hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Gotham

Tap to rate

A black double IPA from a recipe deep in the Bellwoods archives, revisited with a new approach to malt and hops. Citrus rind and dark berries on the nose, with a lingering bitterness of orange pith, pine resin and dark cocoa. At 8.5 percent, roast malt and hops amplify each other rather than balance out.

ABV
8.5%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
dark30
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
citrusyroastedhoppy
citrusy
roasted
hoppy
piney
dark fruit
orange
Aroma
The nose leads with bright citrus rind—lemon and grapefruit zest—layered over dark berry fruit that suggests blackcurrant and plum.
also:resinous,chocolate
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Gotham

◎ Appearance

Deep black with mahogany highlights at the edges when held to light, revealing the beer's density and dark malt character. The head is dense and persistent, with fine carbonation that sustains a tight ring of lacing down the glass. Clarity is opaque, as expected from the style.

deep blackmahogany rimdense headpersistent lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with bright citrus rind—lemon and grapefruit zest—layered over dark berry fruit that suggests blackcurrant and plum. Beneath these top notes lies a pronounced herbal-resinous quality from pine and a subtle cocoa powder undertone from the roasted malts. The overall effect is peppery and complex, with no single element dominating.

citrus rinddark berriespine resincocoa powder

◐ Taste

The palate opens with a wave of bitter orange pith and pine that immediately establishes the beer's hop-forward character. Mid-palate brings roasted grain and dark chocolate into focus, creating a interplay between bitter and bitter-sweet rather than a balance. At 8.5% ABV, the malt and hops amplify each other; the residual alcohol adds weight and warmth without sweetness, intensifying the resinous finish.

orange pith bitternessroasted grainchocolateresinous hop bite

◑ Finish

The finish is long and dry, with lingering pine and cocoa notes that fade slowly. The bitter edge persists through the aftertaste, leaving the mouth clean but thoroughly hoppy.

long, dry finishlingering bitterness
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
83
Appearance
80
Finish
78
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Gotham

More from Bellwoods Brewery

100 (Mosaic & Mandarina Bavaria)
100 Maris Otter
100 Maris Otter
Pale Ale
5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
3 Minutes to Midnight
3 Minutes to Midnight
Imperial Stout
10%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Barn Owl No. 1
Barn Owl No. 10
Barn Owl No. 10
IPA
6.5%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Barn Owl No. 11
Barn Owl No. 11
Farmhouse Ale
7%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Barn Owl No. 12
Barn Owl No. 15

About Black IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Black IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar Black IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same citrusy, bitter, roasted character as Gotham will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Black IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse Canada beers →