Hell’s Basement Brewing Black Wolf Cascadian Dark Ale Black IPA at 6% ABV | 55 IBU (C$3.00 at Oak & Vine, 355 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 11-Mar-2017, reviewed 25-Mar-2017)
Appearance: near black with clear brown margins, one fat finger of fluffy beige head, good retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: roasted malts, coffee, dry cacao, earth, hint of pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate-low sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, drying medium duration moderate bitter finish. (3/5)
I must admit to a little trepidation in trying this one, having just experienced a near sink pour on their Session IPA – which, I think most folks would agree is an easier style to get right than a Black IPA / CDA. But this is actually all right. Unlike the S/IPA, this isn’t marred by doughy or adjunct notes, and the hop bitterness works well with the dry, almost astringent roasted malts. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
