Some of my favorite beers are crossovers or beers that combine the best qualities of different styles of beers. Combining a rich dark color with an awesome hoppy presence, this weekend’s brew is one of my go to black IPA’s. This weekend Smuttynose Brewing Company’s Noonan Black IPA is What’s on Tap!
When Noonan is poured it looks like an unmistakable porter or stout, but as soon as the beer hits your nose you are met with a punch of hops, floral, and citrus. If one was blindfolded they would swear they were about to drink an IPA! To me what is most interesting is the lack of smoke or roasted malts of the brew, it is all hoppy IPA goodness. This is definitely a beer that is meant to be savored and enjoyed. With each sip I taste more and more of a flavor profile. At first with each sip there are the traditional IPA qualities however, as I drink more of the pint I start to notice an earthy quality of just a subtle hint of malt. I then pick up the coffee and coco flavors that seemingly give the beer its color. This bit of sweetness on the backend accents the hoppy qualities perfectly. As you finish the beer there is a bit of bitterness with each sip but overall this is one smooth, rich, and complex brew!
If you are into trying new beers and beer styles, Noonan is a must. Because of the complex flavor profile I would recommend a dish that is equally complex in taste. Tonight I plan to slow grill a pork tenderloin in an almost jerk-style marinade. The tangy jerk marinade with the hops will pair perfectly and then the rich hardiness of the meat combined with the complexity of the beer will wash down nicely. So here’s to brewers that make great complex crossover beers like Smuttynose’s Noonan Black IPA!
Cheers!
Beer Stats:
Style: Black Indian Pale Ale
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 5.7%
Color: Black with a deep red hue
Hops: Magnum, Bravo, Glacier, Nugget and Centennial
Yeast: American Ale
Malts: Pilsner Malt, Pale Ale Malt, C-60, Aromatic, Black, Carafa II DH
