Here’s an interesting little beer from Black Abbey Brewing of Nashville, Tennessee: The Five Points India Pale Ale. It’s incongruous with today’s India Pale Ales which gravitate towards the tropical fruity hop varieties and thin maltiness that allows them to shine. Let’s let Black Abbey tell us a little bit about the beer, from their website:

Our brilliant display of hops, including Citra, Amarillo and Cascade. Late hop additions showcase bright grapefruit hop aroma. Pale and caramel malts give this beer a clean backing, allowing the pine and citrus flavor to dominant on the palate. Pairs well with hot summer days; curry, smoked sausage and full flavored dishes.

The caramel malts are a welcome development. Many brewers omit this ingredient in their modern IPAs, because they crowd out the delicate fruit loopy modern hop varietals. The combination of hops employed here, however, throw off some tasty citrus and resiny pine notes instead. A classic combo with caramel malt body.

Black Abbey the Five Points India Pale Ale does has an alcohol content of 5.6% by volume, one thing it does share with modern IPAs. I paid $9.99 for a six-pack of cans at Total Wine, too.

Black Abbey The Five Points India Pale Ale pours to a deep amber color with a thick creamy head and a herbal hoppy nose of citrus and oregano. A thick layer of Brussels Lace forms on the sides of my glass and follows the liquid as it descends. Taking a sip, the beer has a firm malty presence at first quickly followed by earthy, herbal hops, grapefruit citrus and some resiny pine to boot. The beer ends very bitter indeed and lingers long and dry.

Not your average 2018 IPA, more like a 1990s IPA though a few points lower in strength than that. I enjoyed The Five Points IPA, and I think you will, too.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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