Maker: Founders, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Style: Imperial Black IPA
ABV: 8.9%
Purchased for $12/4 pack
Appearance: Dark chocolate brown with a foamy head.
Nose: Big hops, ruby red grapefruit, dried flowers.
Palate: Hot cocoa, floral hops, bitter citrus peel.
Finish: Big and bitter but split between roasted malt and hops.
Parting words: The best way to describe the flavor of this beer is as a hybrid of a porter and a pale ale. Most black IPAs I’ve had seemed to be little more than a darker colored IPA. A few have had some more depth and toastiness, but none as rich as this one. It has all the bite and spice of a good IPA but with the depth and power of an imperial stout. I’m not often overawed by beers, especially not IPAs, but this one did it to me.
It’s expensive even by craft beer standards but it’s the best beer of this style I’ve ever had and I think it’s very much worth the price. Dark Penance is highly recommended.
Sipology 