Black Top

Enjoyed Wednesday afternoon on the patio of Great River Brewery with Scott, Paul, Caley and Trevor as we tasted the accumulated stock of beers we've gotten over the past month or so. I wrote up what I could from the minute sample I was given ~2 Oz.

Appearance: Dark brown hue but relatively clear as seen upon pour. Originally displays a creamy off white foam head that dissipates into a slight dusting atop and leaves lacing on the side of the glass.

Aroma: Huge citrus and grapefruit present immediately at the front of the nose. Simcoe, perhaps, that completely masks any of the coloring malt that may exist. Foresty but even with a bit of solvent in the nostrils.

Taste: Malt bill is subtle with a touch of caramel but goes hardly noticed over the robust pine flavor that quickly rushes over the tongue. The finish resembles a bit of roastiness with a hot finish resolving at the back of the throat. As the beer warms there is some dark caramel, especially at the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Big bubble carbonation felt at the beginning, no bite though. Lighter bodied thanks to the carbonation and slightly sticky.

Overall Impression: This is a fantastic black IPA; another great and very drinkable brew from New Glarus. While putting the most emphasis on the large hop profile, this beer still retains a bit of the color oriented flavors of roasted malt.


91/100