Brewer: Category 12 Brewing, Central Saanich, BC
Style: Black IPA
ABV: 6.7%
IBU: 77
Description: Category 12, which is located just up the road from me, has recently opened its doors and began distributing. This is their second release, and my first sampling. The Black IPA is made using Carafa and Munich malts and then bittered with Simcoe, Cascade, and Columbus hops.
Tasting Notes: This beer delivered in all the expected departments. On the black side of things, it had dark roasted malts that were reminiscent of a good stout or porter. On the IPA side of things, it had a good dose of citrus and herbal hop flavor that lingered long after the initial tasting. A good start for this hometown brewery, and a good intro for me.
Appearance: Black, translucent, good foam retention and carbonation
Nose: Roasted malt, hint of espresso, strong notes of citrus and pineapple
Taste: Toasted malt, mild espresso, citrus rind, herbal hops
Aftertaste: Lingering herbal flavor, malt and hop bitterness
Overall: 8/10
