A feathery, cocoa-colored head rests placidly above this lightless, dark brown beer. Chocolate scents intertwine with orange and dank pine, creating a bold aroma that gives each element equal attention. Velvety milk chocolate notes hit the tongue first, then dive to its sides as lively orange and pine run straight up the middle of the swallow and pool with more chocolate in the back. Grassy notes ride a bitter wave over the tongue, bristling the taste buds as they settle in the back of the jaw. This beer’s an IPA at heart, but its complementary malt presence makes it a wonderful hybrid—and one that’s loaded with enough flavor to hide its brawny ABV.
