Specialty Beer XXX Black Double IPA
Midnight Sun Brewing Co.

Specialty Beer XXX Black Double IPASpecialty Beer XXX Black Double IPA
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From:
Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
 
Alaska, United States
Style:
Black IPA
ABV:
8.5%
Score:
89
Avg:
3.97 | pDev: 8.56%
Reviews:
81
Ratings:
178
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Nov 13, 2017
Added:
Jan 17, 2009
Wants:
  29
Gots:
  8
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Specialty Imports' specialty wine and beer import business, Midnight Sun Brewing Company brewed a very special beer--a black double IPA--to honor this Alaska company's long-term success.

This Specialty Beer Black Double IPA celebrates Specialty Imports' success in importing and distributing the world's best wines and beers to the appreciative folks in Alaska. This "Specialty Beer" brings together smooth, dark malts with intense aromatic hops to create a wonderfully balanced yet committed-to-flavor ale.

87 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Ryan011235:
Photo of Ryan011235
Reviewed by Ryan011235 from Ohio

4.41/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured into an E&J Cask & Cream glass on 2/20/11

Bottled the third week of either November or December (notched between the two)

Much appreciation to Nickd717 for the chance to try this

Medium brown color; settles dark - caramel brown at the base with crimson and ruby highlights. The head poured just shy of two fingers. Thinner layer of retention and copious amounts of ringed lace. Looks really nice.

The aroma boasts a good bit of pine and some citric notions, though the latter isn't at the fore. Some earthy hops, too. The malts take a back seat to the hops. Subtle roastiness and hints of dark bread. Pretty vibrant overall without much, if any, booze. A little coffee and cocoa as it warms.

Dry throughout, the taste is otherwise rather mercurial. Sticky, resinous pine bitterness leads off, bolstered by a mild citric juiciness. The mid-section finds roasted flavors and some toasted bread emerge. Onward still, the finish is bombarded with an intensely dry, roasted coffee/espresso flavor.

Medium-full body with some resiny intrigue. Carbonation is moderately low and is spot-on for this beer. Though it isn't at all hot, there is a undeniable warming sensation after about a third of the bottle. The finish is dry and very roasty.

What can I say? This is a freaking great CDA. It gets better with each sip. Even at a few months old this is one of the best I've had. This is also my first Midnight Sun beer; they're killing it right out of the gate. Definitely recommend. Thanks Nick!
Feb 22, 2011
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.02 by MAUEX_MFA from Alaska

Nov 13, 2017
 
Rated: 4.23 by ptarmigan98 from Alaska

Apr 30, 2017
 
Rated: 3.85 by thumperskibum from Indiana

Apr 02, 2016
 
Rated: 3 by BcOneSeven from Michigan

Feb 27, 2016
 
Rated: 3.82 by MatthewD4 from Alaska

Feb 17, 2016
 
Rated: 4.34 by SweetwaterTuonker from Minnesota

Jan 07, 2016
 
Rated: 4 by jaswilson2 from South Carolina

Aug 15, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by South2NW from Oregon

Jul 02, 2015
 
Rated: 4.02 by Mikexw from New York

Apr 24, 2015
 
Rated: 3.89 by stomioka from New Jersey

Apr 12, 2015
 
Rated: 3.94 by nicole309 from Alaska

Jan 20, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by uturn from Florida

Dec 03, 2014
Photo of CarolinaCardinals
Reviewed by CarolinaCardinals from North Carolina

3.85/5  rDev -3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Picked up a bomber from the Holiday Wine Cellar in early September for $11.99. Bottled on
12/17/13.

Beer poured black with an OK tan head that his dissipated quickly.

Nose is roasty with citrus hops.

Taste is to the style, starts off roasty and concludes with a major citrusy pine finish.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and fairly smooth.

Overall this is a pretty good brew but not worth it at the price point.
Nov 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.16 by irishevans from California

Nov 30, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by lillitnn92 from Virginia

Nov 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by itracy63 from Washington

Aug 31, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by TasteTester from Ohio

Aug 26, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by malfunxion from New York

Aug 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by djrn2 from New Jersey

Aug 04, 2014
Specialty Beer XXX Black Double IPA from Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 89 out of 100 with 178 ratings