Welcome, my friends, to the story of Jailhouse 4D IPA. As we shall see, this is an evolving story, since Jailhouse 4D (Deep, Deep, Deep, Deep Undercover) IPA is a beer that is constantly changing. Sadly, I missed the first three editions of this draft only beer, but was lucky enough to catch volume 4, an India Dark Ale, at, Taco Mac in Canton.

Actually, when the beer was placed before me I was a bit puzzled because it did not match prior descriptions I found for the beer. I should have done my homework, and I would have known the beer is a lot like Borg deflector shields, constantly adapting.

It should be noted Jailhouse also did a Double India Dark Ale, Midnight Special, in their Solitary Confinement Series.

Jailhouse says of their Deep, Deep, Deep, Deep Undercover IPA Volume 4:

For the fourth release of 4D Undercover we decided to go with a black IPA. We really wanted to start stretching the boundaries and laying the groundwork for folks to better understand how we brew the beer differently every time. A black IPA would not only work for us flavor-wise but visually as well.

Our goal was an intense hop character that could blend and compliment the darker malts we were using for color. Although debittered black malt is mild, it still tends to impart some roast flavors. A touch of roast when mixed with the intensity of hops in the beer can be quite a nice marriage.

Visually the beer is a very dark brown with hints of amber around the edges. Aromatically the overwhelming note is piney hops. Much like a fresh cut Christmas tree. Very inviting and you can smell the cascade hops before the glass reaches your nose. Once it hits the palate fresh hop resins pleasantly lay on the tongue with background caramel and roast as the beer warms. With a smooth lingering bitterness you find yourself settling in for sip after sip.

Grain - Pilsen, Vienna, Black Prinz and Acidulated malts

Hops - Pacific Gem, Cascade

Other - Sweet Orange Peel

Yeast - Clean American Ale

ABV - 7%

IBU - 65 calculated

Here’s what I thought:

This is supposed to be Jailhouse Deep, Deep, Deep, Deep Undercover IPA Volume 4  but I am skeptical. I asked them to pour another sample because 4D is supposed to be an Imperial IPA of 7% ABV, this beer is clearly an India Dark Ale. The sample came back the same. Very resiny and piny but not matching the descriptions I see from others that have had it at the Brick Store and other Taco Macs. They all call it coppery in color.

It is good though and I am drinking it because I love IDAs and, well, you go to hell for wasting beer. And this is a very good India Dark Ale. Lightly roasty from the black malts but not thick in body like a porter or stout. Cascade hops all over the place in the palate, aroma, and bitterness in the finish. Very nicely done, and fairly priced at $6 a pint.

Now that I know all about the 4D series, I will surely be back for more. They’re limited, though, so don’t miss out on a chance to try this wonderful beer. And tell them Bruguru sent you.

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