Reviewing my own Ace of Spades

[Beer-lord]

I did a Northern Brewer recipe (not their kit, oops) as I wanted to try a Black IPA that was not like the traditional ones. This is one very different. Not at all like my roasty-toasty blacks. But, I do like it. It's a tad harsh in that it got some coffee notes and some chocolate notes but the pine hits my nose right away. I know its not going to age well and think it hit it's prime already.
Pours with a nice, creamy head with excellent lacing. Dark as night, full bodied, sharp with a nice start and slight bite halfway thru the sip. I don't like reviewing my own beers so I'll stop here but it's a great cool weather brew.

Ace of Spades (Medium).JPG (119.54 KiB) Viewed 446 times

[FedoraDave]

It's kind of tough to review one's own creations, I agree. But if you're pleased with it, good on ya.

Since I'm working through the developmental process for my own Groomsman's Pride Black IPA in anticipation of my daughter's wedding, when would you say it's peak time? I want to time this right for the presentation.

[Inkleg]

Which one was it Paul. I'm thinking of doing another Black IPA and don't want to do the Self-righteous again.

[Beer-lord]

Dave, I've found that almost all the blacks I've done are good at about 5 weeks in the keg. That's when the harsh darks mild up a bit and work with the other malts and hops. At least that's what I've found to be true. Then, they seem to continue a slow change but all in a good way to where you get some different tastes after some of the hoppiness starts to fade. This one is a bit different as it's not as mellow to begin with.

Jeff, I saw an add from NB and it was a new kit and while it's not really fair to use their recipe without buying it, I had everything here so I brewed it up because my friends wanted another black from me before they left town. I've found that most of what is described is what I'm tasting though I do get a hint of chocolate.

The deck is stacked with a whole lotta hops. Four of a kind, in fact – Magnum, Chinook, Centennial and Citra. And get ready for the bluff, because this session brew drinks lighter than it appears. You won’t find roasted coffee or bittersweet chocolate here, just smooth malty caramel with a touch of toast, and an intense hop presence with pine, citrus and fruity notes that stand no chance of getting lost in the shuffle. Play your cards right? There’s no way to play them wrong with this kit. Any way you brew it, you’ll be coming up aces.

[FedoraDave]

Good to know. So anything after about five weeks should be good, but closer to five is better/best.

[Beer-lord]

That's pretty much worked for me for all my black beers (except stouts). 5-8 weeks is the prime for what I've brewed.....all grain batches.

[Kealia]

That beer can't be any good - it's too dark.

[Inkleg]

Come to the Dark Side Ron, we have cookies.

[jimjohson]

Where the cookies???