Back in Black ~ 21st Amendment Brewery

Appearance: burnt blacks and browns under a dark khaki head which lingers as a decently thick layer of bubbly fluff.

Nose: roasty and dark with pitted fruits; more dark fruits than burnt roast. Black root and fudgy earth. Hops follow last – subtle and subdued. Handfuls of dried slightly singed whole hop cones.

Palate: clean and roastier than nose implied. Medium mouthfeel. Roasty on top and in the finish with hops roughing out the edges – dried singed whole hop cones. Immediately starts to dry the palate. Rustic burnt woods in the breath. Dark fruits grow more intense as warms up – prunes and black root, earthen and nutty with stones included.

Final Thoughts: a very good black IPA…or whatever you west coasters want to call it. Considering its generous ratings I was expecting a smidge more depth and complexity, but in its place I enjoyed a cleanliness of flavor and purpose. 

(an original written work by Kristyn Lier. plagiarism is not tolerated)