Black IPA
Sand City Brewing Co. - North

 

 

 

Had a glass from a growler listed "Black Sand" and it pours black looking but very dark brown when light hits the glass. The head was tan and foamy with a lot of bubbles, fading average time and leaving decent spotty lacing. Not the best pour since it was with the family at Christmas, so I'll revisit at the brewery some other time.

Smells and tastes of sweet dark roasted malts, piney hops, toffee or even molasses, cocoa powder, brown sugar, charred wood, ashy notes and then it trails off with citrus hops which resemble grapefruit and orange peel. Very enjoyable, I'll definitely have this again and review more in detail when I indulge in the future. Overall a solid and tasty black IPA.

 

 

 

 

2nd trip to the brewery and another amazing experience. the beer is just so solid. I am usually not a fan of black ipas, but want to try them all so got a full 6 brew flight and was blown away by this beer. most black ipas seem to be more focused in the roast with a nice hop over the top, this brew is focused on the hopped out ipa with a roasted glaze over the top. so much yum I snagged a growler. my new favorite black ipa over Wookey jack. so excited that finally we have some local magic and the place was packed the other day so the secret is out.

 

 

Growler fill at the brewery. Pours a solid black color with khaki head. Nice retention. Super nose with lots of aggressive piney hops, some citrus, and typical back end roasted notes. Flavor follows with a nice resinous hop balance and roasted malt. Lingering bitterness hangs for a bit but nice finish. It was even better warmed up and with a bit more time could develop some deeper notes. Well enjoyed.