Brewery: New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus, WI
Beer: Black Top
Serving: 12 oz bottle
Glassware: Sierra Nevada imperial pint
Information: 2301 on neck, no info. 6.9% ABV
Style: American Black Ale
Price: $6.99 / 6-pack
Purchased at: Woodman’s
Availability: Seasonal; Sept. – Dec.
“We invite you to discover this newest beer style Black IPA. Political debate rages over the origins of this jet black beer as both coasts feel they deserve credit. Our Black Top is a pleasant road connecting Villages and Communities statewide on a ride of Black IPA discovery.
Expect this beer to pour a hop forward jet black glass brimming with aromatic bitterness. Brewmaster Dan skillfully weaves molasses and chocolate malt undertones with a soaring rush of clean citrus and pine hop notes, to deliver a drinkable Black IPA. Savor Black Top, like Wisconsin’s miles of licorice ribbons of ink that meander through armies of corn and bovine mowed fields. Enjoy the journey on a road less traveled.”
Grade: 90 / 100 (4.50) – Exceptional
Look: 4.5
Smell: 4.5
Taste: 4.5
Feel: 4.5
Overall: 4.5
Congratulations to New Glarus for collecting a Gold Medal from the 2011 Great American Beer Fest for best American Black Ale with this brew, Black Top!
A – Deep mahogany brown, almost jet black in color with a clarity that shows through in the highlights. A tan head is perched on top for what seems to be endlessly. Wispy lace clings to the glass like patch marks on the long, straight road.
S – Roasted black patent malts are overthrown by abounding American citrusy hops. A plethora of mango and pineapple underlines the earthy dry grass and leaf pile. Very well balanced.
T – Once again, the roasted black malts find themselves tailgating the American hops, happy to provide a good base for their flamboyancy; a bit more citrusy than the aroma and still plenty earthy.
M – Medium-bodied and decidedly bitter, it’s balanced between roasty acrid and hoppy, citrusy bitterness. Faintly dry through the finish, the roast closes it out as it fades into the sunset.
O – Hops and malt work like a team throughout the whole stretch of the way, cruisin’ for a wonderful finish of balanced beauty. Abundantly flavorful and good to the last drop, New Glarus’ Black Top is one fantastic Black IPA.
Cheers,
-Andy
Your Correct, this NG Black Top is one awesome beer.
I’ve brewed this style 8 times. With all the ingredients, it’s hard to find a nice balance.
New Glarus nailed the style perfect.
[...] hop notes, to deliver a drinkable Black IPA.” J is a big fan of this beer, as apparently are other aficionados; it even got a shout out in the national press from the beer guys at [...]