Furry Black India Pale Ale
North Peak Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately date of bottling was almost exactly two years ago to the day, so not exactly fresh. However, my review is similar to others in general sense.

L: Dark black, viscous

S: Malty, sweet, chocolate

T: Thick up front chocolate. No hoppiness. Chocolate through and through with a malty finish.

O: really not what I expected from an IPA and did not enjoy the malty finish.

Bought this is a mix 6 from a suburban Liquor Barn. It is interesting, but not unique. Basically, you'll pick up som stout flavors in a black IPA. As expected.

 

 

 

 

Furry by North Peak.

Had my first brew by these guys a few weeks back and was pleasantly surprised so I figured I'd look 'em up again.

Look - Wowza, I understand black IPA but this guy is BLACK. Even comes with a three finger mocha colored head. Can't speak on the carbonation as this one is like looking at a pool of engine oil. Oh well, who doesn't like surprises..This guy. But, we shall see. Lacing is there, though not all that pretty or plentifull.

Smell - Maybe it's because I'm sitting in a room with two hurricane strength fans on a 90 degree Michigan day, but my nose is playing games since this smells far more reminicent of a porter than any type of IPA that I have ever had. Coffee grounds with a swig of the malt and a tad bit dark and fruity. Hoppyness is on the tail end like a stalker girlfriend following you home from work.

Taste - The label says black IPA but my taste buds say chocolate infused java porter. Not sure if this is old, but I really don't care at this point. Sweet milky chocolate on the forefront with a touch of the hops and a sweetness that tastes like ripe cherries..hmm..chocolate java dunkel maybe? Either way it is..interesting.

Feel - Even sits bodied as though I poured a big old quart of oil into my mouth. The carbonation is a tad cold and stinging to my complaints. Body is quite sweet, almost getting a bit like a dose of robitussin.

Overall - Well..in my experience it doesn't fit the style at all. But. I refuse to rate according to that with this guy. While I must fully admit this would make a fine porter, the sweetness was a bit off-throwing. It seems like they threw everything they had into this beer. But I'd fire whoever decides the style. Make it a Fall released porter and you'll have a winner. Anyway, good, warming brew outta North Peak, and I'll be sure to find their number a third time.

 

 

 

 

 

Dark, almost black and hoppy. The aromas are of charcoal, piney hops, and a little booze. The beer is sweeter than expected, with a little fruit and some plastic notes. Roasted malt and warm alcohol. Full in body. Not as good as it could have been.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On tap at the brewery on Mission Peninsula.

Strong on hops as expected, but there is a nice malty flavor component.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottled on 2/20/14.

Pours an opaque black with a foamy dark khaki head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Thin streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, cocoa, char, and citrus zest aromas. Taste is much the same with cocoa, char, and citrus zest flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of roast and hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer with a nice balance of roast and citrus zest aspects all around.

Serving type: bottle.