Despite the “brutal” color, it is rarely stronger than other styles of Indian Pale Ale. Appeared in the USA in 1990, also known as CDA (Cascadian Dark Ale).
Similar in taste and other characteristics to the regular American IPA, but with a darker color and sometimes a dark malt flavor. Strong fried or burnt notes are contrary to style standards.
The hop profile is felt with tones of tropical fruits, resin, berries, dry herbs, flowers. Gives high bitterness. The malt taste is very weak, but with notes of chocolate, coffee, toast, caramel. The finish is dry, sometimes with fried nuances.
The drink has a rich dark brown or black color, it can be both transparent and cloudy, in the glass it forms a strong brown foam.
Black IPA is not astringent, soft, medium-bodied, medium-carbonated. Sometimes it is felt on the tongue “cream”.
In the production, roasted malt is necessarily used, it is he who gives the variety its color, but it is important not to overdo it: too much of this ingredient will hopelessly spoil the taste. This malty roastiness is similar to German black beer (schwarzbier). There is something in common with stouts and porters, but the black IPA is softer.
Strength: 5.5-9.0%.
Density: initial 1.050-1.085, final 1.010-1.018.
Bitterness Index: 50-90 IBU.
Color: 25-40 SRM.