Midnight Ryder | Indeed Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Indeed Brewing Company
Minnesota, United States | website
Style: American Black Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.50%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
80 IBU
Added by sacrelicio on 08-14-2012
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 72 | Ratings: 409
4/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Pours a typical black color with a one-finger large head consisting of a bunch of small light brown bubbles. Quite a bit of lacing.
Smells of roasted malts, coffee beans, and general smokiness.
Taste consists of subtle chocolate, some coffee, and a large degree of licorice. The licorice provides quite a bit of bitterness. There is also a large degree of malts, and some subdued hops in the background. Mouthfeel is quite light, with medium-to-low carbonation.
I've often been disappointed by Indeed in the past, but this is a really solid beer. I consider this to be my second favorite Minnesotan attempt at the style, behind only Bent Paddle's Black Ale.
Purchased as a six-pack for $11.
★ 698 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Pours a typical black color with a one-finger large head consisting of a bunch of small light brown bubbles. Quite a bit of lacing.
Smells of roasted malts, coffee beans, and general smokiness.
Taste consists of subtle chocolate, some coffee, and a large degree of licorice. The licorice provides quite a bit of bitterness. There is also a large degree of malts, and some subdued hops in the background. Mouthfeel is quite light, with medium-to-low carbonation.
I've often been disappointed by Indeed in the past, but this is a really solid beer. I consider this to be my second favorite Minnesotan attempt at the style, behind only Bent Paddle's Black Ale.
Purchased as a six-pack for $11.
★ 698 characters
4.02/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Really nice Cascadian Dark Ale. Ever since trying this at the Ice House years ago it has been my go-to brew if drinking an American Black Ale. Had on tap, from a can, at beer fests, this is a nice beer.
Appearance - Dark appearance with nice lacing.
Aroma - Combo of dank/piney hops dominate with a hint of dark malts.
Taste - Combo of bitter chocolate, bitter dank hops and some roast.
Feel - lighter body as one would expect for an American Black Ale, this one finishes dry. I like that as well.
Overall - my go to for the style!
★ 540 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Really nice Cascadian Dark Ale. Ever since trying this at the Ice House years ago it has been my go-to brew if drinking an American Black Ale. Had on tap, from a can, at beer fests, this is a nice beer.
Appearance - Dark appearance with nice lacing.
Aroma - Combo of dank/piney hops dominate with a hint of dark malts.
Taste - Combo of bitter chocolate, bitter dank hops and some roast.
Feel - lighter body as one would expect for an American Black Ale, this one finishes dry. I like that as well.
Overall - my go to for the style!
★ 540 characters
4.16/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I purchased a can of this from France 44 in Minneapolis, MN. Midnight Ryder pours a dark hue with a moderate head and lacing. The aroma is a very nice mixture of roast malt and pine. The taste is a tad smoky with hints of roast malt, cocoa and pine. The finish has a slight hop bitterness that actually melds with the cocoa and malt to create a smooth bitterness. This was a great beer.
★ 386 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I purchased a can of this from France 44 in Minneapolis, MN. Midnight Ryder pours a dark hue with a moderate head and lacing. The aroma is a very nice mixture of roast malt and pine. The taste is a tad smoky with hints of roast malt, cocoa and pine. The finish has a slight hop bitterness that actually melds with the cocoa and malt to create a smooth bitterness. This was a great beer.
★ 386 characters
4.37/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4
Midnight Ryder pours a black color with a small lacing head. There is a very burnt aroma, with smoke, and hints of hops. The taste is very burnt, a little smokey, some coffee flavors, and a nice hoppy bitterness to finish. Good body good flavors. Overall its a very big bold black ale.
★ 289 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4
Midnight Ryder pours a black color with a small lacing head. There is a very burnt aroma, with smoke, and hints of hops. The taste is very burnt, a little smokey, some coffee flavors, and a nice hoppy bitterness to finish. Good body good flavors. Overall its a very big bold black ale.
★ 289 characters
3.98/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Type: 12-oz. can
Glass: Manzanita pint glass
From: My cousin Sam
Price: N/A
Purchased: N/A; Received July 24, 2015
Consumed: Aug. 7, 2015
Misc.: Canned on May 27, 2015
Thanks Sam!
