21st Amendment's Back in Black IPA, though not a part of the Brew Free or Die series, is another excellent beer which deserved a look this week!
Though not an 'official' style per se as the name is an oxymoron, the Black IPA is a beer I am seeing more and more of as of late. Basically it combines the hop-forwardness of an IPA with darker malts which you would usually find in a stout or a porter.
Back in Black did not disappoint! The beer was a deep ruby color--nearly black with an off-white to tan head. Aromas of heavily toasted, nearly burnt bread was combined with pleasant grassy, hoppy notes.
On the palate, this beer combined the maltiness and dryness of a stout with the amazing hop flavors of an IPA. The darker kilned malt really served this beer well, adding a pleasant dryness and notes of nearly burnt bread and coffee. At 65 IBUs, the hops showed out, providing a pleasant bitterness which manifested in some grassy type flavors.
I really enjoyed this beer as I was able to experience those amazing more heavily kilned malts with the hoppiness of an IPA--its a very interesting flavorful experience. When done well, the Black IPA can be very enjoyable, and 21st Amendment nailed it. Cheers! #BeerReview #IPA #BlackIPA #21stAmendment #FindYourCraft
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