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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Ales

The Lords of the Ales: A Powerful Onslaught of Ales from the Two Towers of North America and Great Britain

American Style Black Ale

The alternate names for this style, Cascadian dark ale or black India pale ale, have been replaced by American-style black ale because of the too-narrow geographical focus of the first and the oxymoronic nature of the second. Still, the early names are useful: the style was not exclusive to the Pacific Northwest, but that area has been the source of outstanding examples; and this beer is based on an IPA, with intense hop aroma and flavor and some bready maltiness, but with black color and added roasty, chocolate and caramel notes from the addition of dark malt to the brew.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

92 Bump in the Night Cascadian Dark Ale, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 6.5% ABV (3/11)
Dark reddish brown color. Mouthwatering aromas and flavors of seared ham and Gouda on buttery toasted pumpernickel with a tangy touch of a red sauerkraut. Round and supple with a frothy, dryish medium-to-full with buttery, caramelized dark roasted nuts and coffee beans, honeyed citrus and dates, cocoa and peppery radicchio-like hops. A tantalizing amalgamation of flavors; serve with artisan sandwiches with spicy relishes.

91 Demonic Ale, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 6.88% ABV (11/10)
Brown black color. Aromas of cheese pastry, mocha, grapefruit and dried meat with a round, zesty, dryish medium-full body and a peppery savory, coffee, frittata, grass and citrus peel-like hop finish. Different and fun.

89 Lakefront India Black Ale, Lakefront Brewery (WI). 6.5% ABV (3/11)
Dark muddy brown color. Bold aromas and flavors of stewed cabbage and parsnips, grilled grapefruit and kale and sappy pine needles with a round, chewy dryish medium-full body and notes of apple butter, coffee, anise and sassafras rounding out the crisp and astringent, dusty, peppery radish skin-like hop finish. A rich, almost brooding dark hoppy beer; pair with exotic game stews and sausages.

86 Black Torrent IPA, Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works (IL). 6.7% ABV (3/11)
Opaque brown black color with a faint lacy head. Aromas of freshly baking date bread, baker’s chocolate, chicory and pickled okra with a silky, dryish medium-full body and a savory and smooth roasted nut nougat, caramel and puréed sweet potato finish with leafy hops.

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