Poured a black color with four fingers of frothy, tan head. Very nice among of layered, uneven, foamy lacing on the sides of the glass. Good-to-very good retention on the top. (Sight - 4.00)
Smelled dark chocolate, black coffee, toffee, caramel, roasty malts, licorice peppery notes, smokiness and light Citra hops. More hops, but not sure what kinds. (Smell - 4.00)
Tasted bitter black coffee, dark chocolate, roasty malts, black licorice, smoky fire, burnt toast, toffee, caramel, Nugget and woody pine. (Taste - 4.00)
Full body. Slick-to-chewy texture. Average carbonation. Bitter, roasty finish. (Feel - 3.75)
This was a pretty good black ale. It reminded me a lot of the Surly Blakkr which I had recently, but not quite as good. (Overall - 4.00)
3.98 | 89 | B+
★ 953 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Type: 12-oz. can
Glass: Manzanita pint glass
From: My cousin Sam
Price: N/A
Purchased: N/A; Received July 24, 2015
Consumed: Aug. 7, 2015
Misc.: Canned on May 27, 2015
Thanks Sam!
Poured a black color with four fingers of frothy, tan head. Very nice among of layered, uneven, foamy lacing on the sides of the glass. Good-to-very good retention on the top. (Sight - 4.00)
Smelled dark chocolate, black coffee, toffee, caramel, roasty malts, licorice peppery notes, smokiness and light Citra hops. More hops, but not sure what kinds. (Smell - 4.00)
Tasted bitter black coffee, dark chocolate, roasty malts, black licorice, smoky fire, burnt toast, toffee, caramel, Nugget and woody pine. (Taste - 4.00)
Full body. Slick-to-chewy texture. Average carbonation. Bitter, roasty finish. (Feel - 3.75)
This was a pretty good black ale. It reminded me a lot of the Surly Blakkr which I had recently, but not quite as good. (Overall - 4.00)
3.98 | 89 | B+
★ 953 characters
3.97/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a dark brown with a large, silky, chocolatey brown head. Good retention and lacing. A few chunkies floating around at the bottom.
Aroma is light citrus followed by some very lightly roasted chocolate and coffee malts. Pine is noticeable as well.
Taste is more malt centered, with some hints of pineapple and grapefruit. Pine is a little more prominent than the citrus. Light chocolate and coffee malts that play well with the citrus notes. Nothing really dominates in the taste, but it all plays together really well.
Medium body. Creamy. I would expect a beer like this to have slightly higher alcohol, and it probably would've benefitted from it as well.
Overall, a good American Black Ale with a nice, balanced taste.
★ 732 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a dark brown with a large, silky, chocolatey brown head. Good retention and lacing. A few chunkies floating around at the bottom.
Aroma is light citrus followed by some very lightly roasted chocolate and coffee malts. Pine is noticeable as well.
Taste is more malt centered, with some hints of pineapple and grapefruit. Pine is a little more prominent than the citrus. Light chocolate and coffee malts that play well with the citrus notes. Nothing really dominates in the taste, but it all plays together really well.
Medium body. Creamy. I would expect a beer like this to have slightly higher alcohol, and it probably would've benefitted from it as well.
Overall, a good American Black Ale with a nice, balanced taste.
★ 732 characters
4.06/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4
Picked this up at Four Firkins in Minneapolis. Canned on date states this is a month old. Poured right from the fridge into a pint glass.
L: Pours a coffee deep brown with about an inch of dense khaki head that lingers for a bit, leaving a nice ring and lacing on the glass. Plenty of visible carbonation at the edges when held up to the light.
S: Bright hoppy aroma on this one--wow. Big pine hop notes, along with the deeper roasted malts underneath. This has a very assertive, pleasant nose.
T: Roasted malts and sweeter caramel malts hit the taste buds first. This is followed almost immediately by some nice pine hop notes that register at the sides and back of the tongue. The middle continues the hop and malt tandem in very good balance, with just a bit of clear alcohol poking through. The back end has some significant resinous hop flavor and bitter, but the aftertaste is really a showcase of those initial malty flavors. Very tasty brew.
F: Perhaps my only gripe about this beer is that it feels a little too light at the lighter side of medium-bodied. With the flavor profile it brings, I find myself wanting something a bit more substantial. It's got a bit of creaminess to the middle, thanks to a good level of carbonation, but the overall body feels quite watery.
