Black IPA
Tequesta Brewing Company

 

 

this is part of their big hitter series, enjoyed on tap at tavola pizza, and a really nice ipa. its dark and rich like a porter in the globe, with a peaky tan head that lasts. it smells citrusy for its darkness, almost tropical in its hop complexion, and with more roast character to it than bitterness, at least in the nose. a hint of chocolate malt to this, interesting with all the hops, but then the darker barley comes in, giving it a meaty earthy density. the hops really do lighten it up, add some oils to the feel, and do have quite the lemony piney flavor. its like a dessert that isnt sweet, but it does have a richness that makes it less appealing in warm weather, but infinitely satisfying as a single glass of beer. very well balanced, but in a different way than just malt sweetness to hop bitterness, the flavors enhance each other, and this is one of the better american black ales or cascadian darks or whatever we are calling them now that i have had in moons. well done, lathery in feel, and very unique, they should make this one all the time.

 

 

 

 

 

On tap at the brewery. Served in a pint glass.

Appearance - Black with some reddish fringes. Nice khaki head. A bit of lacing. Good looking beer.

Smell - Some pine hops, deep coffee malts, and some smoke.

Taste - Pine hop up front. Chocolate and some sweetness behind it. Again, there's a smokey flavor. Bitter in the finish that accentuates the smokiness.

Mouthfeel - Thick. Bitter, but nothing out of character.

Overall - I like this, but I'm not sold on the Black IPA label.