Habañero Black IPA
Boston Beer Works - Canal Street

 

Had two of these 22 oz'ers on tap yesterday at Boston Beer Works, Fenway location. This beer is described on the menu as "cask conditioned". Poured a dark brown color, almost black, with a creamy thin head that didn't last too long.

The body was consistant with an IPA, not too watery, with decent ABV. However, that was about all it had in common with an IPA. The IBU's were way low.

As for the "habanero" part, I hate hot stuff!! Yet I found I just had to try it, probably more because it was a dark IPA. I have to say, while the hot was noticable, it just kind of lingered there in a subtle way that wasn't hard to take at all.

If you are looking for something different that is very drinkable, give it a try.

Sampled at the Great British Beer Festival 2010.

Solid, dark cola brown with an ivory head and a dispiritingly weak aroma. Chocolate, coffee, toast, hints of apple, pineapple, and lemon are all well and good, but when a beer has "habanero" and "IPA" in its name it really ought to pack a punch. This doesn't.

Tangy and chocolatey, but the hops aren't at IPA level - or even APA level. That said, the habanero is well-integrated with the sweetness of the malts, fruity at first and then seethingly hot in the finish. The heat is just about spot-on: just a tingle at first, but it builds up over time. The cask carbonation helps keep this smooth and mellow, for a very drinkable chili porter - not a chili IPA!

On tap this past Saturday at the BBW Fenway location. I remember trying this beer at this year's ACBF, so I wanted to try a full pint from the brewpub this time. The beer is described on the menu as "barrel aged". Dark brown color, almost black. No head at all, and very little lacing on the glass. Smell right up front is pepper, and there is no denying that. Taste itself actually was pretty decent, if you enjoy pepper. There is a muted hop flavor up front, then the habañero hits you about two seconds after you swallow. It's not overwhelming, but it's noticeable. Lingers on the palate for a while. I liked it for the uniqueness; others may find a pint hard to drink. There was a pretty good body to this beer, perhaps due to the time in the barrel, which may have also subdued some of the heat from the pepper. Overall, it's not an easy beer to drink, and I think that a small glass or a snifter would suffice when served. If you are looking for a unique offering at BBW and enjoy a bit of hot spice with your beer, this is the one for you.