Bent Paddle Black Ale

Bent PAddle Black, Black Ale, Craft Brewed in Duluth, MN, 6% ABV. Some information at the bottom of the label: "Lake Superior is about 1.300 feet deep. At that depth, it is about as dark as our stout, er, porter."

Utter darkness, totally black, roasty/toasty tan head, looking good.

Aroma: roasty malts, cocoa, coffee, a hint of anise. some hops. little bit creamy.

Taste: creamy, smooth, malty. Mmmm. hops rise up and bite in the end. An interesting trip, this one, and hard to pin down. By calling this a black ale, you might think it should be hoppier, as many "black IPAs" are being called "black ales," now.

But that's not what it is, because that's not what it is, and it seems to be not quite a porter, not quite a stout. Certainly no brown ale. Black ale, but avoiding whatever style constraints would be called into issue by giving it a style.

Good and malty, great balance between bitter and sweet, swivering between both, landing on neither. But, damn, it's definitely drinkable, luscious and lovable. Easy consumption. Not too heavy, yet very substantial. Fairly constant delivery of deliciousness.

I wonder what they want to tell us on the label? "Brewed to be smooth, chocolatey, semi-roasted ale that bridges the islands of porter and stout. And if you aren't a fan of bridges, there's always the canoe."

More of that outdoorsy, North woods stuff. Guess I'd better get used to it. But, seriously, love this one. So far, too excellent initial offering from BP. Can't wait for more.