Alaskan Black IPA

Alaskan Brewing Company
Juneau, Alaska

APPEARANCE: 2.25/3
Deep red-brown to black color. Dark but not cloudy; steady stream of bubbles, almond-colored head.

AROMA: 3/4
Hoppy-citrus nose. Sweet caramel. Roast is subtle. Not overly aromatic.

TASTE: 7/10
Hop/Malt Balance: 3/4: Strong roast and hop bitterness. Grassy, citrus hop flavor up-front. Roasted caramel, sweetness that quickly goes to bitter.
Aftertaste: 2/3: Bitterness strong on tongue, lasts. Woody.
Mouth-Feel: 2/3: Light-bodied, effervescent. Mouth-puckering bitterness.

OVERALL: 2.25/3: Good. Lighter bodied than some Black IPAs. Roast is strongly bitter, but missing chocolate and coffee flavors typical of the style.

TOTAL: 14.5/20–I'll Try A Pint

NOTES:
Matt: Unique, a nice attempt at a Black IPA—nicely bitter, interesting flavor. Could be hoppier, bitterness is a bit much, and it's very light, but it's not bad.
Ben: Hop bitterness overwhelms. Could use more hop aroma and flavor. Missing body to offset bitterness. Not bad, but I've had better (Grand Teton comes to mind).