Speakeasy Butchertown India Black Ale Black IPA at 8.2% ABV (C$9.78 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before, reviewed 18-Mar-2016)
Appearance: clear brown with one fat finger of light beige head, good retention and lacing. (4/5) Aroma: pine, citrus, chocolate, liquorice, roasty slightly smoky malt, light mint? (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish. (3/5)
Decent Black IPA. The hop character leads the way, but is balanced nicely by roasty malt. A good blend of hoppy IPA aspects and roasty stout character. This seemed to be a bit of a flash in the pan style, but this is a solid example of how it should be done. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
