Bent Brewstillery Uber Lupin

This is a 8.3% ABV "schwarz" or black IPA that also has 83 IBU's. It is from the Bent Brewstillery of Roseville, Minnesota. The can indicates that in additional to malt and hops, they add in toasted bread crumbs.

The beer pours black in appearance, just a sliver of translucent brown on the bottom edge when held to the light. There is a tall, thick, foamy head of tan. The aroma is pine, tangy, dark roasted malt, toasted bread. The taste follows the aromas, but they clash rather than blending into a harmonious and better whole. A strange vomit note is created as the piney hops combine with an almost burnt note in the malts. The beer does drink easy and smooth. It has a very piney and bitter finish. This beer is why I am leery of black IPA’s. When they are good, they can be great, but when they don’t mesh, the result is a mess. It does get better as you go through the can, but I would choose many black IPA's over this one.