American Black Ale

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
	Karbach El Hopadillo Negro TX, United States	1	3.175
	Saint Arnould La Marée Noire Canada	1	3.175
	Hill Farmstead Foster VT, United States	1	3.175
	Stack Brewing Black Rock Cascadian Dark Ale Canada	1	3.175
	Le Castor l’Eclipse Canada	1	3.175
	Saint Arnold Icon Blue (Cascadian Dark Ale) TX, United States	1	3.175
	5e Baron Bear Hug Canada	1	3.175
	Hangar 24 Rye Black IPA CA, United States	1	3.175
	Willoughby Hop Jam Black Rye IPA OH, United States	1	3.175
	Jasper Rocky Cascadian Dark Ale Canada	1	3.175
	Karbach Black IPA TX, United States	1	3.175
	Saint-Bock Black Jesus Canada	1	3.175
	Stray Dog Black Eye Canada	1	3.175
	Columbia River Nyctophobia Black IPA OR, United States	1	3.175
	Lake Of Bays The West Wind Canada	1	3.175
	Water Street Black IPA WI, United States	1	3.175
	Wander Beyond Split United Kingdom	1	3.175
	5e Baron Offbeat Canada	1	3.175
	Silver Peak Storm Front IBA NV, United States	1	3.175
	Les 3 Brasseurs Black IPA Canada	1	3.175