986
10 Barrel Brewing Co.

a solid black ipa here, smooth and fuller bodied, but with a very fresh and robust hop profile, plenty big enough to get through all the dark grain in this. coal black from the tap without much shine and with a thin khaki head, looks like a lot of beer in the big glasses they use in here, but appealing nevertheless. aroma is deeply roasted but without any of that burnt or smoked character. there is some sweeter grain here too, slightly caramelized to me, and then some dark cocoa earthiness. the hops show citrus to me, a neat characteristic with the darker grain, less common than the pine family hop profile i am used to in the style. the flavor is nice, definitely some dark chocolate to the grain profile, and the beer overall is much drier than it smells like it is. i get some grapefruit and candied orange from the hops, and then plenty of bitterness. its complex as they go, but also really well balanced, and i dont mind the little bit of concentrated grain sweetness here, it really softens this and makes it smooth. there is a lot of body here though, and this quite fills me up, although i went heavy on the appetizers in here too, so it could just be the combination. either way it has some heft, and might be better served in a smaller glass, this is a big dose, but its a well made beer in a style we dont see enough of anymore, what ever happened to the cascadian darks anyway?!

On tap at 10 Barrel Boise. Pretty dark black pour, small tight beige head. Big roast grains and hops in the aroma, quickly followed by more roast grains, hops, fruity flavors and a bit of ash. Finishes dark and bitter, no surprise.