Cause for celebration

So yeah, tax returns came out much better than expected. If all goes well with a few other things we can get a new car this summer. Useful for, you know, traveling and getting from a to b. So this and the fact that it's been a little while makes me think it's time for a beer review. All on a Tuesday night even!



The Beer: Iniquity
The Brewer: Southern Tier
The Style: Black Ale
ABV: 9%

This is kind of an interesting one as it's representative of a new developing style. Technically it's a black ale, but so generously hopped it could be thought of as an IPA. A dark IPA, which is kind of a dichotomy and yet is the same thing that makes it so interesting. The basic idea is to make an IPA using roasted malts, hence the dark color and distinct character. Several brewers have been rolling with this for a little while here in the Northwest and there is even some debate about the name. You might see this style listed as Cascadian Dark Ale, Black IPA, India Black Ale, etc. Hooray for experimentation!

Pour is...pretty dark (big surprise, right?). The nose is as you might expect based on my description above. Both the hops and the roasted malt comes through, mixing together quite nicely. Mouthfeel is right between a porter and a stout, with a bit of hops coming through in the finish but relatively subtle. Alcohol is barely there, impressive for its strength, although quite possible to get into trouble with a few pints. I know I've been focusing on Southern Tier quite a bit but they really do put out excellent beers.

Still have some more in the testing labs, hoping to get to the Old Ruffian this weekend. And then it will be off to the beer store for another round.