Enjoy Heavy Seas’ Loose Cannon IPA? Read on!

Black Ale (also called Black IPA and Cascadian Dark Ale) is a beer style that has been growing tremendously over the past few years, as brewers experiment with the new style. It’s also a favorite of ours here at Adega – black ales will commonly feature the intense hop backbone of an IPA, but blended with a strong malt presence and full body.

Black Cannon is a seasonal release from Heavy Seas (formerly Clipper City) in Baltimore: you may know them from their Loose Cannon IPA, one of our best sellers, or any number of other pirate/nautically themed offerings. This particular beer shows a good restraint on the part of not being overly-hoppy. Where other black ales tend to showcase a sweeter side of malt, this take on the style showcases a nuttier, toasted character, while retaining a slick, almost crisp mouthfeel.

It’s hard to say if this is a “true” example of the style, as the style itself is still being hammered out by various breweries across the country. This beer is certainly worth a try, however, especially if you haven’t experienced the Black Ale movement for yourself. Fans of Heavy Seas should find that this beer will fit right into your refridgerator – just be sure to drink it before March or so, as I can’t see this particular brew as able to be cellared for very long.

- Jarrod, Adega Wine Cellars (Reviewed 1/26/12, based on bottle serving)

$9.49