Chingas
Twin Elephant Brewing Company

 

 

A: nice matte, yet silky oil black color with a 2 finger tan head

S: roasted malts, milk chocolate, oranges, pineapple, green pears, coriander, chewy molasses and a nice biscuity note

T: roasted malts, milk chocolate, bitter dark chocolate, and grapefruit snacks the front of your tongue. Orange zest, and a hint of coriander behind that. A touch of caramel and molasses along with some lemongrass to balance the sweetness. A little tea leaf bitterness at the end with more chocolte

M: solid medium, almost chewy, mouthfeel. Medium carbonation

O: really well done for the style. This version has some Belgian influence and it works with the aroma. Very solid beer

Pint on draught at the brewery. A jet black pour with almost a finger of creamy, khaki-colored head and long lasting, thick lacing. It's a very attractive pour. On the nose there is chocolate, roasted malt, tobacco smoke, char, and a whiff of Belgian spice. This is fabulous! The taste opens super roasty and bitter. The chocolate up front provides initial sweetness but it gives way to earthy char, oats, rye, tobacco smoke, and a flavorful, bitter blend of Jarylo, Denali, Cashmere, and Southern Cross hops. There are also hints of dark fruit. The Belgian yeast adds a subtle funk that sets Chingas apart from other Black IPAs. The flavors blend perfectly and the overall taste is sensational. This ale has a rich, full mouth feel with a pleasant level of carbonation, and it's hard to believe the ABV is 7.9% given how easily it drinks. I quickly grabbed a second pour. Overall, Chingas is a great achievement; maybe the best beer Twin Elephant has brewed to date. It has all the best attributes of a Black IPA but with a slight Belgian funk. I think it stands head-to-head with Carton's Epitome, which for me has long been the gold standard for this style.