By Kristian Harter
Happy, Happy! Joy, Joy!
That being said here is a black IPA with an ABV at 9.2%. I have been enjoying black IPA so this should be a treat.
The bottle is not exciting but a rather boring 12oz brown bottle with an apparent jumble of red letters spelling out the name Dubhe, apparently a star. The ale is deep, deep brown as just the
slightest bit of light penetrates the edge of the tumbler I employ for tasting. The lacing from the hefty head is deep tan, as was the froth itself.
Smells are vegetable and deep malts with a deep noble hop undertone. Taste is bitter and tart with coco and lime peel the impressions I get. I am not sure I can get anything specific from the hemp seed but then again how would I know?
Mouthfeel is big with low carbonation and there is a definite lingering bitterness and a bit of a dryness to the finish.
This beer is as advertised. I like the big hops and the black malts and the way they come together to make a balanced giant of a beer.
There is little noticeable alcohol in the tasting experience though the effects are soon felt as 9.2% is rather astoundingly high for an ABV from anything this drinkable. You’ve been warned.