Black Hops IPA
Glasstown Brewing Co.

On draught at the brewery. An ink black pour with dark cola hues at the stem of the glass and a thin cap of medium mocha-colored head and a thin, creamy film of lacing. It's a classic Black IPA appearance. On the nose there is freshly-brewed coffee, bakers chocolate, anise, char, and resinous hops. The taste opens with bitter char and tobacco smoke followed by coffee, resinous pine, and bitter, biting Chinook, Warrior, and Magnum hops. The ale is dank and very bitter. Its feel is crisp with pleasant carbonation, and the 10% ABV gives it a nice pop. Overall, I'm a little surprised by the comparatively low rating of this ale to date. To me, it's a first rate black IPA; not at the same level as Carton's Epitome but still very good. The IBU wasn't posted but it's more bitter than Epitome but without the balancing malt sweetness. Still, it's one of the best NJ-brewed Black IPAs I've had.