New Glarus Black Top Black IPA

New Glarus Brewing Company
New Glarus, Wisconsin

APPEARANCE: 2.25/3
Dark mahogany color.  Pretty espresso head that lingers.

AROMA: 3.5/4
Hop nose! Sweet-dark Belgian candy. Some grapefruit (cascade hop?).  Nice piney-citrus aroma.  Pretty.

TASTE: 8.5/10
Hop/Malt Balance: 3.5/4: Lots of hoppy high notes.  Citrus and pine.  Some licorice and molasses flavors.  Roasty and burnt toast bitterness.  Woody.
Aftertaste: 2.5/3: Sweet that fades to a really nice woody bitter.
Mouth-Feel: 2.5/3: Great balance, the roasted bitterness is perfect to pull back the malty flavors.  Bouncy on the tongue.

OVERALL: 3/3: This is what a Black IPA should taste like.  Lots of hop character, full-bodied, and nicely balanced.  A well done beer.

TOTAL: 16.75/20–Pour Me Another

NOTES:
Matt: Unexpected.  I didn't know New Glarus had a Black IPA.  As good or better than any I've had.  I have no criticism except that I can't get more!
Ben: Wow.  I really like this beer - a lot!  Citrus, pine, hoppy, yet nicely balanced with brown sugar, licorice and molasses maltiness.  A great example of what a Black IPA should be!