Small Batch Ale Black Beauty
White Birch Brewing

Pours a solid black with a decent tan head that slowly dissipates to wisps on top. Smells of dark roasted malts with hints of caramel, coffee, and chocolate and bits of dark dried fruits at the edges. Earthy piney and floral hops definitely give the malt grief in the aroma. The flavor is light chocolate and roast up front with a solid hop bite providing some balance. The finish is moderately dry with a lingering roasty finish. Medium body with a moderate level of carbonation and a slick resinous ashy mouthfeel. I'll start by saying I really enjoyed this beer, but then again I love the dark beers. This feels more like a hoppy porter to me than a black IPA. That line is incredibly blurry, but the chocolate, the body and the roast to me are more assertive than they should be for the style. Great beer whatever you call it.