Black Top - New Glarus Brewing Company

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BA SCORE
92
exceptional
-
482 Ratings

THE BROS
90
exceptional
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rAvg: 4.13
pDev: 11.38%
Reviews: 150
Hads: 332

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Brewed by:
New Glarus Brewing Company

Wisconsin, United States

Style | ABV
American Black Ale | 6.90% ABV

Availability: Fall. bottle (150).

Notes:
No notes at this time.

View: Beers (32) | Reviews (19) | Events (0)

Reviews

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Reviews by devilben02:

devilben02

North Carolina

3.75/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

Pours a deep, opaque cola brown, topped by a thick, sudsy sand-colored head. The aroma is that of a well-made pale ale, with a bright grapefruit hop presence on top of a light caramel sweetness. The flavor is likewise "paler" than the color would suggest, with only a dull, muddled roastiness and an ashy aftertaste providing any indication that this beer isn't dyed to be as dark as it is. In contrast to the other black ales I have tried (and made myself), the predominant characteristics are again a light, fresh grapefruit hoppiness that would be more expected in an APA/IPA. The fine, tingly carbonation and medium-light body are fine enough, but just like the flavor profile, it would be nice if the texture was a bit more robust.

Overall, although this beer largely lacks the deep roasted character of a black ale, and it isn't potently bitter like many IPAs today, it was still quite a pleasure to drink.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2011 13:20:05 | More by devilben02

More User Reviews:

andrewschirmer

Massachusetts

5/5 rDev +21.1%

05-20-2013 21:56:00 | More by andrewschirmer

Dreamkilla15601

Wisconsin

4.25/5 rDev +2.9%

05-20-2013 00:55:50 | More by Dreamkilla15601

nheinzie57

Illinois

3.75/5 rDev -9.2%

05-20-2013 00:04:05 | More by nheinzie57

Hallertau

Wisconsin

2.75/5 rDev -33.4%

05-19-2013 23:45:38 | More by Hallertau

e30todamax

Virginia

4/5 rDev -3.1%

05-19-2013 17:48:38 | More by e30todamax

Photekut

Azerbaijan

3.75/5 rDev -9.2%

05-19-2013 16:13:53 | More by Photekut

csmartin6

Illinois

4.5/5 rDev +9%

05-19-2013 14:30:11 | More by csmartin6

SrMonkey

Wisconsin

4/5 rDev -3.1%

05-18-2013 15:36:53 | More by SrMonkey

FUwolfpacker

South Carolina

4/5 rDev -3.1%

05-18-2013 12:49:05 | More by FUwolfpacker

AmandaSchaefer

Wisconsin

5/5 rDev +21.1%

05-18-2013 12:45:20 | More by AmandaSchaefer

falconxman

Illinois

4.25/5 rDev +2.9%

05-18-2013 01:27:27 | More by falconxman

phishsihq

Colorado

4.31/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Black Top Black IPA from New Glarus pours a deep, dark brown that boarders on being black. A thin, light tan head settles atop the brew while providing a solid amount of lacing. A rich bouquet of hop aromas entice the drinker to get a deeper whiff. Aromas include tropical fruits, pine resin, grapefruit, and orange zest play out over subtle hints of roasted malt and a touch of chocolate. On the palate the brew melds together a perfect balance of floral, citrus, and hop flavors over a wonderful caramel and chocolatey dark malt base. Superbly balanced, Black Top is well carbonated and features a silky medium body. Please ship to Colorado!

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2013 00:54:21 | More by phishsihq