Black Ales are often referred to as Black IPAs but the alcohol level is too low for CAMRA’s IPA category. As such these beers have an ABV level of 5.4% or lower, above this they would be considered Black IPAs. As with Black IPAs they have high levels of hops and are typically dark brown or black in colour. The roast character should be zero to light, and little residual sweetness. Medium bodied.
When entered in beer competitions CAMRA usually judge this beer style as part of the Brown, Red and Black Ales, Old Ales and Strong Milds category as there are few examples of the individual styles.
Colour
Dark brown to black
Clarity
Clear to Bright
Carbonation
Low
Alcohol
Not detectable
Hop
Strong
Malt
Light to strong, if roast character if present should only be light
Esters
Light and fruity
Phenols
None
Fermentation By-Products
None
Body
Medium
Carbonation
Low
Finish Length
Short to medium
Attenuation
Moderately bitter in finish
Hops
Strong hop presence, may be any variety
Malt
Light to Strong
Water
No specific requirements
Yeast
Ale, but some American strains may be used