This Black IPA is somewhat more like a porter if I may say so! Mad Squirrel describe this limited release as inspired by midnight, the transition from one day to the next characterised by this Black IPA.
Dark malts underpin a rich roasted malt character, building towards notes of citrus and pine from the generous dry hopping.
Poured into the glass this beer displays a light head with a gentle bite of carbonation upon sipping. I didn't get a great deal of hops on the taste, but a little on the nose, comparable to that of a stout than an IPA.
Delicious, dark and malty with a chocolaty finish, like biting into a strong dark chocolate, which has a dry 'powdery' aftertaste. There is also a bitterness comparable an end of evening coffee, with notes of pine like a fine 50/50 Robusta Arabica Italian coffee.
The complexity of this beer really does make an impact, with a long stay on flavour after you’ve finished your last sip. I also think many will be decidedly undecided on this beer, perhaps for that the word IPA features within its monika!
However, don't let that put you off trying it, as I know there will be a great deal of fans of this beer out there. I recommend incorporating it into an evening of beers, as a stand alone salute to the end of a night at a 5.8 ABV.
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