Our latest beer to hit the taps at the brewpub is Ink'd - an India Black Ale - or for those that prefer the Black IPA designation, here it is, the Maritimes first real Black IPA. It's hoppy as all get-out with a big ol' malt backbone keeping it nicely balanced, there are some interesting caramel and mocha-like notes hinting of its darkside.
Interesting read on the creation of this new style at this link.
Vital Stats:
Gravity - 16.5P/1.068
IBUs ~ 56
Hop Rate – 4.6 lbs/bbl
ABV - 7.4 %
Hops - Simcoe, Chinook, Citra, Sorachi Ace, Columbus, Centennial
Colour ~ 28 SRM
Malts - Pale Ale, Crystal 30, Crystal 75, Carafa Special III, Melanoidin
Style Guidelines:
"American-style India Black Ale has medium high to high hop bitterness, flavor and aroma with medium-high alcohol content, balanced with a medium body. The style is further characterized by a moderate degree of caramel malt character and medium to strong dark roasted malt flavor and aroma. High astringency and high degree of burnt roast malt character should be absent. Fruity, floral and herbal character from hops of all origins may contribute to aroma and flavor.
Specifications:
Original Gravity = 1.056 - 1.075 (14-18.2 ºPlato)
Final Gravity = 1.012 - 1.018 (3-4.5 ºPlato)
Alcohol by Volume = 6 -7.5%
Color = 25+ SRM
Bitterness = 50 - 70 IBUs"
6 comments:
"Real", nice touch.
You mean blending a stout and and IPA doesn't make a IBA? ;) This beer has a fantastic aroma, couldn't even tell it was a dark beer smelling it. I found only the mouth feel gave away a hint of the true darkness.
I take it the Garrison brewmasters' dinner isn't yet scheduled...
In any case, this is a damn tasty beer. Loved tasting it and the aged Orange Sunshine the other day.
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/hart-thistle-inkd/135558/9953/
Not sure if you saw this review or not Greg, but Joe has had a lot of beer, and this is pretty high praise. "A benchmark for the style" no less.
Thanks for the link Bobby, I hadn't seen it. And thanks to Joe for the great review, glad you enjoyed the beer.
No thanks are due to me- it really was a pleasure drinking it. Keep up the great work - it really makes my trips home to NS a treat. Hopefully we'll get to meet next time I'm there.
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