Black Baal 2.0

The dark, roasty backbone is still bold, but that lower ABV makes this a proper sessionable black IPA, and the updated hops bring a nice citrus bite that cuts through the malt. I cracked one open after a long hike and it was exactly the kind of rich, bitter finish I wanted.

The lower ABV actually makes it easier to enjoy a couple of these in one sitting without feeling wrecked, and the updated hops still bring that bold, dark bitterness I craved. It’s a solid, hefty pour that holds its own on a cold night.

The dark malt backbone still hits hard even with the trimmed ABV, and the updated hop mix gives it a nice resinous bite. I grabbed a few bottles and ended up savoring the last one slowly, it drinks way too easy for something this roasty and bitter.