IPA Black FASM Tate - The Kernel Brewery

woosterbill

Connecticut

4.28/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

33cl bottle poured into a Duvel tulip. The label is a little fuzzy about the ABV - it looks more like 8% than 6%, but I vaguely remember it being listed as 6 at the brewery, and it's listed as 6 on the other site; take that for what it's worth.

A: Black body with some hazy brown highlights; one finger of frothy tan foam that sinks fairly quickly into a patchy cap and leaves some nice lacing. Attractive.

S: Spicy, hoppy nose: pine, herbs, pepper, coffee, and chocolate. Nice and intense, without letting either the hops or the roast run away with things. Very nice for the style.

T: Chocolate malt comes on strong, balanced precariously against grapefruit and pine bitterness; some coffee shows up as well. The hops win out on the highly bitter finish, but not in an oppressive way. Not as spicy as the nose, which is a bit of a pity, but the hoppiness and roastiness are both impressively distinct - and yet intertwined. One of the best ABAs I've had.

M: Highly carbonated medium body. Sharper than some other Kernel bottle-conditioned beers, but the liveliness is fun. Chalky dryness on the aftertaste gets a bit harsh, though

O: Yet another strong offering from what has rapidly become my favorite UK brewery. This style isn't one that I'm generally fond of, but here it works pretty well. I'd still rather have their Coffee IPA 7 days a week, though.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2011 23:06:14 | More by woosterbill