American Black Ale

American Black Ale

692 beers | 3.761 Avg Score

The recently developed American Black Ale (ABA) is the product of American craft brewers’ love affair with hops, and their constant desire to innovate and push the envelope. Believed to have originated at the Vermont Pub and Brewery in 1994, the style has surged in popularity since 2007, especially in the Pacific Northwest region, prompting many to refer to it as a Cascadian Dark Ale. The ABA, often called a Black IPA, is similar to its predecessor, the India Pale Ale, but has had its malt bill modified to include a small percentage of highly kilned or roasted malts, giving the beer a dark brown or black appearance. The aromas are typically grassy, spicy, floral, citrussy and/or piny, thanks to aggressive quantities of hops being added at the end of the boil and as dry-hops. Despite its dark color, the malt flavors are typically in the background as they are dominated by ample bitterness and hop flavor. Flavors are resinous and citrussy, and in some versions the dark malts can lend light caramel, chocolate, coffee, or ashy flavors to the beer. The alcohol content for ABAs is typically in the 5.5%-8% by volume range.

Beer | Location Reviews Score
Wellington Welly One Off: Terrestrial India Brown Ale
Canada
6
3.311
Full Sail Bump In The Night
OR, United States
6
3.345
Beavertown Black Betty
United Kingdom
5
3.750
Smuttynose Durty Mud Seasonal Hoppy Brown Ale
NH, United States
5
3.588
Phillips Cabin Fever Imperial Black IPA
Canada
5
3.488
Dieu du Ciel Pénombre (Half-light)
Canada
5
3.550
Marshall El CuCuy
OK, United States
5
3.613
Grand Teton Trout Hop Black IPA
ID, United States
5
3.350
The Duck-Rabbit Hoppy Bunny A.B.A.
NC, United States
5
3.500
Fort Collins The Incredible Hop - Imperial Black IPA
CO, United States
4
3.357
Big Rig Release The Hounds Black IPA
Canada
4
3.343
Green Flash Hop Odyssey Black IPA
CA, United States
4
3.643
Real Ale / 3 Floyds / Surly Blakkr Imperial Black Ale
TX, United States
4
3.714
Fish Tale Swordfish
WA, United States
4
3.443
Blue Point Toxic Sludge
NY, United States
4
3.371
Tied House Menage a Singe
CA, United States
4
3.214
Bear Republic Black Racer
CA, United States
4
3.457
Terrapin Side Project Volume 10: Captn Krunkles Black IPA
GA, United States
4
3.571
Hoppin' Frog Hop Heathen Imperial Black Ale
OH, United States
3
3.334
Third Street Brewhouse Bitter Neighbor
MN, United States
3
3.117