“HIDDEN IN THE MIDST, TANTALISING THE SENSES WITH THE MYSTERY OF A PALETTE BORN STRAIGHT OUT OF A PASSION SO DEEP, FEW DARE TO SEEK IT. SO DARK, THE DARKNESS IS DOUBLE. WHAT IS BLACK TIMES TWO? IT’S A MYSTERY AND IN THIS MYSTERY, A LIGHT SHINES CLEAR; THE LIGHT OF CHOCOLATE ROASTED CARAFA MALT, BOOSTED UP TOWARDS THE CITRUS SHINE OF LEMON AND GRAPEFRUIT FROM CLASSIC HOPS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. WHERE THE DARK IS DARKEST. COME OUT OF THE SHADOW, DOUBLE CASCADIAN DARK ALE”
Served in an IPA glass. This Cascadian beauty pours a dark brown hue with a healthy three finger head that steadily recedes and dispenses a thick, blotchy lace trail as it ebbs. Our first observation is the impeccable balance between the piney hops and dark, toasty malts that black IPA’s are renowned for. These fresh, at times leafy and even herbal scents marry in to the rich chocolate malts that in this particular beer presents a certain jaffa character that’s flecked with hints of rye bread and pumpernickel. In the mouth the texture is thick and creamy with a vibrant bitterness helping it along. The 85 IBU is well represented but doesn’t dry the shit out of the palate. Medium-full in body. Spot on. The front palate is incredibly well layered with rich, dark and roasted malts but the crisp and spiky hops cut through to create a brilliant balance. Bitter citrus fruits come through across the mid as the warmth from the hefty 8% ABV carries piney notes in to the dry but rich malty finish. It has been a while since we’ve revisited a 4 pines beer and this Kellerdoor series double black IPA welcomes us back in style. Although it’s nothing to write home about it’s still a bloody delicious drop. Very nice.