Another day, another beer. I had a crappy day at the gym. Honestly, I was due since I’ve been doing so well for the past 3+ weeks. I came home and started watching the Phils game. Again, it’s a massacre, well at least so far. My girlfriend is a diehard Mets fan, so needless to say, she’s not the happiest person in the world. Especially since last night, they lost 10-0 to the Phils. I’m also excited because we have reservations tomorrow at a restaurant in Princeton. So, at least I have that to look forward to tomorrow. Anyways, beer time.
ABV: 8.5%
Style: American Black Ale
Trivia: According to the brewery website, “Trout Hop Black IPA is a spicy and bold American-Style India Black Ale, with notes of fresh pine needles and spruce tips. Brewed with Idaho 2-Row Brewers’ Malt and German specialty malts, this ale has a deep rich color and roasted finish but does not have the thick and rich body that often accompanies malty brews. Kettle hopped and dry hopped with Pacific Northwest hops, the resulting bitterness is bold and pronounced, the aroma piney and zesty. The full body and dry finish create a refreshing autumn ale, perfect for any crisp afternoon or cool evening. The spicy hops of this ale complement bold, flavorful foods. Chocolate mole enchiladas, Indian and Thai curries, and barbeque ribs will go nicely.”
Random: Vance Worley almost looks like he’s going to seize before he throws a pitch. He does this weird glove shaking thing. I guess it’s better than licking your hand.
This brew poured with a two finger tan head that left lots of lacing on my imperial pint glass. The body was a dark brown, almost black, with no visible carbonation due to the color. Every time I pour a black IPA, I get confused because it looks almost like a stout. I’ve also never enjoyed a black IPA the way I enjoy a regular one, and perhaps because I just don’t know whether I’m going to get more roasted malts from it or the hops. Anyways, the nose had notes of roasted malts and a bit of pine, although the malts took over. The taste definitely shocked me. It reminded me more of a stout or a porter than a black IPA. Roasted malts came out with a bit of coffee and even a hint of chocolate. The bitterness was a bit more muted than I expected, although the finish came out with a hint of grapefruit. The body was thinner than expected with mild carbonation and the finish lingered. Again, not a bad beer, I just think my qualm was with the style. I wouldn’t rush back to have it again.
Untappd Rating: 4.0/5.0
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