(NW) Coming Soon … Alaskan Brewing Double Black Imperial India Pale Ale
Anchorage, AK – It’s been said there is such as thing as too much of a good thing. This on the other hand, is not one of those times.
Our attention was alerted, via a reputable source, that Alaskan Brewing is producing a Black India Pale Ale. Starting September 1st, Alaskan brewing will release the Double Black IPA, a beer that inspires warmth and smiles during the coming Fall season.
“It looks like a porter, drinks like an IPA and has the kick of an imperial stout,” says Alaskan Production Manager Dave Wilson. “We always challenge ourselves to showcase balance in our beers, and with so many big and bold flavors, this beer took that challenge to a whole new level.”
The Double Black IPA, is the latest release from the breweries Pilot Series, a limited edition set of speciality beers. Previously, the brewery introduced you to the Raspberry Wheat Ale, and if this is any indication of their talents, we should expect great things.
The new brew features a combination of beer styles, with a flavor profile most similar to an Imperial IPA and the dark black color and rich flavors usually found in heartier stouts and porters. Brewed with an array of dark malts, Alaskan Double Black IPA features the distinctive flavors of coffee and bitter chocolate with a subtle toasted sweetness. Large Cascade and Centennial hop additions late in the boil, and dry-hopping after fermentation, lighten and refresh the overall perception and flavor of the beer. It finishes with a dry palate and lingering citrus bitterness.
Course, this like many so called “Black” India Pale Ales, isn’t without its controversy, as we have discussed many times on here. So rather than have us speculate on this beer’s name and why they chose Black India Pale, why not hear what Production Manager Dave Wilson, and his thoughts.
There has been a lot of discussion as to what to call this emerging beer style - “Cascadian Dark Ale,” “Black IPA,” and “American-style India Black Ale” are just a few of the names being used. “We’re not sure where it fits within traditional beer styles,” says Wilson, “Or if it fits at all, but it’s dark and hoppy and unexpectedly smooth.”
Alaskan first released their Double Black IPA as a “Rough Draft” for the 2009 Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival in Anchorage. “We didn’t really know what to think of it then, but we knew we really wanted to have it again.”
About Alaskan Brewing Co.
Alaskan Brewing Co. has been making award-winning beer in Juneau, Alaska, since 1986. The Alaskan Brew Crew bottles the unique character of the Last Frontier with historic recipes, local ingredients and glacier-fed water. Alaskan Brewing handcrafts Amber, Pale, White, Stout, IPA, Smoked Porter, Winter Ale and Summer Ale. Visit www.alaskanbeer.com.
As always, if you don’t find this on the shelves this September, ask the grocer to buy some!
Cheers