O: I really enjoy this beer, as I've enjoyed everything else I've tried from Indeed. It brings together some fantastic hop and malt flavors in a way that doesn't feel forced. I wouldn't call it an especially balanced beer, but everything in this one--flavor-wise--is working for me. It could do with a little heavier body, but I suppose that would sacrifice the drinkability somewhat. I definitely recommend seeking this one out.
★ 1,714 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4
Picked this up at Four Firkins in Minneapolis. Canned on date states this is a month old. Poured right from the fridge into a pint glass.
L: Pours a coffee deep brown with about an inch of dense khaki head that lingers for a bit, leaving a nice ring and lacing on the glass. Plenty of visible carbonation at the edges when held up to the light.
S: Bright hoppy aroma on this one--wow. Big pine hop notes, along with the deeper roasted malts underneath. This has a very assertive, pleasant nose.
T: Roasted malts and sweeter caramel malts hit the taste buds first. This is followed almost immediately by some nice pine hop notes that register at the sides and back of the tongue. The middle continues the hop and malt tandem in very good balance, with just a bit of clear alcohol poking through. The back end has some significant resinous hop flavor and bitter, but the aftertaste is really a showcase of those initial malty flavors. Very tasty brew.
F: Perhaps my only gripe about this beer is that it feels a little too light at the lighter side of medium-bodied. With the flavor profile it brings, I find myself wanting something a bit more substantial. It's got a bit of creaminess to the middle, thanks to a good level of carbonation, but the overall body feels quite watery.
O: I really enjoy this beer, as I've enjoyed everything else I've tried from Indeed. It brings together some fantastic hop and malt flavors in a way that doesn't feel forced. I wouldn't call it an especially balanced beer, but everything in this one--flavor-wise--is working for me. It could do with a little heavier body, but I suppose that would sacrifice the drinkability somewhat. I definitely recommend seeking this one out.
★ 1,714 characters
4.25/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L: Pours brilliant deep dark brown under a very finely bubbled 3” tan foam collar that clings to the side of the glass.
S: Light roast, herbal hop and traces of chocolate aromas waft from the glass.
T: A slightly sweet start quickly gives way to grains, light roast and hop bitterness and then dries out on the finish leading to a dry bitter chocolate aftertaste.
F: Very creamy with medium to medium high carbonation and a medium body.
O: Backing off slightly on the malt and chocolate of a porter or stout, this beer gives an ale take on a german schwartzbier.
★ 569 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
L: Pours brilliant deep dark brown under a very finely bubbled 3” tan foam collar that clings to the side of the glass.
S: Light roast, herbal hop and traces of chocolate aromas waft from the glass.
T: A slightly sweet start quickly gives way to grains, light roast and hop bitterness and then dries out on the finish leading to a dry bitter chocolate aftertaste.
F: Very creamy with medium to medium high carbonation and a medium body.
O: Backing off slightly on the malt and chocolate of a porter or stout, this beer gives an ale take on a german schwartzbier.
★ 569 characters
3.7/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
This beer was served on nitro at Republic at Seven Corners in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It arrived in a generic pint glass, showing a rich mahogany coloring, with beautifully cascading waves of bubbles and suds delivered by the nitro. It simmered like this for the first two minutes it sat in front of us. A one finger head of characteristic nitro foam sat atop the brew, wiggling the color of eggnog. This, as is typical, lasted for the entire tasting. As the liquid level dropped, thick mountains of lacing were left clinging in the head’s wake. No haze or sediment was noted, and carbonation appeared to be tight. The aroma offered up sweet nectary and grassy hops waves on top of black pepper and nutmeg spice, cripsy black and chocolate malts, powdery oat, light plastic phenols, Graham Crackers, hot honey, chalky fruitiness of Sweetarts, warm gingerbread, Jelly Belly candies, pineapple and peach syrup, and sweet ethanol. The following flavor suggested a blend of bitter raw black maltiness, chocolate and coffee malts, paper clips, creamy black espresso, charred rye tones, faintest herbal and piney hoppiness, mineral and slate, blueberry cobbler, milk chocolate and raw dark cacao, clay, and plastic phenols. At a full room temperature, the hops thicken, becoming sweeter, and more nectary, with some tropical fruitiness of pineapple to back it up. The body was rendered silky soft and smooth from the nitro, but would otherwise classify as a solid medium. Carbonation was medium as well. Although slurp and smack were a bit thinner off the top of the sip, the beer came across as heavily creamy and frothy. A puckered coating was appreciated all around the mouth. The abv was appropriate, and drinkability was on the slower side.
