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
21st Amendment Back In Black IPA
CA, United States
21
3.496
Tree Hophead Black IPA
Canada
7
3.490
Phillips Cabin Fever Imperial Black IPA
Canada
5
3.488
Oakshire O'Dark:30
OR, United States
3
3.484
Cigar City Humidor Series Double American Black Ale
FL, United States
2
3.480
Phillips Skookum Cascadian Brown
Canada
7
3.480
Evil Twin Yin & Yang
NY, United States
2
3.480
Heavy Seas Black Cannon
MD, United States
8
3.473
Amager Black Nitro
Denmark
3
3.467
Knee Deep Midnight Hoppiness
CA, United States
2
3.460
Bear Republic Black Racer
CA, United States
4
3.457
Barrel House Boss Cox Double Dark IPA
OH, United States
6
3.455
Terrapin Hop Karma Brown IPA
GA, United States
10
3.454
Titletown Ison's Fade to Black IPA
WI, United States
1
3.450
Wrecking Bar Never Go Back India Black Ale
GA, United States
1
3.450
Fish Tale Swordfish
WA, United States
4
3.443
Summit Silver Anniversary Ale
MN, United States
2
3.440
Burnt Hickory Brewing Black Market Baby
GA, United States
1
3.425
Against The Grain Gnight Ryder
KY, United States
1
3.425
Dunham Black IPA
Canada
2
3.420