Mid-range cola brown that exhibits deep hues in the glass with dark ruby and grape juice highlights. One finger head reduces to a thin, smooth layer of retention (second pour had three fingers). Lacing starts off as solid swaths that dry and become webbed grids and, even later, specs.
To some degree the aroma reminds me of a hoppy porter. Roast offers a tangy notion that’s blended with earthy hops and hints of nuts. Sugars are present but it smell far from sweet. Molasses, unsweetened cocoa, caramel. Wisps of smoke, especially as it warms. Lightly floral. I picked out a stray, dulled citric hint once. It seems to have something of a cola vibe, actually.
While alcohol heat was mostly absent in the aroma, one sip finds Double Black IPA to be a warming critter. The aroma also seemed tame and this beer tastes anything but. Lots of roasted malts and a touch of smoke. Bittersweet chocolate is ramped up and is most prominent through mid-sip. Some dry, roasted coffee creeps in toward the finish. Moderate bitterness throughout. Some pine and remnants of citric zest on the peripheries.
The feel leaves me torn. On one hand it’s a smooth, reasonably viscous, full bodied beer. Carbonation however, is far too high. The first sip was nearly painful with sharp, scathing carbonation. The up side is that the carbonation dissipates over time and of its own accord; I didn’t have to swirl much away. Undercurrents of grit. After it opens up it is far more enjoyable. Finishes roasty with coffee and some residual bitterness.
Aside from the carbonation and the nose being on the weak side, I’ve found this beer quite enjoyable. Definitely one to let warm up, too. Not at all a CDA but a solid beer regardless. Worthwhile to give it a shot.
Tags: san francisco
