Coming Soon to North Country Brewing: Black IPA

North Country's beer list.

During a lunch visit to North Country Brewing Co. in Slippery Rock this afternoon, I came across something interesting on its beer list within the menu. I had been raving about getting a chance to try the black wheat beer that was recently on the tap list, but never got a chance to try it.

I noticed today that North Country was making a note on the beer list that something new was making its way to the tap system: Black IPA.

I've honestly never actually tried any type of black IPA, as it is the name of an actual beer style, but I've been interested in possibly trying one to see if the beers have characteristics different than some other beer styles such as stouts and porters.

Apparently Black IPA's are more commonly known as "American Dark Ales" and their ABV's typically range from five percent and upwards. The style also ranges from a shade of dark brown to pitch black. The beers' flavors mainly feature a dark and roasted malt taste as well.

A little research shows a bit of debate on the validity of whether or not this type of beer is actually a style in the craft beer community if you check out this post by Beervana back in 2009.