Seasons of Faith - Winter
Northern Monk Brew Co.

Pours a murky, very dark brown, almost black coloration with a medium, creamy head. Smells of roasted malt and citrus/tropical hops, with notes of chocolate, coffee, grapefruit and mango, as well as just a hint of pine. Taste is a great balance of roasted malt and fruity, slightly herbal and resinous hops, with notes of chocolate, lighter coffee, licorice and coconut, grapefruit, mango and lighter pine, Finishes with a medium bitterness and some roasted malt, chocolate, grapefruit and just a hint of pine lingering in the aftertaste. Smooth mouthfeel with a medium body and carbonation.

While this feels a bit lighter in body and flavor profile than the few Black IPAs I was recently lucky enough to get my hands on, almost feeling more like a Black Pale Ale, it's still very enjoyable for what it is, with a great balance of roasted malt, chocolate, bitter, slightly resinous citrus hops and lighter coffee and licorice. Overall, this makes for a very enjoyable example of the style that is easy-drinking yet flavorful, while not devoid of a certain, subtle complexity as well. It's been a while since I was able to get anything by Northern Monk and this makes me regret that fact.