Overall, we would be hard pressed to call this one a “black IPA”. Judging by the nose alone you would be more apt to think this was a clean stout, or even the darkest of brown ales. Actually, it’s quite nice. The taste comes across like the most bitter coffee stout, but again, with almost no hop component whatsoever. Regardless, we were very happy to find Indeed’s beers on tap here. This brewing company was on “must visit” lists of several of our locals, but since we couldn’t fit it in, this worked well in absentia. According to the bartender at Republic, this was the only place in the city we could actually find this beer on nitro. While we feel it didn’t necessarily do the beer justice in the hop department, it was tasty and exciting nonetheless.
★ 2,538 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
This beer was served on nitro at Republic at Seven Corners in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It arrived in a generic pint glass, showing a rich mahogany coloring, with beautifully cascading waves of bubbles and suds delivered by the nitro. It simmered like this for the first two minutes it sat in front of us. A one finger head of characteristic nitro foam sat atop the brew, wiggling the color of eggnog. This, as is typical, lasted for the entire tasting. As the liquid level dropped, thick mountains of lacing were left clinging in the head’s wake. No haze or sediment was noted, and carbonation appeared to be tight. The aroma offered up sweet nectary and grassy hops waves on top of black pepper and nutmeg spice, cripsy black and chocolate malts, powdery oat, light plastic phenols, Graham Crackers, hot honey, chalky fruitiness of Sweetarts, warm gingerbread, Jelly Belly candies, pineapple and peach syrup, and sweet ethanol. The following flavor suggested a blend of bitter raw black maltiness, chocolate and coffee malts, paper clips, creamy black espresso, charred rye tones, faintest herbal and piney hoppiness, mineral and slate, blueberry cobbler, milk chocolate and raw dark cacao, clay, and plastic phenols. At a full room temperature, the hops thicken, becoming sweeter, and more nectary, with some tropical fruitiness of pineapple to back it up. The body was rendered silky soft and smooth from the nitro, but would otherwise classify as a solid medium. Carbonation was medium as well. Although slurp and smack were a bit thinner off the top of the sip, the beer came across as heavily creamy and frothy. A puckered coating was appreciated all around the mouth. The abv was appropriate, and drinkability was on the slower side.
Overall, we would be hard pressed to call this one a “black IPA”. Judging by the nose alone you would be more apt to think this was a clean stout, or even the darkest of brown ales. Actually, it’s quite nice. The taste comes across like the most bitter coffee stout, but again, with almost no hop component whatsoever. Regardless, we were very happy to find Indeed’s beers on tap here. This brewing company was on “must visit” lists of several of our locals, but since we couldn’t fit it in, this worked well in absentia. According to the bartender at Republic, this was the only place in the city we could actually find this beer on nitro. While we feel it didn’t necessarily do the beer justice in the hop department, it was tasty and exciting nonetheless.
★ 2,538 characters
4.12/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Thank you Stillyman11 for this
12 oz can, dated 11/17/14, poured into a tulip
A- Black with the four finger mocha head.
S- Citrus and piney hops mixed with some cocoa and roasted coffee.
T- Some citrus, piney finish, roasted coffee, faint chocolate.
M- Smooth, medium body, fairly creamy.
O- This beer lives up to how awesome the can is. A solid black ale with no flaws. Would love to try other beers from Indeed.
★ 420 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Thank you Stillyman11 for this
12 oz can, dated 11/17/14, poured into a tulip
A- Black with the four finger mocha head.
S- Citrus and piney hops mixed with some cocoa and roasted coffee.
T- Some citrus, piney finish, roasted coffee, faint chocolate.
M- Smooth, medium body, fairly creamy.
O- This beer lives up to how awesome the can is. A solid black ale with no flaws. Would love to try other beers from Indeed.
★ 420 characters
4.1/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4
The beer is pleasant and not too heavy. I like this beer and buy it occasionally, but I have to say, the resin/piney character gets to be a bit much for me.
★ 156 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4
The beer is pleasant and not too heavy. I like this beer and buy it occasionally, but I have to say, the resin/piney character gets to be a bit much for me.
