GRADE: B
Another "beer of the month" selection from Amanti Vino that looked intriguing from the start. Why? I see "brewed with hemp seed" on the label! I'm not one for gimmicks but even the most casual beer enthusiast would be curious to taste. And what about the after effects? Will they be "uplifting"? Let's see...
According to Uinta, it's named after Utah's Centennial star that illuminates the front of the Big Dipper. I think it's more subversive than that since Dubhe (pronounced "doobie") can hint at its hemp seed additive (for those who still don't get it, "doobie" is slang for a marijuana cigarette). Anyway, Uinta puts out solid brews (I'm a huge fan of both their barleywines Cockeyed Cooper and Anniversary Barley Wine) and would be surprised is this was not decent.
Taste: Very malty with a dry hop finish. A bitter hop after taste that is just right. The label touts "toasted, chocolaty dark malts" but I'm not getting much chocolate. If anything, I'm getting licorice. Not bad, mind you, but a little misleading.
Mouthfeel: Not very carbonated and very smooth.
Overall: It is a good beer. Now, I must admit, I am not sure about this whole "black IPA" category. I think it is an experimental style that muddles things up a bit. I like stouts and IPAs but I am not sure if I want them mixed together. However, I'm all for experimentation since that is the driving force of the craft beer movement. Again, it is a good beer but I won't go out of my way to find it.
According to Uinta, it's named after Utah's Centennial star that illuminates the front of the Big Dipper. I think it's more subversive than that since Dubhe (pronounced "doobie") can hint at its hemp seed additive (for those who still don't get it, "doobie" is slang for a marijuana cigarette). Anyway, Uinta puts out solid brews (I'm a huge fan of both their barleywines Cockeyed Cooper and Anniversary Barley Wine) and would be surprised is this was not decent.
Appearance: Even held to the brightest light, it's pitch black with a fluffy, tan 3 finger head.
Smell: Piney hops with a faint malt aroma. With warming, I pick up a bit of molasses.
Smell: Piney hops with a faint malt aroma. With warming, I pick up a bit of molasses.
Taste: Very malty with a dry hop finish. A bitter hop after taste that is just right. The label touts "toasted, chocolaty dark malts" but I'm not getting much chocolate. If anything, I'm getting licorice. Not bad, mind you, but a little misleading.
Mouthfeel: Not very carbonated and very smooth.
Overall: It is a good beer. Now, I must admit, I am not sure about this whole "black IPA" category. I think it is an experimental style that muddles things up a bit. I like stouts and IPAs but I am not sure if I want them mixed together. However, I'm all for experimentation since that is the driving force of the craft beer movement. Again, it is a good beer but I won't go out of my way to find it.
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