India Black Ale
6.2%
IBA's are thick in the air like bullets in Baghdad these days, every man and his goat appear to be brewing one. Which is no bad thing, it is a really nice style and the looks you get from your lager drinking mates as you down a few glasses are priceless, although the rounds of Guinness they now keep buying for me are starting to get old. I’m sure they’ll be plenty more of this style to come too, at least until Feral or Murrays up the stakes with a black Witbier or something equally mental.
Anyhow, Otway Estate needs no introduction with their cohort of very worthy beers including a particular favourite of mine, the Blueberry Hefeweizen and the charming Red Ale, which, if heated a little and served in cup with some sugar would make a lovely substitute for a warm cuppa (serious, try it, tastes just like that Yorkshire Gold they sell at David Jones).
This limited batch, released alongside a more traditional IPA, the Raconteur, is in my opinion the best thing they’ve ever done. A ferocious animal, the Black Panther IBA is a dark as its namesake and pours with an impressive cream coloured head. The aroma is pretty big and fruity but with a roasted, earthy quality to back it up.
The best way to describe this beer is to say that it has presence it is not one of those beers you finish and then instantly forget. The taste starts friendly enough with a citrusy, mandarin peel flavour on the approach which quickly transitions to an utterly majestic earthy hop bitterness only accentuated by an intense roasted finish with hints of nut and coffee. It is difficult to state how earthy this beer tastes, almost like a bag of potting mix; I reckon you could grow a small shrub in it. Despite this it never comes across as being unbalanced or a one dimensional.
This is a really decent example of the style and is well worth seeking out. The first sip or two might be a little strained but i guarantee this dry, earthy, roasted taste will grow on you. I tried it out of the bottle but it’ll be the first thing I order next time I’m at the Taphouse.
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