Aberration
Toms River Brewing

Disclaimer: I don't like IPA'S. This was given to me, so trying it out.

Beautiful color and pour. Actually looks like a real beer.

Smells like an IPA. Citrus.

Taste is just not for me. Bitter, but not overly so. But just not beer.

Somewhat refreshing.

Not the worst IPA I have had, but not for me.

Love my Black IPA’s and this offering from Tons River was a great take on one! Lots to enjoy here although I didn't quite see this an aberration, but only different in the sense that this wasn't like so many of the brews that these parts have come to be known for in recent years. This was certainly balanced, bitter, and just nuanced enough to hold my attention throughout my session!

Of course, this poured dark as it was like coffee as the tan head offset the liquid nicely. Only a bit of lacing was left behind near the top of my glass one the foam settled down. Lots of chocolate, orange, bitter hops, and pine in the muted nose as the taste was more burnt and roasted than the aroma let me to believe. Quite acrid and sharp up front, this was a true Black IPA that had enough malt in it and plenty of floral and grapefruit notes in the black, those easily left me wanting more. Indeed, this needed a chaser of water after I finished it off but that was because of the bitterness and underlying burnt tone that lingered...

The carbonation was moderate and the alcohol was light, as I could have easily had another in one sitting. Canned on 11/22 with "ABERRATION" written underneath that, this felt fresh and like a combination of coffee and an ESB. In that sense, this was different as this was a nicely crafted beer perfect year-round. Love the label and the Irish-themed brewed that Toms River puts out, as this was on par with what else I've had from them. Sliante!

3rd review. This is Irish Jersey at its best. (I am otherwise a Carton fan)
a) Fills the snifter to the top with lace all the way as I draw down on this black brew.
s) dark roasted malts, bitter hops, and winter warmer type citrus, brown sugar, cocoa, and as reviewer said (orange chocolate candy).
t) Fills mouth with aroma's flavors but blooms larger, with more chocolate, roast, and excellent punchy hop bitter almost medicinal.
f) fuller mouthfeel than tyoical IPA with moderate carbonation.
o) One of my most favorite styles, done to perfection, not too sweet, just the right bitter, smoke finish.

a: silky jet black color that only allows a bit of light to penetrate towards the very bottom of the glass. large, 3 finger dark tan head

s: nice punch of dark roasted malts and some citrus bitters upfront. brown sugar, cocoa powder, and orange juice. some crackery and bready malts in here as well. something reminiscent of chocolate-orange candy...which i mean in a good way. nice, smooth aroma

t: roasted malt, dark chocolate bitterness and orange peel upfront in the taste. some molasses, milk chocolate, and pine follow that. some bready malts and a hint of dark caramel as well. some grapefruit bitterness at the end

m: fuller-medium mouthfeel with moderate carbonation

o: yes! a Black IPA! this is a nice mix, which is what the style should be (not too stout or IPA heavy - nice balance). i think i would like the citrus notes to shine a bit more in here, but this is enjoyable for the style

Pours dark black/brown with a very thick tan head. Aroma is mild roasted notes and maybe some dark chocolate. Taste is roasted malts and some hop bitterness, like a black IPA should. That bitterness lingers on. Feel is good, reasonably clean finish. Overall it's nice to have the black IPA option and at 6% you can have two.