Hello everyone.  How’s everyone doing?  Good I hope.  Well, for today’s craft beer review I’m going to by trying the B-Craft Black produced by the Arcadia Brewing Company located in Battle Creek, Michigan.

It’s been quite some time since I last reviewed a brew from Arcadia Ales, but thanks to the generosity of Mr. Liquid Bread, I’m able to once again try a brew that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to find.

I couldn’t obtain any information about this particular brew on the website, arcadiaales.com, but I checked on ratebeer.com and found this:

This big beer has a beautiful malt character to accompany the intense hop profile. Plus a hint of roast character. 

Ok.  Let’s give it a try.

The B-Craft Black comes in a 12 oz. bottle with an ABV of 8.5%. 

This beer poured a black color with just a smidgen of ruby around the edges.  The crown was light tan in color, sized nicely, smooth and somewhat creamy.  The retention time was solid and the lacing was suitable.  Not a bad looking beer at all. 

The nose divulged a nice bit of orange peel along with hints of grapefruit.  Very fruity and citrusy.  I also found the bouquet to be very piny, resiny and earthy.  Not a tremendous amount of roast or malt I didn’t think.  If I had been blind folded and didn’t know this was a Black IPA, I would have never guessed it from the aroma alone.

The taste was more of the same.  Grapefruit and orange citrus with a solid dose of pine hanging around.  A very nice hop punch and bitter profile.  Again, not much, if any, roastiness was to be found.  Maybe my palate is broken or something.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  Very smooth, dry and crisp.  Very good medium strength carbonation, which helped in leaving a decent amount of flavor behind on the roof of the mouth and tongue for a minute or two after each sip.

Well, I think we have a very solid and sturdy Black IPA right here.  I, personally, have never been a huge fan of Black IPA’s, however I believe the Arcadia Ales B-Craft Black is one that I could have often.  I’ve always been a bit perplexed and torn with the heavy hop profile and roasty mixture that this style encompasses.  It’s kind of an oxymoron to me.  With that being said, because this particular beer is less intense with the roast it was a bit more pleasing to my taste buds.  I’d say give it a try if you are able to find it.  It’s a very easy beer to drink and could be had at anytime of the year.

Thanks for reading and commenting everyone.  I really appreciate it.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  4.0 out of 5
Grade:  B+