Why we picked it: No specific reason for this one. We are trying two beers from this brewer. This beer got mixed reviews...a 79 and an 89 on the beer advocate site. Thought a Black IPA wouldn't be a bad choice. If I was nervous about any of the beers this year, this would be the one. While it says seasonal on the front, it's a summer seasonal, not a winter seasonal. This should be interesting...
About Mendocino's Black IPA: A tantalizing twist on a unique style! This ale has a seductive ebony hue, with an aroma that is bold, full of fresh floral and citrus hops, with just a pinch of pine. The rich aroma blends delightfully into the enigmatic body of rich roasted malts with chocolatey, nutty flavors. Then ensues the tang of refreshing orange peel and a citrus hop finish that lightly lingers and then beckons you to revisit this most enjoyable seasonal ale.
Beer Advocate Score: 79 and 89
Style: Black India Pale Ale
Malts: 2-Row, Vienna, Munich, Wheat, Crystal Rye, Chocolate, Pale Chocolate
Hops: Summit, Pilgrim, Cascade
Serving Temperature: 45-50º F
Serving Temperature: 45-50º F
ABV: 6.0%
IBU: 44
Case Cost: $38
*website: http://www.mendobrew.com/home.html
This may be more about the style as I've never taken to black IPAs. The flavor was a bit bland, though it had a nice, subtle sweetness. I'm still glad I had a chance to try something I would most likely not go out and get myself. Onward!
ReplyDeleteThe orange peel and citrus hops are great - nice pick Bolts! Pairs well with Z Burger.
ReplyDeleteI take credit for all the beers you enjoy this month, the others - tony and Tom picked those. Truth be told, I'm learning along with you as I picked none of them
DeleteMeh....The first beer is still the best in my book. I liked this at first, but the aftertaste is funny. Better than yesterday, but still wouldn't order it out.
ReplyDeleteNew record !!! 3 sentences !
DeleteLook on the bright side...I'm 3 for 3
DeleteThis is true, you're already in the top 50 percent !
DeleteThis is a new record for Megan - drinking the designated beer each night and commenting 3 days in a row. I am proud.
DeleteThree sips in. Nope. Can't get rid of the burnt aftertaste. I will finish it to see if it settles down, but that was my initial impression. The closest thing to a black IPA that I ever liked and use as a standard is New Belgium's Snow Day and I was looking forward to this to see how it would stand up. I'm glad I tried it, but I would not go out of my way for another one.
ReplyDeleteTony - is this the one with the dust on it? Or is that little surprise still to be sprung upon us?
DeleteThis is the one.
DeleteNot really liking this one I think it's more of a 79 then an 89. I like some black IPAs like back and black but this one just has an aftertaste that I don't like. Let's talk about the real issue with this beer, the label. What the hell do all these birds have to do with this beer?
ReplyDeleteI too questioned the birds. Didn't find anything through Google but I emailed the company to ask.
DeleteWhoa! Follow up research being performed ? If the Mendocino name is synonymous with the county in Cali, they have an Audubon society there...that's birds for you city slickers. Suspect that's the reference
DeleteGreat head, needed that after a long day at work. Easily pick up on the chocolate malt. Had low expectations but something about it keeps me coming back for more. Better than yesterday but the Toaster Pastry is still on top.
ReplyDeleteGreat Head... That's always a crowd pleaser
Delete"Just one please"
ReplyDeleteMalty sweet start, a bit astringent throughout, muted hop bitterness...does have the dark color as "required" for Black IPA, but not the hop presence for IPA
Concur
DeleteTonight is another great reason to celebrate 24 Days of Beer. Impressions of this beer are over the map on this page, showing us once again that the best kind of beer is the kind you like.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of IPAs and pretty open to experimenting with black versions. This one was enjoyable, with a nice blend of flavors creating a sweet and malty finish. The aftertaste is on the strong side, but it isn't on the bad side, and I found it more drinkable as I worked my way into the glass. I've had other BIPAs that I've liked more, but I thought this one pleasant in general and appropriate for this season.
You guys gambled on this selection, and I think the bet paid off.
well I messed up and drank the Mendocino Eye of the Hawk tonight. Spoiler Alert...it's good!
ReplyDeleteWe're going to have to start numbering the tops of the beers, can leave this to chance any longer
DeleteI have to admit that the avian predator label did not set my expectations high. I got a strong orange taste off my first sip followed by the standard black IPA taste. I like it though.
