Assertively bitter and very dry.
The malt sets the frame and lets the hops carry the flavour.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Mascarat
◎ Appearance
Mascarat presents a jet-black body with mahogany highlights visible when held to light, revealing considerable depth beneath its dark facade. A compact beige head forms on the pour and settles to a thin, persistent collar that clings to the glass walls with fine lacing. The beer displays excellent clarity for its style, with no haze or suspension visible.
◌ Aroma
The nose opens with prominent roasted malt and cocoa character from the dark grain bill, anchoring the bouquet with earthy, bittersweet notes. American hops layer on resinous, citrus, and pine aromas that cut through the roast with clean, grassy brightness. The rye malt adds a subtle spiced undertone that softens the overall impression without overwhelming the hop-malt balance.
◐ Taste
Entry reveals a silky, full body characteristic of the rye component, which carries cocoa and roasted flavors across the mid-palate with a gentle spiciness threading underneath. A strong, clean bitterness emerges from both the hop charge and roasted malt, balancing the chocolate notes without turning harsh or astringent. The bitterness persists through the palate, maintaining focus and preventing any sweetness from dominating.
◑ Finish
The finish turns dry and resinous, with lingering hop bitterness and a hint of roasted grain character extending into a moderately long aftertaste. No sweetness remains; the overall impression is clean and drying.
Serve & Enjoy
How to get the most out of Mascarat
Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.
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 Mascarat
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 resinous, roasted, bitter character as Mascarat will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.