IPA (the book)

Let me clarify what I meant: what is the point of calling something a new beer style if tastes just like a previously established style? It's like M&Ms claiming they've redefined their candy with blue food coloring.

Let me also clarify that my question, "What's the point," is a rhetorical question. I regret jumping into the the tired Black IPA debate and wish to resign.

 

Seems like I'm in the minority here, but I like a well made black IPA. The combination of heavy roast (Sometimes bordering on acridness) and a lot of hop bitterness in American stouts and hoppier porters is just a bit much for me, but an IPA with smooth roasted & dark malt flavors (e.g. Sublimely Self Righteous, 21st Amendment Back in Black, FW Wookey Jack, Ithaca Fourteen) and moderate to big hop bitterness just seems to be enjoyable for me. Again this is just personal preference.

 

The articles Horst Dornbusch wrote for the OCB aren't "inaccurate" they're total bullshit.

 

Yes, but let's face it; sometimes we all like a little bs.

 

Blue point - Toxic Sludge
Tommy Knocker Hop Strike
Funky Buddah - Sex Panther

All delicious "black" ipa

 

I think the quotes belong around "p" actually

 

Yes, but you don't want to shell out a load of cash for a book which you can't rely on. There's no point in having such a tome.
From above : "Let me clarify what I meant: what is the point of calling something a new beer style if tastes just like a previously established style? It's like M&Ms claiming they've redefined their candy with blue food coloring"

This argument first appeared about 1888 when such beers were first around.
" I can example this by referring to the black beer produced at Burton, which has been universally described as a mere black pale ale—i.e., though black in colour, its palate taste reminds one very strongly of the pale beers produced by Burton firms. It will be quite understood that I am not decrying this article; it may and does suit many palate tastes, and is thought a great deal of on the Continent, but at the same time it differs very widely from the accepted standard quality of a black beer as specified."
"The theory and practice of modern brewing" by Frank Faulkner, 1888, pages 259-260.

 

May I recommend http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/735/46070 21st ammendment Back In Black. It doesn't have the best score, but I really like it as an alternative to the lighter IPA.

 

I just got mine. I have only got through a few pages. I don't mind Black IPA's but prefer standard.

 

I can't stop drinking that stuff when its put in front of me. Its so balanced and easy to drink...

 

No. I'm in a small town where we don't have a whole lot of craft beer distributed. It's getting better, but no 21A yet that I have seen. In fact, no canned craft beer in these parts, to my knowledge.

 

Agreed. Or at the very least, you gotta work for it a little. Still cool to see that many IPA recipes in one spot. Digging the book so far...

 

Just got mine today and skimming through it I noticed that the hop schedule uses percentages rather than ounces, which I'm not used to. I'll have to plug it into brewsmith to get amounts I guess. Also interesting, he says the famous story that IPAs came about from the long trips from England to India is a myth. Looking forward to reading more.

 

Haven't read it yet...will probably wait and ask Santa, hopefully not just another "debunking" of IPAs originated for the Raj trade.

OCB: "Of all the beer styles, IPA is the most romanticised, mythologized, and misunderstood. It inspires the fiercest debate, the greatest reverence, and the wildest conjecture in the world of beer."

"An Evolving Style" as Pete Brown suggests (also in OCB)

 

21st Amendment's Back in Black is disgusting. I can't believe they actually sell that beer. That being said, I do like the style. I've had some good ones and some bad ones.

 

I would STRONGLY urge you against trying this one. Worst one I've ever had. Try Clown Shoes Hoppy Feet.

 

what was the canned on date for your back in black. They have it on the case, not sure about single cans. Its been out for a while now and It sounds like you had an old can or you dislike dark beers.

 

Just arrived a few days ago. Been scanning and reading. Not impressed so far. Hopefully it will get better.

 

I have already read it and I really enjoyed it. It's an interesting format and sparked the creative side in me to brew up a ton of IPAs. We'll written and explains the different aspects of brewing the style pretty well. I can see how some people would find it dull at some points though.