish. One of the better "black ipas" i’ve had. RunDWP (152), San Jose, California, USA Aug 13, 2008 Updated: Aug 17, 2008On tap. Wow! What an experience. Flavors of licorice(!), grapefruity hops, and a little roasted malt. Dark brown color with a persistant tan head with excellent lacing on the glass. A little hoppy aroma. Completely unique and original. Liked it a lot. riversideAK (1570), Shoreline, Washington, USA Aug 12, 2008 Dark brown with a thin tan head. Aroma is strong and hoppy with West Coast prerequisites of grapefruit and pine. Darker malts hit first on the flavor with an interesting roast and a little fruitiness. This is trumped by huge hops. Pine and grapefruit take over and kick my mouth’s ass. Bitter and resiny. Dry and tasty. Unique mix between roast and hops. I liked this one a lot! carl4beer (263), Fairfax Station, Virginia, USA Aug 6, 2008 on draft at carlsbad. pours dark with thin tan head. aroma is citrus and some fruit. mouthful is full of hop that is back with roasted malt. had this right after the poormans, so it took a bit to appreciate the hoppiness after that hop bomb. very nice and well balanced black ipa.
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