Toxic
The North Brewery

 

 

A: Poured into a pint glass. The pour was rather dark and left a very thin whiteish head that dissipates into a fine line. The color is a dark brown with an amber hint.

S: This has a gorgeous scent from the style of hops used: very bright and slightly citrus-y, with a hint of a sweetness, possibly of grapes. At the end of the delightful scent lies a bitterness to round out the fragrant aroma.

T: The taste is actually surprisingly bitter and roasted from the barely, rather than the fragrance from the smell. The malty bitterness develops into a mild flavor, similar to that of the scent.

M: The brew is lightly carbonated and is very smooth. It finishes with a bitterness that clings to the back of the mouth.

O: This is a really good IPA from North. The other dark ales made by the brewery have been incredibly strong in its flavor but less drinkable. This brew is very drinkable with an incredibly scent and great flavor. It's weakest category is probably the appearance of the beer but overall this is great. Maybe I am starting to like IPAs, perchance!

Poured into teku; jet black with a minimal tan head made of tiny bubbles that leaves incredibly fine lacing as it descends.
Smells of hops; grape, pine, other fruit, as well as lesser dark malt.
Taste is balanced the opposite way of the smell; dark roasted malt followed by pine and fruity hops. Grape and tropical intermingle with the pine and malt, very interesting combination.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied and clean, wet finish.
Overall, one of the best black ales from the North yet. Awesome unique hop flavor (I swore there was Nelson hops in it until the brewmaster confirmed there wasn't) mingles with the dark malt in very interesting ways.