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Gotham

Bellwoods Brewery
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🌍 Canada · Black IPA · One of 6 Black IPAs in hopIQ

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
See all Black IPA alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Taste structure· The backbone of the beer, regardless of style.
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
hopIQ take

Firmly bitter and substantial.

The frame carries the weight and the hops set the tone — dense structure with a pointed edge.

Wider bands mean we're less certain about the exact position.
Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Black IPA.
Hop character
citrusy
hoppy
orange
piney
resinous
Malt character
roasted
chocolate
Distinctive notes
dark fruit
Compare with another beer →

FEATURED IN

Featured inThe Best Canadian IPAs

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
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Gotham

Serve at 8–11°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

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

Tulip glass
Recommended for this style

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

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Gotham

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.

Other Black IPAs in hopIQ

Explore all Black IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse Canada beers →

WHERE TO BUY

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