ReplyDeleteOrange- 3 days 3 fruit beers...I must be in alternate universe
DeleteTastes exactly like a black Ale should: fucking delicious! Surprised its only 6% because I'm feeling much better than I should over such ABV. I'd get a 6 of this and will keep on eye out for Mendocino in the future. B+
ReplyDeleteFirst time I have had a black IPA, really enjoyed it. I have to say that Toaster Pastry is my favorite so far.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about this one, being a fan of black IPA's. It's the roastiness offsetting the hopiness that does something for me and keeps me trying them whenever I get the chance. I don't know much about Mendocino Brewing Company. A few things jump out at me when studying the label - the birds of prey (what does that mean?), the claim on the neck label that this beer is "handcrafted to perfection" (fine, but it better be at least "very good"), and the fact that it's brewed with orange peel (maybe it's similar to one of my all time favs, Ska Brewing's Estival Cream Stout, another roasted summer seasonal). I'll be the judge of the perfection, but what about those birds? After a quick look at the brewer's website, looks like they started with Red Tail (because it rhymes with Ale?) and have been naming beers after birds of prey (or their body parts) ever since. Anyway - I opened the bottle and while reaching for a glass, got a whiff of the orange and the roasted malts. I don't know what it is, but I love that. After a few good pulls on it, I can confirm that I really really like this stuff. One of my first thoughts was that it's not so hoppy and sure enough, only 44 IBU. Is that really an IPA, or more of a PA? The only complaint I have is a little funky taste just at the very front that quickly fades, but it's a bit weird - maybe if it's a summer seasonal, it's past its prime? Oh well, I don't know about perfection, but it's a big winner in my book.
ReplyDeleteCome on, admit it... You're just trying to get Katy to pronounce this the best post of the month and get the free case of beer next year.
DeletePreach on brother
DeleteThis is a great post if I do say so myself.
DeleteI had to double check that I was drinking the right beer. I didn't get any of the flavors that were described above, instead I got coffee flavors. I didn't have high expectations for this beer when I saw the label and based on the fact that I don't like IPA's. I guess what that's why they say don't judge a book by its cover. This was a very enjoyable beer and as I look over and see cassandra has barely touched hers, I'm thinking I might end up with two, which could make for an intresting performance evaluation that I'm supposed to be working on.
ReplyDeleteIf the beers she finishes get C+s, I hasten to think what grade this one will get
DeleteI stalled on drinking this so that Mark didn't mock me for posting too early and influencing the comments. Anyway, I usually avoid Black IPAs and think I don't like them and then I have one and I remember that I really do like them. This tastes like most other Black IPAs I've had. Definitely getting more of the standard black ipa bitterness at the end than any orange peel. Not sure why they brag about the orange peel. I've always liked animal beers but birds are sort of borderline animals in my mind. I give this a solid B. It's no Toaster Pastry but definitely tasty.
ReplyDeleteWell done ! What's the beer equivalent to wine sommelier ? Birds are a nuisance.
DeleteCicerone
DeleteI've had mixed experiences with black IPAs, and would rank this on the generally good side. Roasty and solid flavors, but lacks the bite of a true IPA. Still, I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read the blog posts yet, but this beer tastes like a knockoff Fullers ESB, which I really enjoy. Now, I've got to get focused to provide my witty, at times sarcastic, replies to today's posts.
ReplyDeleteThe best way to comment is to drink, post, and then read the comments that are already here so there are no influencers. Bolter you make me proud.
DeleteAwful...terrible package on this beer. Sometimes lack of panache on the label doesn't translate into dull and uninspired beer, so I crack it open to check it out.
ReplyDeleteWell...I sure do love me a good black IPA. This one doesn't stand out to me as a good black. IBUs are a bit low, it is a bit past it's prime (age), and the nose is not inviting. Malt is bitter and the addition of orange peel is questionable. Anachronistic label aside...I just don't enjoy this.
I would pass on this one...I dare say I might choose a WGB over this one given the choice.
Been working late recently...since it is already tomorrow. I'm gonna go eat something to cleanse my palate and move onto the wookie.
DeleteI am shocked you'd choose the WGB!
DeleteReally great dark beer! Not something I would have picked on my own. Super malty and hoppy.
ReplyDeleteB-
I get the roasted taste. I thought it was a little less than average. I like black IPAs and thought this one didn't match up to some that I've had in the past. I wouldn't search for this again. 6 Out of 10, C-
ReplyDeleteI loved this last time I had it and it's a shame it's been retired. Vastly more complex than your run-of-the-mill base IPAs and at 44 IBUs its only 4 points into the classification standard. I like that, since the IPA market is oversaturated.
ReplyDeleteA cascadian dark ale aren't supposed to be about hops in the fore, they're more about complexity of flavours using rye, dark malts and oats, with hops serving in a support role. Not unusual to get dark chocolate or caramel with a touch of sweetness on the end.
For what it is, it's very good! Of course you have the more recognizable Founders Black Rye as the bulkier big brother at 7.5% and 75 IBUS. So I wouldn't be surprised if your hopheads find this one a bit lacking. I didn't. Nice selection!
Pretty average. Also it tasted more like a brown ale or maybe a porter. The IPA part of it was lacking. Grade of C.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting IPA'd out this season, so I just felt meh drinking it. Maybe I would have liked it more if I drank it a few months ago. middle of the road porter and IPA for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little late to the party, but I'm more than happy to catch up with this one! I generally like black IPAs and I'm loving the citrus twist on this one. I score this one on the high end! Kudos for taking the risk, it was work it! Giving this one an A-!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little late to the party, but I'm more than happy to catch up with this one! I generally like black IPAs and I'm loving the citrus twist on this one. I score this one on the high end! Kudos for taking the risk, it was work it! Giving this one an A-!
ReplyDelete