Dark Side Imperial IPA
Anacortes Brewery & Rockfish Grill

 

 

 

 

 

On draught at the Dog & Pony, Dark Side CDA is a ruddy mahogany with a small off-white collar leaving light foamy lace. A little lighter then usual, but not a deal breaker by my book, more brown then porter.

Smell is good, a nice mix of citrus hops and sweet caramel malts.

Taste is very nice, well balanced with the aforementioned citrus and caramel. This a strait-forward, well made CDA that I'm really enjoying.

Mouthfeel is slick, medium light bodied. A firm but not overwhelming bitterness gives a nice snap to the finish.

Drinkability is pretty high for my money, really hitting the spot, full flavored but smooth and sessionable.

This is not an Imperial IPA, as listed here, this is ABC's entry into the Cascadian Dark Ale (black IPA) category. Served in straight pint glass. The beer poured a very dark amber, just shy of black, with a tan head that had good retention and lacing.

The aroma was, as expected, very hoppy. Mostly citrus hops with some floral hop notes and just a hint of malt for a nice balance. The flavor was also very hoppy, but not in a tongue burning manner. Some citrus and floral notes blend with a hint of pine that is supported by a solid, but not overpowering, malt foundation.

The body was more substantial than a lot of IPA's and was a pleasure in the mouth. Drinkability was very good, having several of these beauties would be a joy. Overall, a fine beer that is certainly worth your time if you see it.

I had high hopes for this one but when it came to the table it looked like crap; dark cola colour with no head and cloudy. The nose was hoppy alright but not really pleasant hops. The taste was uncarbonated and totally unbalanced but not in a off the charts hoppy way but rather a off putting hop flavour. A really poor take on a darker version of an Imperial IPA which considering the general high level of brewing from these guys is surprising