★ 156 characters
4.03/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: poured into pilsner glass. dark, almost black. 1/2 inch head looks nice and foamy from the top. The side view shows large bubbles.
S: Hops, mostly the herby piney variety. No citrus. Some vanilla or caramel undertones.
T: Hops too but the dark flavors come through more in taste than smell. Coffee and leather. Not much that's sweet.
M: pretty light on the tongue. Lasts just long enough and than dissipates quickly to a slight lingering hoppiness.. Strong carbonation.
O: aggressively hopped black ale. Would make a great transition from summer to fall. A friend sent this my way and I'm glad he did.
★ 619 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: poured into pilsner glass. dark, almost black. 1/2 inch head looks nice and foamy from the top. The side view shows large bubbles.
S: Hops, mostly the herby piney variety. No citrus. Some vanilla or caramel undertones.
T: Hops too but the dark flavors come through more in taste than smell. Coffee and leather. Not much that's sweet.
M: pretty light on the tongue. Lasts just long enough and than dissipates quickly to a slight lingering hoppiness.. Strong carbonation.
O: aggressively hopped black ale. Would make a great transition from summer to fall. A friend sent this my way and I'm glad he did.
★ 619 characters
4/5 rDev -1.7%
12oz can from Justdoit1234 (thank you!). Canned 8/5/14. Served in a Terrapin goblet.
Pours dark chocolate brown with two and a half fingers tan head. The foam lingers before settling to a thin layer that laces fairly well.
Smells of pine, light citrus, roasty malts and cocoa.
Tastes like an American black ale should- coffee, roast, pine, citrus rind, cocoa and toast. Unlike many other black ales, all of the hoppy and roasty flavors mesh quite well.
Smooth, light body with supple carbonation. Pleasantly bitter roasted pine and orange peel finish.
Midnight Ryder is a very approachable take on the style and incredibly easy to drink.
★ 648 characters
12oz can from Justdoit1234 (thank you!). Canned 8/5/14. Served in a Terrapin goblet.
Pours dark chocolate brown with two and a half fingers tan head. The foam lingers before settling to a thin layer that laces fairly well.
Smells of pine, light citrus, roasty malts and cocoa.
Tastes like an American black ale should- coffee, roast, pine, citrus rind, cocoa and toast. Unlike many other black ales, all of the hoppy and roasty flavors mesh quite well.
Smooth, light body with supple carbonation. Pleasantly bitter roasted pine and orange peel finish.
Midnight Ryder is a very approachable take on the style and incredibly easy to drink.
★ 648 characters
4.13/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours fudge brown with ruby highlights; a nice bubble show layers a tan head three inches thick; plenty of lacing action
Smell: Burnt toast, licorice and pine
Taste: Not nearly as burnt as the aroma, as the piney hops immediately temper the roasted elements; a bit of citrus and licorice fill out the profile in the mid-palate; the finish is nicely balanced among all of the elements
Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation
Overall: I find ABAs to be hit or miss; this one is a hit as the flavors complement rather than clash
Thanks, DaftPatrick, for the opportunity
★ 597 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours fudge brown with ruby highlights; a nice bubble show layers a tan head three inches thick; plenty of lacing action
Smell: Burnt toast, licorice and pine
Taste: Not nearly as burnt as the aroma, as the piney hops immediately temper the roasted elements; a bit of citrus and licorice fill out the profile in the mid-palate; the finish is nicely balanced among all of the elements
Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation
Overall: I find ABAs to be hit or miss; this one is a hit as the flavors complement rather than clash
Thanks, DaftPatrick, for the opportunity
★ 597 characters
3.65/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from 12 oz can into shaker pint glass.
A: Pours a nice dark black with no light emerging with backlighting. 1 inch dark tan head with good retention and lacing.
S: Pine and soft citrus hops, light caramel malt. Much more hop-forward than I was expecting here (guess I should have read the can).
T: Pine hops hit first, then comes the chocolate and dark caramel malt notes. Hint of bitter coffee.
M: Light-medium body. Sharp hops up front, then smooth sweet malt hits in the mid-palate. Finish is more dry and bitter hops (hint of burnt chocolate).
D: This black IPA drinks more like an IPA mixed with a black ale. The two parts seem to remain apart...not melding as much as one would like.
