Black Mass

◎ Appearance

Deep garnet-brown to near-black in the glass, with a dense tan head that clings to the sides with notable retention. The beer presents clear definition despite its dark color, allowing light to penetrate at the edges. Carbonation appears moderate and well-integrated, supporting a structured foam architecture.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with bitter chocolate and roasted barley, layered beneath notes of coffee grounds and burnt toast. A secondary wave of fruitcake and raisin sweetness emerges, balanced by herbaceous pine from the Cascade and Green Bullet hops. The aromatic profile demonstrates the tension between malt depth and hop assertiveness characteristic of the Black IPA style.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with pronounced chocolate and roasted grain, followed by a sustained bitterness that builds through the mid-palate without becoming harsh. Cascade and Green Bullet hops contribute pine and resinous notes that complement rather than dominate the dark malt foundation. The 60 IBU sits firmly but balanced, allowing the complexity of six malts to remain present throughout.

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and persistent, with lingering coffee and burnt toast notes fading gradually into a subtle hop bite. Bitterness remains the dominant character through the aftertaste without becoming astringent or fatiguing.