Hornbeer Hophorn Black IPA at 9.3% ABV | 135 IBU (C$12.00 at Sherbrooke Liquor, 500 ml, best before 7-Mar-2018, acquired 17-Dec-2016, reviewed 19-Dec-2016)
Appearance: clear brown with two fingers of rocky beige head, moderate retention and lacing. (4/5) Aroma: roasty malt, boozy dark fruit, chocolate, molasses, citrus, grassy/herbal. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, high bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium-full slightly slick body, moderate carbonation, lingering bitter warming finish. (4/5)
Hooo, yeah! I’ve never had a Black IPA like this before – it’s really more like a (very!) hoppy RIS, than any other Black IPA I’ve had. Lots of big sweet malt character melds extremely well with boozy dark fruit and massive hoppy bitterness. I think every other Black IPA I’ve ever had has focused on the IPA side of things, adding a dark roasted malt note as something of an afterthought, that doesn’t fundamentally change the body or overall character. This, on the other hand, is the bastard child of a heavy and sweet Imperial Baltic Porter, and a hop bomb A/IPA – and speaking of bastards, there’s more than a little hint of Stone’s Arrogant Bastard in here, too. This is some serious shit that I highly recommend. (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
