Black IPAs are dead? Why?

Another thought- I wonder if coffee IPAs are all that popular, and if they may have offset some of the black IPA purchases.

 

Funny thing...after the discussion here this week, two different local breweries have released new Black IPAs. Guess the style's not as dead as I had feared. Which is pretty awesome!

 

Pike just tweeted that they're releasing Octopus Ink as a seasonal due to popular demand, so I guess not.

 

I saw a black IPA by Pipeworks in the store this weekend and purchased immediately. Tasted great and brought me back to 4-5 years ago when there were a lot more around.

What really got me into the general style was Jack's Abby's Cascadian Schwarzbier, it was a seasonal release that I bought up in bunches. Sad that they discontinued this around 3-4 years ago.

 

Which is while I'll always roll the dice on a Saranac variety pack. They're the opposite of hyped but I've definitely had some winners from those guys that fly way under the radar. And at $12.99 wtf not?

 

I used to grab one, when I'd see a special/new release, but that style never really did it for me, it just became one of those that I stopped buying

 

Probably because it was a horrible concept that a lot of brewers carried off terribly.

 

And without too much aging.

 

Just had a pretty Black IPA from Commonwealth.
Black is the New Green.
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/42276/311913/

 

The high hop levels never really meshed with the roasted malts. IMHO, Wookie Jack was the only CDA that worked.

 

I think it's very hard to make a good Black IPA . I've had about 10 and only enjoyed 2 of them.

 

I think the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of the flavors in a piney Black IPA were appealing after heavy, bitter WC IPAs were everywhere but once the simplified (generally) cohesive in taste and juicy style IPAs became trendy and overtook the average palate, it was no longer quite so tasty or exciting.

There were stories that local legend Greg Noonan "invented" the style so for a while, they were prevalent around here. When I was still learning about beer styles and my palate hadn't been so lupulin shifted, I found them to be a lot more delicious and enjoyable. My favorite version (from Rock Art) isn't made anymore. Shame, as I was looking forward to grabbing a bottle for this winter and exploring those interesting flavors again.

 

The problem was everyone and their mother was putting one out. You can't saturate the market with 6pks of a style that isn't highly drinkable and that only appeals to a fraction of consumers to begin with and expect repeat sales.

I know it took me a while to appreciate the style. For the longest time I couldn't help but think "I'd rather just have a stout OR an IPA right now" every time I cracked one. However, once I'd had somewhere in the park of 12-15 different ones, I began to learn what to look for in the style and an appreciate grew. I'm fine with the fad dying off, but I won't lie, when SSR and Wookie were outright retired I was pretty bummed.

 

Is mambossa Garrett Oliver in disguise?

I still really enjoy black IPAs and hope I can continue to find them. The Enjoy By black IPAs are probably my favorite.

 

" I'm not dead yet"

 

I love them. Dont see many if any now days. I loved otter creek black IPA and Victory Yakima Glory was great too.

I remember getting a large cup( 20oz?) of Otter Creek Black IPA at a Phillies game back in 010 or 011 and it was so good, almost as good as the team. Nice pine and roast......

If anyone can recommend some good low priced Black IPA that might be available in the Philly area that would be great

Enjoy

 

Not seen that yet. Brewery only? I can drive up there today. These guys make one of my all time favorite beers, Fear of a brett planet.

Their web site stinks, I cant find out if they sell cans or not

Enjoy

 

Do you see Lone Pint's Night of the Living Stout? It's a west coast stout, but there's definitely some overlap with black IPAs.

 

Yes, it's one of their one-off mug club beers. As of last week it was on draft and available in cans in the cooler at the brewery. They usually have a decent selection of cans for sale.

The Vienna Lager they have right now as well I really enjoyed.

 

Any idea on a six pack cost?

Enjoy