Nettled Madge Black IPA
Anderson Valley Brewing Company

 

 

 

Had on tap at Encinitas Ale House

A - Dark chocolate, almost black body beneath a 2-finger tan head that is sticky and leaves great lacing.

S - Dark chocoloate and coffee. Kind of like a mocha. Piney hops in nose with a touch of bitter citrus.

T&M - Follows the smell very well. A very interesting combination of coffee and a touch of dark chocolate with piney, oily hop bitterness. Not as much citrus in the taste but just a hint of grapefruit perhaps. Smooth, lightly carbonated mouthfeel. A touch oily on the back of the tongue.

O - I really liked this one as it was very different from other IPAs and Black IPAs I've had. Much more coffee presence which was a cool mix with the hops.

Tall light brown head topping a black brew. Good lasting foam and decent stick on the glass. Nose is somewhat faint due to the firm head, but I get some chalkiness and a slight spiciness. Sweet and toasted barley. Herbal hopping.

The flavor is a little more assertive than the nose, which is good. The coffee and molasses jump out, alongside a citric hoppiness. Fairly big body for this style despite the hopping. Nice and bitter. Enjoyed this one.

Poured on tap in to a tall pint glass. This brew has a nice cream tan colored head of one solid finger bubbles, with a nice red/brownish body and completely opaque. You can not see through this thing at all.

Bouquet is a very VERY faint gravy roast but also with a sweet brown spice. Someone remarked to me about Graham Cracker and I could believe that..

Taste comes through in a first malt sweetnesst then a big burst of coffee, and a roasted coffee finish with hop bitterness that is tolerable. It leads you to believe this is some sort of mix between Porter and IPA.

Very unique tasting and would have again great stuff.

Had on tap at the brewery. Reviewed from notes.

A: Served a clear black with a fuzzy tan head that receded into a thick collar that left great lacing down the glass.
S: This is one of the dankest most marijuana-like smelling beers that I've had. Very epic and overpowering weed smelling hops. There is a strange undertone of urinal cakes, but in a good way.
T: Big toasted and roasted flavors under fresh piney hops. There is a slight touch of sour acidity, and the finish and aftertaste hit my palate much more bitter than 50 IBU's.
M: Medium-full bodied, soft but ample carbonation with no presence of alcohol.
D: Not the greatest black IPA I've had, but a pretty solid stab at the style. Very fresh and bitter though. I would drink this again if I ever got the chance.