What is a Black IPA?

One of the most intriguing and sometimes confusing beer styles from the Craft Beer World is the Black IPA. After all, how can an India Pale Ale be black? In this blog, we'll explain exactly what a Black IPA is, where the style originated, how it tastes, and what it's best paired with.

What is a Black IPA?

The Black IPA is a relatively young beer style that originated in the United States, around the 1990s and 2000s. Brewers wanted to combine the powerful hoppiness of an American IPA with the rich roasted flavors of dark malt. The result: a black beer that, in terms of taste, surprisingly resembles an IPA, but with a subtle extra layer of chocolate and coffee notes.

You'll also encounter the style under names like Cascadian Dark Ale, India Black Ale, or American Black Ale. But internationally, Black IPA is the most commonly used term. Craft brewers worldwide are now brewing their own interpretation of this style.

What is the difference between a Black IPA and a classic IPA?

The biggest surprise is, of course, the color. While with an IPA you expect a golden-blonde to amber body, the Black IPA is dark brown to black. This is due to roasted malt varieties that are added. It's important that these malts give subtle flavors of cocoa or coffee, without overpowering the hoppy freshness as is often the case with a stout or porter.

Like a classic American IPA, the Black IPA is all about hops. Expect aromas of citrus, pine resin, and tropical fruit. These combine excitingly with the lightly roasted malt notes, creating a complex but highly drinkable beer. For example, try our Hippy Hoppy; with its rich malty bars and hoppy aromas bouncing from your glass, it sets the tone.

In short: the best of both worlds: the hoppiness of an IPA and the dark depth of roasted malt.

What do you eat with a Black IPA?

Due to its bitterness and roasted notes, a Black IPA is delicious with dishes that have a robust flavor: grilled or smoked meat (think spareribs or a barbecue burger), but also aged cheeses or blue cheese, which can hold their own against the intensity of the beer.

Although the Black IPA never became as mainstream as the classic IPA, the style has secured a permanent place in the Craft Beer landscape. It's a beer that sparks curiosity, and often wins over enthusiasts once they try it.