Blackball Belgian IPA
Picked up two growlers from Karl Strauss Brewery downtown for $17. and poured them into a Westmalle chalice. A: Pours a clean deep copper hue with a good head that lingers for a while, but leaves very little in the way of lacing. S: Nice floral hop aroma up front - herbal earthy pine, very familiar Belgian yeast strain in the mix as well - possibly La Chouffe or something along the same lines, wood and just a hint of spice at the very end - no trace of booze (very nice for an ABV of 8.5%). T: On point with the nose, but even more bitter hop that is earthy and resinous, followed by a good balance of sweet malt and Belgian yeast - really good take on the style. I have to say though - at the end of the day, this is just a really good take on a traditional Belgian Tripel and not so much a Belgian IPA. M/D: Medium-bodied, sticky with a mellow carbonation that lends nicely to the style - finishing smooth and creamy - very drinkable; polished the 1st growler on my own no worries - had to struggle to leave the other one for tomorrow night.