★ 696 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from 12 oz can into shaker pint glass.
A: Pours a nice dark black with no light emerging with backlighting. 1 inch dark tan head with good retention and lacing.
S: Pine and soft citrus hops, light caramel malt. Much more hop-forward than I was expecting here (guess I should have read the can).
T: Pine hops hit first, then comes the chocolate and dark caramel malt notes. Hint of bitter coffee.
M: Light-medium body. Sharp hops up front, then smooth sweet malt hits in the mid-palate. Finish is more dry and bitter hops (hint of burnt chocolate).
D: This black IPA drinks more like an IPA mixed with a black ale. The two parts seem to remain apart...not melding as much as one would like.
★ 696 characters
3.94/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Many pint glasses consumed at the Indeed tap room in NE Minneapolis.
Appearance: Pours a dark brown/black slightly cloudy with a nice one finger tan foam head that fades quickly and leaves nice sticky lacing.
Aroma: Hops, dark roasted malts, coffee and dark chocolate on the nose.
Taste: Some good hops bitterness up front, with a great dark roasted malt smoothness after. Some hints of coffee, black licorice and dark chocolates in the mix. A really satisfying dark ale flavor that's not overpowering in any aspect.
Mouthfeel: Medium body and medium carbonation with a crisp and smooth finish.
Overall: I have tried many of the Indeed beers on tap or in cans, and this remains one of my favorites. I love that perfect mix of hops and dark roasted malts and could drink this one all day long...and I have! Another winner from Indeed.
★ 838 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Many pint glasses consumed at the Indeed tap room in NE Minneapolis.
Appearance: Pours a dark brown/black slightly cloudy with a nice one finger tan foam head that fades quickly and leaves nice sticky lacing.
Aroma: Hops, dark roasted malts, coffee and dark chocolate on the nose.
Taste: Some good hops bitterness up front, with a great dark roasted malt smoothness after. Some hints of coffee, black licorice and dark chocolates in the mix. A really satisfying dark ale flavor that's not overpowering in any aspect.
Mouthfeel: Medium body and medium carbonation with a crisp and smooth finish.
Overall: I have tried many of the Indeed beers on tap or in cans, and this remains one of my favorites. I love that perfect mix of hops and dark roasted malts and could drink this one all day long...and I have! Another winner from Indeed.
★ 838 characters
4.21/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a very dark brown with some highlights. The smell is chocolate roasted malt, coffee beans, a little bit of darker jellybeans and some dark licorice. The taste is the nose but turned up to a thousand. The coffee is so delicious and the chocolate comes to the front in a burst of very well balanced flavors. Maybe a touch of over carbonation in the mouth, but still very drinkable.
Indeed are making some very excellent brews. This is a surprising year round offering as well.
★ 481 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a very dark brown with some highlights. The smell is chocolate roasted malt, coffee beans, a little bit of darker jellybeans and some dark licorice. The taste is the nose but turned up to a thousand. The coffee is so delicious and the chocolate comes to the front in a burst of very well balanced flavors. Maybe a touch of over carbonation in the mouth, but still very drinkable.
Indeed are making some very excellent brews. This is a surprising year round offering as well.
★ 481 characters
4.19/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Canned on 9/23/2013.
12 oz can served chilled into a shaker pint glass.
Midnight Ryder is a very dark brown color with thick tan colored head. It has good head retention and lots of great lace is left behind as it settles.
Aroma is initially hoppy but, as the hops start to fade, a robust roasty malt comes forward with chocolate notes.
Flavor is bold but balanced with many nuanced layers. Bitterness comes from both roasted malt and ample hop additions. Flavor leans towards the stout rather than the IPA in this example.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied and nicely carbonated for the style. Balanced for a black IPA but obviously more bitter than sweet.
Overall a really good example of the style and worth getting again.
★ 725 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Canned on 9/23/2013.
12 oz can served chilled into a shaker pint glass.
Midnight Ryder is a very dark brown color with thick tan colored head. It has good head retention and lots of great lace is left behind as it settles.
Aroma is initially hoppy but, as the hops start to fade, a robust roasty malt comes forward with chocolate notes.
Flavor is bold but balanced with many nuanced layers. Bitterness comes from both roasted malt and ample hop additions. Flavor leans towards the stout rather than the IPA in this example.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied and nicely carbonated for the style. Balanced for a black IPA but obviously more bitter than sweet.
