Despite the apparent oxymoron Black Pale Ales do exist, Pale here is used to describe a type of ale rather than being merely a colour descriptor. Black India Pale Ales (BIPAs) can be seen as a niche product where the skills of the marketing people are tested as much as those of the brewer. Sometimes called Cascadian Darks as they were originally made with Cascade hops but this name has become less popular as the use of other hops grow.
BIPAs have the flavour profile of a standard IPA such as high levels of hop with a bitter bite but presented as a dark beer without the roast flavours usually associated with porters or stouts.
Colour
Dark brown to black
Clarity
Usually clear but difficult to tell in darker versions
Carbonation
Low for cask, but often more heavily carbonated in other dispense methods
Alcohol
Detectable
Hop
Strong hop flavours, typically giving a resinous and piny flavour.
Malt
Very low levels are present but in the background, same with roastiness
Esters
Fruit may be present
Phenols
None
Fermentation By-Products
None
Body
Usually full bodied
Carbonation
Low for cask, but often more heavily carbonated in other dispense methods
Finish Length
Long and satisfying
Attenuation
Some bitterness present and very little sweetness
Hops
Any varieties can be used but often US varieties which have a floral, pine or fruity character.
Malt
Black Malt is used to add colour rather than burnt or smoky flavours
Water
No specific type used
Yeast
Ale
