Beer Review - Dark Horse Crooked Theratree Black Ale

Dark Horse Brewing Company - Crooked Theratree Black Ale

Beer Type: American Black Ale - 8.50% ABV

Appearance: Label is a variation on the classic Crooked Tree only dressed as a therapist. Beer pours a jet black color with a decent tan/light brown head. Looks more like a porter.

Smell: Roasted coffee malt, something a bit piney/resinous, and in general just really good smelling.

First Drink: Rich flavor with a lot of roasted malt and grain coming through right away. Hops kicks in more towards the end with a pleasing bitter finish.

Mouthfeel: Smooth medium bodied brew with nice carbonation.

Last Drink: The lighter citrus hops come through a bit clearer now.

Drinkability: This is a balanced black ale and you can't really taste the higher ABV.

Notes: Not sure how widely this is available as it was a limited IPA sampler selection.

Verdict: 4.25 out of 5. A nice departure from other black IPA/ales out there.  

Beer Review - Greenbush Anger Black Ale.

Lost my photo of this beer!

Greenbush Brewing Company - Anger

Beer Type: American Black Ale - 7.60% ABV

Appearance: 12 oz brown bottle with a Greenbush style label. Beer poured a dark and deep black/brown color with just a little bit of off-white head.       

Smell: Not a big nose here. A bit of dark malt and a hint of chocolate and coffee.  

First Drink: Roasted malt and caramel flavors give way to some chocolate and a hint of sour citrus.  

Mouthfeel: Nice crisp finish with a creamy medium body.   

Last Drink: A bit more citrus and pine from the hops coming through on the finish and more dark chocolate flavors coming from the malt up front.          

Drinkability: Pretty darn good for a black IPA styled beer.            

Notes: Had this on tap aged in an oak cask and it was miles beyond this bottled version. Still this is pretty damn good!         

Verdict: 4 out of 5. Good balance and a nice blend of dark beer and IPA styles.