BJCP 21B · IPA
Black IPA
A black IPA with the hops and dryness of an American IPA and a soft roast that stays in the background, without coming across as a stout.
Black IPA by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 5.5 – 9.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 50 – 90 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 25 – 40 SRM49–79 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.050 – 1.085on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.010 – 1.018on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Black IPA is like
It has the color of a stout but drinks like an IPA: hops up front, firm bitterness and a dry finish. The roast is a gentle accent that supports the hops, not the star.
Appearance
Dark brown to black, often opaque, with ruby highlights if some light gets through. Light tan to cinnamon head, persistent.
Aroma
Moderate to high hops, often resinous, citrusy or piney, over a light background of roast, chocolate or coffee. No strong burnt character.
Flavor
Medium to high hop flavor and medium-high to high bitterness. The malt adds low to medium roast or chocolate that shouldn't clash with the hops or turn acrid. The finish is off-dry to dry.
Mouthfeel
Medium body, medium carbonation and no astringency from the roasted malt.
Where Black IPA comes from
Its origin is usually credited to Vermont in the 1990s and its popularity to the Pacific Northwest in the 2000s, where it was also known as Cascadian Dark Ale.
Ingredients
An American IPA base with dehusked dark malts, such as Carafa Special, for color without harshness. American or New World hops and a clean American ale yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Black IPA at home
Use dehusked dark malts or add them at the end of the mash, or even cold steep them, to get the color without the roasted bitterness. Ferment at 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) and dry hop generously. The classic mistake is ending up with a hoppy stout: if you taste a lot of coffee, you've overdone it.
Food pairing
Calls for grilled meats, chorizo or dishes with chipotle.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- 21st Amendment Back in Black
- Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Black IPA?
Between 5.5% and 9.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Black IPA?
It has 50 to 90 IBUs, a very high bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Black IPA?
Dark brown to black: 25 to 40 SRM (49 to 79 EBC).
What food pairs well with Black IPA?
Calls for grilled meats, chorizo or dishes with chipotle.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try American Stout, American IPA and Schwarzbier.
If you like Black IPA, try these
Classification and statistics: official Black IPA guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.