Double Black IPA

The Double Black IPA is one of the top-notch beers consistently made by Alaskan Brewing Company for an army of zealously faithful beer connoisseurs. Teetering precariously between a Cascadian black ale and a black imperial IPA, this brute packs a mighty 8.5% ABV. It offers brash notes of Cuban coffee, slightly burnt toast, and milk chocolate. Lee heaped effusive praise on this powerful beer’s nose, noting the “spicy, roasty, almost pumpernickel bread” notes complemented by a dash of herbal hops. The aroma struck Tim as more fruity than roasty, and he enjoyed its “medley of tropical mango, ripe peaches, and fleeting hints of espresso.” Both felt the aroma was a bit lacking in hops for the style. A velvety, jet black brew, Double Black IPA shows faint glimmerings of ruby and crimson at its edges. The flavor is a mélange of piney, citrusy hops, somewhat acrid roasted malts, and even a trace of turbinado sugar sweetness. Tom lauded the brew’s “muscular Turkish coffee and aggressive bitterness” flavor, pronouncing it “fitting of a proper Black IPA.” He did, however, feel the beer was a touch watery and lacking body. Initial “sweet notes of dark brown sugar and syrup” struck Pete as just a bit out of place, but he enjoyed the transition from sweetness to “floral, rose-like, spicy” hop flavors. Still feeling winter’s icy chill? This brew will definitely warm the body and spirit.