“Bridge Road Brewers reached the 11th year of brewing in 2016. To celebrate we have continued the tradition of brewing a new yet bigger incarnation of the B2. This year we have stepped things up to reach Mach 6.0.”
Served in an IPA glass. Looks like a big ominous stout – pitch black with a finely beaded two finger head perched on top. Head retention is excellent and so to is the healthy lace work down the walls of the glass.
We get lots of grassy and piney hops against the robust dark malt backdrop. Good uplift from the coffee, cocoa and toast with a subtle candied undertone flowing through. Quite earthy, also hinting at black pepper, fennel seed, molasses and herbs with a touch of warming booze completing a seriously complex and multi layered aroma.
Oh wow! Depth and complexity for days on the palate. Plenty of action upfront – big, dark and roasty malt base with a piney and at times herbal hop bitterness cutting in. The feature we’re loving is this Candi sugar sweetness that’s coming from the Belgian yeast, adding that essential 3rd element which makes this black IPA stand out among the rest. It finishes slightly dry and toasty with incredible length.
It is unbelievably silky and smooth in the mouth. This is especially remarkable considering the 9.6% ABV. Dense and thick, mildly carbonated and full in body. Delightful!
Jeez what a beer this is. Can not fault it at all. We believe this is their 2016 release so the year and a bit in bottle has taken some of the edge off the hops but the rich malt character and the sweet Belgian yeast has more than made up for it. Sensational drop from Bridge Road…one of, if not, their best in our opinion.