American Black Ale
This new style answers the question: “What if IPA-like, bold, bitter, fruity hop character were integrated with dark, roasted and caramel malt?” Some inventive craft brewers answered this question before it was ever asked and concocted a genuine creation of the American craft brewing art. Dark brown to virtually black in color, the beer’s perceived bitterness varies based on the brewer’s use of hops and roasted and/or caramel malts, with some examples easily described as hoppy and bitter, while others are more aptly described as having a balance of bitterness and malt sweetness. In all, complex flavors make this an appealing style for craft beer enthusiasts. With no two style examples alike, it’s a great idea to sample multiple brewers’ interpretations to find the most pleasing ratio of hops to dark malts. The style’s exact origins are a matter of healthy debate, as some claim it was first brewed in Vermont, while others claim its origins are in the Pacific Northwest. The style has a couple of nicknames, such as Black IPA (referencing the deep dark color and the hoppy character of an IPA) and Cascadian Dark Ale, or CDA, (referencing the common use of Cascade hops in this style and perhaps also the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest). Both of these references are still commonly used and, in fact, often appear on product labels, even since the Brewers Association introduced the “American-Style Black Ale” name.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taste/Smell | Complex, Roasty, Spicy, Citrusy, Medium-bodied |
| Alcohol-by-Volume (ABV) Range | 6-9.5+% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 55-90 |
| Popular Examples | Laughing Dog DogZilla Black IPA, Clown Shoes Hoppy Feet Black IPA, Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale, 21st Amendment Back In Black, Southern Tier Iniquity, Deschutes Hop In The Dark Cascadian Dark Ale, Widmer Brothers Pitch Black IPA, Heavy Seas Black Cannon, Full Sail Bump in the Night, Victory Yakima Glory, RJ Rockers Black Perle |
| Serving Temperature | Cool, 46-54° |
| Glassware | Stemmed tulip, large wine glass, pint or nonic |
| Cheese Pairing Ideas | Brick, Cheddar, Colby |
| Food Pairing Ideas | Great with burgers |
