Saratoga Black IPA - Mendocino Brewing Company

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.49/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Served on-tap at Rattle N Hum in New York, NY

A: Pours an opaque yet clear very dark amber (almost black) in color with some light to moderate amounts of carbonation and cola brown + garnet red highlights. The beer has a half finger tall tan head that reduces to a large patch of very thin film and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate aromas of roasted malts with some lighter notes of pine and earthy hops.

T: Similar to the smell, the beer starts out with moderate flavors of roasted malts and just the lightest hint of chocolate malts. That is followed by light to moderate mellow flavors of pine and earthy hops. Very light amounts of bitterness that fades rather quickly.

M: Medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly thin.

O: In the range of black IPAs, this is much closer to the porter end than the IPA end - the hops flavors are very mellow and light, not very present at all. Enjoyable and easy to drink but not sure I would get it again.

Serving type: on-tap

04-14-2013 17:04:24 | More by dbrauneis

plaid75

New York

4.24/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

On draft at The Lark, East Northport, NY.

Poured a deep dark amber hue with a one finger white head. There was good retention and lacing.

The smell featured piney hops and dry cocoa.

The taste consisted of a dry roasted malt, with elements of charcoal and coffee. There was a clean and distinctive secondary hop spice that brightened the flavor.

The mouthfeel was typical of the style.

Overall a a very tasty black IPA.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Mendocino Brewing Company, 131 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs

02-09-2013 03:14:26 | More by plaid75