This chocolate & coffee IPA pours dark amber with lots of particulate bits floating around. It starts with about a half inch head that settles pretty thin.
The first thing I’m getting in the nose is a pretty basic citrus hop aroma but over time a mild hint of chocolate milk is noticeable.
First sip is a sledge hammer of black coffee flavor right to the face. Up front, strong and unmistakable. As the tasting progresses the coffee flavor gives way and a spicy, floral, hoppy flavor takes it’s place.
It’s mild bodied and not nearly as sticky as other sweeter IPAs.
At 9.4% ABV you’d expect a bit of an alcoholic bite but a bitter hoppy-ness and dry finish round out this beer’s finish.
Ultimately, I might recommend this for a mix-six addition just to give it a shot. Not sure I’d go out of my way looking for it, though.
Why That Glass?
The last IPA we reviewed was the FAT BOY Double IPA for which we chose a nonic pint glass. At the time I mentioned that there was a toss-up ultimately decided by how big the can was.
For this Chocolate & Coffee IPA we’re going with a tulip glass. This is kind of my go to whenever I know a beer is going to have moderate to heavy carbonation and any sweet flavors (like chocolate.)
You could also very easily go with a snifter glass for this beer.
More About this Specialty American IPA
This beer is part of Stone Brewing Company‘s Enjoy By Series. Chances are that this is a limited run that won’t see a future batch (totally a guess on my part here).
It’s available in six packs of 12 ounce bottles or as 20 ounce bombers.