Overall a really good example of the style and worth getting again.
★ 725 characters
4.25/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Not one of my favorite styles but a top-notch example loaded with flavor.
Great combination of java, roasted malts, and piney hops....both on the aroma and the taste....includes some light notes of vanilla creamer, and citrus hop as well.
Body is medium with a creamy smooth texture. Drinks almost like a lighter version of an imperial stout with a smoother finish than some.
I prefer their pale ale personally for their regular beers but this is every bit as good per style.
★ 479 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Not one of my favorite styles but a top-notch example loaded with flavor.
Great combination of java, roasted malts, and piney hops....both on the aroma and the taste....includes some light notes of vanilla creamer, and citrus hop as well.
Body is medium with a creamy smooth texture. Drinks almost like a lighter version of an imperial stout with a smoother finish than some.
I prefer their pale ale personally for their regular beers but this is every bit as good per style.
★ 479 characters
4.23/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
12oz can poured into a nonic pint. Canned on 2/7/14
A - Opaque black with a creamy brown head. Strong on lacing.
S - Prickly pine hops. Very wet/bright smell. Gentle sweet chocolate, plenty of malt. More roasty as it warmed.
T - Initial flavor is from the citrus hops. The hops stick around but then the caramel malts start to meld-in toward the back half. Finishes with some pleasant pine hops and solid bitterness.
M - Medium to medium-light body, light carbonation, semi-dry.
O - There is a unique relationship between hops and malt. Instead of showing some hop flavor and aroma at one time and malt flavor and aroma at another, they seemed to all be at once and hard to decipher them separately. Body seemed to be deceiving to its ABV. Smell favored malt and taste favored hops.
Recommendation - Since the brewery was so packed I couldn't get in, I was glad to bring this home and recommend you do as well.
★ 917 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
12oz can poured into a nonic pint. Canned on 2/7/14
A - Opaque black with a creamy brown head. Strong on lacing.
S - Prickly pine hops. Very wet/bright smell. Gentle sweet chocolate, plenty of malt. More roasty as it warmed.
T - Initial flavor is from the citrus hops. The hops stick around but then the caramel malts start to meld-in toward the back half. Finishes with some pleasant pine hops and solid bitterness.
M - Medium to medium-light body, light carbonation, semi-dry.
O - There is a unique relationship between hops and malt. Instead of showing some hop flavor and aroma at one time and malt flavor and aroma at another, they seemed to all be at once and hard to decipher them separately. Body seemed to be deceiving to its ABV. Smell favored malt and taste favored hops.
Recommendation - Since the brewery was so packed I couldn't get in, I was glad to bring this home and recommend you do as well.
★ 917 characters
4.26/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Midnight Ryder
Indeed Brewing Company, Minnesota
---from can to pint glass---
Appearance
Totally black – no light is allowed through, huge fluffy head – 2 fingers worth, lots of floating sediment, great head retention with great lacing… this beer is just about perfect. No, wait, it’s perfect.
Smell
Dark roasted malts and pine. Little chocolate aroma comes through
Taste
Dark chocolate and fresh coffee, piney aftertaste
Mouth-feel
Borders on heavy body, great lingering bitter chocolate, just sweet enough.
Overall
Whoa! I underestimated this beer! The hops and malt dance in perfect harmony here. Try this beer, please.
★ 655 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Midnight Ryder
Indeed Brewing Company, Minnesota
---from can to pint glass---
Appearance
Totally black – no light is allowed through, huge fluffy head – 2 fingers worth, lots of floating sediment, great head retention with great lacing… this beer is just about perfect. No, wait, it’s perfect.
Smell
Dark roasted malts and pine. Little chocolate aroma comes through
Taste
Dark chocolate and fresh coffee, piney aftertaste
Mouth-feel
Borders on heavy body, great lingering bitter chocolate, just sweet enough.
Overall
Whoa! I underestimated this beer! The hops and malt dance in perfect harmony here. Try this beer, please.
