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Nightshift

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A Cascadian dark ale with a deep colour and a complex array of chocolate and dark fruit, topped by pine and citrus from US hops. Black malt joins late and gives the deep colour. It is a hoppy session ale at 4.5% with multiple layers of flavour, part of the Hardworking Beers range, bringing the style back to its roots.

ABV
4.5%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
dark30
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppychocolatedark fruit
hoppy
chocolate
dark fruit
piney
citrusy
roasted
Aroma
The nose opens with earthy pine and citrus zest from the US hop selection, layered over complex notes of dark chocolate and dried stone fruits.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Nightshift

◎ Appearance

Deep garnet-brown to near-black under light, with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent tan head. Carbonation is moderate and even, creating steady streams of fine bubbles that maintain good lacing on the glass.

deep garnet-brownclearpersistent head

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with earthy pine and citrus zest from the US hop selection, layered over complex notes of dark chocolate and dried stone fruits. A subtle roasted character from the late-added black malt provides depth without harshness, while the clean fermentation allows each element to remain distinct.

pine, citrusdark chocolatedried fruitroasted undertone

◐ Taste

The palate enters with bright citrus and resinous pine bitterness, balanced by rich chocolate and subtle berry notes that develop through the mid-palate. At 4.5% ABV, the body remains light and refreshing despite the complex malt profile, with the 60 IBUs providing a clean, measured bitterness that doesn't dominate.

piney bitternesschocolate, berrysession-weight body

◑ Finish

A dry, lingering finish with persistent pine and citrus notes fading gradually. The aftertaste remains crisp and inviting, encouraging another sip.

dry finishcitrus fade
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
78
Appearance
82
Finish
76
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.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Nightshift

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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 hoppy, chocolate, dark fruit character as Nightshift 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 United Kingdom beers →