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.

The Beer Snob's Top-Five Wing Specials

Throughout the course of time, one food item has gone hand-in-hand with a man's beer: a saucy plate of chicken wings. Everyone has a particular place where they indulge in a wing special on a weekly basis. Being on the side of the fence that believes eating a decent wing is better than most recreational activities, I've participated in my fair share of wing nights.

Thus, here is a quick list of the top wing specials that I've come across. Note: this obviously isn't a compilation of the best wing specials around as I can't make it to every one around Pittsburgh. That being said, I'm always open for a new wing trip.

1. The Library's AYCE Wing Nights: In a previous post I wrote of a trip to The Library on the South Side. As time has gone on, I've had more and more of this place's chicken wings. Not only are these wings the best I've ever tried, the deal is even better. The Library has AYCE (all you can eat) on both Monday and Tuesdays, all day. It costs a measly eight bills out of your wallet. These wings are on steroids, thickly breaded and are drenched in a pool of sauce. Make sure you get there around 9 p.m. to partake in the draft special.

2. Sunny Jim's Tavern: I go to Sunny Jim's just off of the Camp Horne Road exit on Interstate-279 North whenever I have a craving for the perfect hot wing. I must warn you though. These hot wings aren't for the faint of heart. If you don't like spicy foods that leave you wiping snot from your nose and tears from your eyes, move down the list. The next day isn't that fun either. On Mondays you can head to Sunny Jim's, buy a drink and get the option to get a pound of wings for $2.99.

3. North Country Brewing: Nearby where I attend college, this local microbrewery has a wing special on Wednesday nights. For $6.99 you get a pound of whole wings. What makes this wing night special is the fact that North Country makes every sauce in-house and sometimes comes up with a brand new one. The last time I attended this special I had the choice of Spicy Thai Peanut sauce. Get the picture?

The black dots appeared to be olives.

4 Mulligan's Sports Bar and Grill: Every Tuesday you can stop at Mulligan's in West Mifflin and get as many whole wings as you wish for just 50 cents a piece (the website still says 40 cents). Mulligan's tends to follow in the footsteps as the previous special and develops a few of their own sauces such as the creative Black n' Gold sauce which seems to be a concoction of honey mustard and black olives. The only downside is the lack of craft beers on tap.

5. Quaker Steak and Lube: No wing list would be complete without Quaker's AYCE night on Tuesdays. For most of us this was our first wing night we attended consistently in our high school years. Quaker has more flavors to choose from than anyone with choices like Arizona Ranch and Louisiana Lickers. The downside is the price. One trip ends up costing around $18. If you get a chance to try this at the original restaurant in Sharon, do it. It's set up buffet style and includes other amenities such as pretzels, nachos and funnel cakes.