“Black As Your Heart Black IPA was Aether’s First winter seasonal release, this beer has fast become a hit. With a deliciously malty and resinous aroma, this beer delivers a beautiful balance between hops and malt. All ipa on the palate, but all black ale on the finish with no hint of its hearty ABV.”

Glassware: IPA.

Appearance: Deep cola pour with a light gradient at the foot of the glass. It constructs a healthy three finger head which holds its shape. Lots of thick blotchy lace clings to the glass as we imbibe.

Aroma: Definitely not short on character and with a hop bill like this (Citra, Centennial, Simcoe & Mosaic) there’s little wonder why! It’s throwing out heady citrus i.e grapefruit, candied lime and rind, pine, earthy herbals/florals, some light tropical fruits and peppery spice. Enter the malts – Milk chocolate, delicate coffee, toast, ash and toffee. Our only criticism at this point would be that they could be offering a bit more bottom end but really, splitting hairs.

Flavour: They’ve struck a good balance here. It kicks off with a nice little marriage of hop and roasted malt bitterness which folds into the coffee and bitter chocolate. The piney, citrusy and floral hops are dependably there to keep it all in check as well. Not until the end do the pithy hops and roasted malt kick into gear and when they do they bed down on the palate for days.

Mouthfeel: Pretty smooth and creamy…the bitterness really develops late. Medium body, finely carbed. The 6.7% ABV was kept at bay pretty well.

Overall: Look, it’s a good drop but we’re not totally blown away. As we said we’d love to get a bit more grunt out of the malt bill and just a tad more aggression from the beer as a whole. Not bad though.