Assertively bitter and very dry.
A trim base, a hop-led finish — the classic setup for a hop-forward beer.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for pFriem CDA
◎ Appearance
Inky black body with amber glints when held to light, revealing the beer's depth without opacity. A tan foam head forms cleanly and clings to the glass with good retention, leaving defined lacing on the walls. The carbonation is moderate and steady, appropriate to the style.
◌ Aroma
Fresh-cut fir and bright citrus dominate the opening, conveying the Cascadian hop character with clarity. Beneath them, rich roast notes unfold, wrapping around hints of cassis and toffee from the pale chocolate and black malts. The malt and hop aromatics remain distinct rather than merging, each contributing its own thread to the nose.
◐ Taste
The palate enters lean and moderately bitter, with herbal and citrus hop flavors taking the lead. Mid-palate shows chocolate and slight sweetness from the oats and malts, softening the bitterness without obscuring it. The 70 IBUs are felt as a clean, defined bitterness rather than harshness, balancing the dark grain notes.
◑ Finish
Roast and hops merge in a deep, drying finish that lingers without becoming astringent. The aftertaste holds fir, toffee, and a gentle roast character, fading gradually over several minutes.
Serve & Enjoy
How to get the most out of pFriem CDA
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 pFriem CDA
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 flavor character as pFriem CDA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.