Judge’s Review: 90 Rating – Night Swell by Heavy Seas Beer

Black IPA | Limited Release | United States

By Susan Ruud

Judges Rating: 90
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 18

Night Swell by Heavy Seas Beer was judged as a Black IPA – BJCP category 21B – Specialty IPA.  It pours a deep dark brown color, clear with a light tan head that is quite long lasting and leaves beautiful lacing on the glass.The aroma is a huge citrusy hop aroma blended with a light chocolaty malt aroma and just a hint of clean alcohol.  No other esters were noticed aside from those coming from the hops.  The flavor is a huge burst of citrus and floral hops blended with a clean low chocolaty roast flavor blended with clean alcohol notes and finishes with a long bitter finish that seems to last forever blended with just a hint of roast malt.  I would envision drinking this beer in the fall with some great barbeque that might include burnt ends, a juicy crusted prime rib, or even a spicy Cajun dish.