India Ink
Titletown Brewing Company

Enjoyed a couple tap pours of this during "Kegs & Eggs" at Old Fashioned, post-Great Taste. "India Style Black Ale" on the menu, it probably fits the bill of "Cascadian Dark Ale", and came across like a hopped up Ed Fitzgerald.

Very dark brown, almost black with a crimson glint when held in direct light. Tan foam showed good retention with some minor lacing. Floral hops in the aroma, slightly sprucey, adding a nice hop element to the roasted malt.

Flavor was moderately bitter and roasty. Tobacco and bakers chocolate from the roast malt, bitter coffee traces too. A resiny pine bitterness from the hops, which lingered well into the aftertaste. Well integrated bold flavors. Feel was more porter-like, light and dry. It was easy to order a second pour with brunch.

Nice charcoal black color and creamy tan head that leaves big sticky patches of frothy lace.

Huge aroma of roasted coffee and sweet molasses. Bitter hops in the nose also.

All the flavors are very assertive. Starts off with a bold chocolate and coffee flavor, bitter and drying. Then the hops pack a huge punch with a soapy and tangy bitterness. Also a hint of licorice spice and smooth molasses sweetness to bring it all together.

Sturdy medium body and adequately carbonated to bring the flavors to the taste buds. A creamy texture mid-drink and a dry finish.

Wow! What a brilliant example of a well crafted stout. Like taking everything good about a stout and an IPA and putting them into one. Tons of roasted character and hop bitterness but they still get along in the same glass. Well done!