India-style black ale? Black IPA? Cascadian dark ale? Personally, I like Cascadian dark ale and would like to see the name become disassociated with IPA. It may be well-hopped, but the malt and hops are not traditional of an IPA at all. It really is a unique style that deserve better recognition. Regardless, I can't get enough of this stuff. Whenever my eyes are scanning the beers at the local shop, I've immediately made my decision as soon as I see the CDA. Never had anything from this brewery before, but I'm excited to see what this has to offer.
Most beers in this style aren't incredibly dark, but this one is definitely a shade of black with a very small red hue. Seems to be decently carbonated, got about a finger of brownish head when poured. Seems to have some decent retention as well. Heavy pine hops on the nose. Their website claims this is made with Zeus and Cascade hops, but it really smells like it was dry hopped with a heavier pine variety like Simcoe. A little yeasty, too. Little bit of citrus as well, but nothing too overwhelming. The citrus actually blends well with subtle notes of roast and sweet malt.
Super sweet on the tip of the tongue. Quickly evolves into a roast character with some undertones of esters. Little bit of astringency in their as well. Not too bitter, but some spice and citrus definitely shine through. Leaves a bit of alcohol burn in your throat and the back of the mouth. Coffee-like roast will linger on your tongue for a bit after each drink. A medium body and pretty easy to drink.
Not one of the better CDAs I've had, but still an impressive brew all around. I didn't mention it before, but it is actually a rather pretty beer; the head is very frothy and uniform. I think this would benefit from being a bit more bitter and maybe cutting back on the darker malts.
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