Jet Black Scream by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. being judged according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 21B - Specialty IPA: Black IPA.

A moderate roasted black malt aroma mixed with fresh floral and pine hops greets my nose. The beer pours a clear black with dark brown hues and a large, 4” tall, frothy and bubbly light beige head, long retention and lined lacing. Moderate roasted malt supports heavy pine and grapefruit hops and moderate hop bitterness. The beer is clean, without fruity esters and finishes dry. A medium-full body backs up the medium-high carbonation.

Revisiting the aroma I find subdued layers of dark chocolate, light caramel malt notes and a light nuttiness. The head reluctantly diminishes to a 1/4” layer on top with the lacing becoming spotty. Further flavor evaluation yields a nutty praline character and a delicate dark malt and hop balance, which somewhat favors the hops and leaves a lingering hop bitterness. I am smitten by this beer and its dark malt and hop balance; it's just so well crafted and highly drinkable.

This beer would pair superbly with a rich turtle cheesecake for a complementary pairing or a moderately spiced Mexican mole sauce as a light contrast.