★ 655 characters
3.96/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
this is how i like my black ales. big, bold, and hopped to high heaven. the can pours a matte dark brown color with a robust inch of tan head and leaves glorious ring lacing as it drinks, never losing its layer of froth. the nose is bitter hops and darkly roasted barley, a double dose of bitter that transfers well to the taste. layers of chocolate malt weave with layers of piney hops, an enjoyable back and forth as i sip. clean finishing with just bitterness left behind. it drinks full bodied and smooth like a big american porter, and is carbonated just right for it to be both lively and smooth at the same time. a very enjoyable beverage, my first from indeed.
★ 668 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
this is how i like my black ales. big, bold, and hopped to high heaven. the can pours a matte dark brown color with a robust inch of tan head and leaves glorious ring lacing as it drinks, never losing its layer of froth. the nose is bitter hops and darkly roasted barley, a double dose of bitter that transfers well to the taste. layers of chocolate malt weave with layers of piney hops, an enjoyable back and forth as i sip. clean finishing with just bitterness left behind. it drinks full bodied and smooth like a big american porter, and is carbonated just right for it to be both lively and smooth at the same time. a very enjoyable beverage, my first from indeed.
★ 668 characters
4.25/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
A- Deep brown, not quite black. Head is two fingers, cocoa color. Retention is decent, some lacing.
S- Smell is coffee, smoke, dark caramel. There is just a hint of pine hops here. Good balance, and well orchestrated.
T- More of the same here. Somewhat sweet for the style, but I like the flavors. Dark caramel, coffee, smoke, and a decent bit of pine hops. It leans malty and sweet but not overly so.
M- Medium body, maybe just a touch light for the style. Smooth carbonation, long finish.
O- A good beer. Well balanced and flavorful. Doesn't strike me as hoppy as some may be looking for in the style, but very good.
★ 619 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
A- Deep brown, not quite black. Head is two fingers, cocoa color. Retention is decent, some lacing.
S- Smell is coffee, smoke, dark caramel. There is just a hint of pine hops here. Good balance, and well orchestrated.
T- More of the same here. Somewhat sweet for the style, but I like the flavors. Dark caramel, coffee, smoke, and a decent bit of pine hops. It leans malty and sweet but not overly so.
M- Medium body, maybe just a touch light for the style. Smooth carbonation, long finish.
O- A good beer. Well balanced and flavorful. Doesn't strike me as hoppy as some may be looking for in the style, but very good.
★ 619 characters
3.82/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours ink black but light bodied. Creamy tan head that lasts for quite some time. Really nice looking. The appearance is probably the most notable thing about the beer for me.
Smells of citrus and perhaps some light roast notes. Pine appears as well.
Tastes of roasted malt and sticky pine. Perhaps more suble there is also bitter chocoalte. Nice enough.
Really nice coating mouthfeel without being too heavy.
A nice, well crafted beer.
★ 441 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours ink black but light bodied. Creamy tan head that lasts for quite some time. Really nice looking. The appearance is probably the most notable thing about the beer for me.
Smells of citrus and perhaps some light roast notes. Pine appears as well.
Tastes of roasted malt and sticky pine. Perhaps more suble there is also bitter chocoalte. Nice enough.
Really nice coating mouthfeel without being too heavy.
A nice, well crafted beer.
★ 441 characters
Midnight Ryder from Indeed Brewing Company
4.07
out of 5
based on 409 ratings.
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from the can into a Spiegelau IPA glass. Best before August 24th 2016.
Rich filling dark walnut brown body, sightly reddish black in a very odd colored way, almost hypnotic strangely. Big frothing head, light espresso tan coming up with easy four fingers on a controlled pour, light swiss cheese bubbles, and long staying power. Excellent retention, puck and island top up front, thick clingy lace and just not giving in. Great looking classic Black Ale.
Very impressive nose. Excellent mix of char and porter like ash roast qualities. Earth to pine like hop angles mixing with minimal sweetness. Burnt wood, but not quite in the charcoal like sense for the aroma. Pleasant mix of hop and roast qualities, and a very impressive take on the balance. Very good solid aroma going on here.
Excellent palate with lots of surprises. A very classic light bodied porter sense of character in feel, but with quickening cream and sweetness and oils matched with hop and roast respectively. Fills with lots of char and spruce warmth in the mid palate, and then finishes with a big hop creeping blast that continues on the swallow. Oily and roast all in one big final punch, with ash and pine mixing with roast wood getting into an almost camp fire quality.
This is a real solid impressive take on a Black hopped up ale. Really memorable and well done.
★ 1,364 characters