Black IPA's seem to be all the rage right now. Weather you call them Black IPAs or Cascadian Dark ales one thing is for certain they're one of the most popular and unique American beers to hit the market in quite some time.If you've never tried a good Black IPA, think of it as a very hoppy porter. That description is a little inadequate because it's not easy to create a hop bill that complements the roasted grains in such a robust beer. If you've had a good B-IPA you know immediately when a brewers nailed it and when they haven't.
Uinta Brewing has entered the the Black IPA game and in typical fashion they're adding a unique twist. Dubhe, pronounced "Doo-bee" is the official state centennial star (yes Utah has an official state everything). Dubhe is one of the seven bright stars that make up "The Big Dipper" (part of Ursa Major, or the Great Bear constellation).Anyway, what makes Dubhe different from other B-IPA/Cascadians is the addition of hemp seed. Get it... Doobie?
Now before Sen. Valentine starts getting his little "panties in a bunch" over this shocking revelation, it's well known that Hemp seeds do not get you high, or have psychoactive properties. The hemp seeds here are used to add a "nutty" profile to Dubhe.
Dubhe is still in the tanks and is expected to be available sometime in March, in 12oz bottles. Look for it at your local bar, liquor store and at Uinta's Bottle Shop as it has an abv of 9.2%. Thanks, Uinta! for giving us some extra good beer news this week!
I have more great Black IPA news for you tomorrow, stay tuned. And while I have your attention, If you find any value in this thing I do here, please consider voting for the Utah Beer Blog in City weekly's Best of 2011. It would really stroke my overly stimulated ego...
Cheers!
