pints&pairings beer suggestioneers tackle Wookie Jack, a delicious rye, black IPA. A quick google search gives us some insight into the name as we ponder the name. We come up with some great dessert pairings and a "blow your mind" chili pairing suggestion.

Black IPA food pairing suggestions: 
1. Spoonful of peanut butter.
2. Char grilled meat.
3. Baked sweet potato.

Wookey Jack by Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Examples:  Sublimely Self-righteous Ale, Pitch Black IPA, Black Racer

Serving Temp: 40°- 45°

Glassware: Snifter

Appearance: Black bodied ale, thick and very creamy light tan head. 

Aroma: Big blast of citrus, tropical, zesty and general West Coast IPA hops up front. Toasted oatmeal, roasted cracked grains and general roast in the background but not overshadowed, supports hops well.

Flavor: Fresh citrus, orange peel, pine, floral and fruity hops are blended superbly with the deep roast malts. Caramel, oatmeal, rye spice, burnt grain and some sweetness.

Mouthfeel: Silky, medium bodied.

There is nothing to see here. Move along, people.  C'mon, get going.

pints&pairings' beer suggestioneers let the beer do the talking, or rather the Imperial IPA induced impairment do the talking. I make fun of session beer, beer geeks and Jason provides the food pairings.  We can all be happy that he is around to save this show.

Basic food pairing suggestions for DIPA's
1.  Beef stews
2.  Spice cakes
3. Pecan toppings (spiced or sweetened)

Hop Slayer Double IPA by Wild Onion Brewing Co.

Examples:  Pliny the Elder, Surly Furious, Moylan's Hopsickle

Serving Temp: 40°- 45°

Glassware: Snifter

Aroma: Think citrus (grapefruit), resinous pine, or even tropical fruit. There may be a slight sweetness present from the malt but the hop aromas will most likely cover up those aromas. 

Appearance: Colors will vary from medium gold to a reddish copper but they will all be clear unless they have been dry hopped and then there may be a slight haze.  Because the malt used has very little dark color the head will be white to off white and should persist.

Flavor: IPA’s are all about the hops (bitterness, flavor and aroma) and so there will be medium to high amount of hop flavor and bitterness that will reflect the American hop citrus qualities (citrusy, floral, resinous, pine).  Malt flavor will be low to showcase all the hop characteristics.

Mouthfeel: You can expect a medium body with a pleasing mouth puckering bitterness (think grapefruit) that helps to dry the beer out and creates a thirst quenching, refreshing beer.

pints&pairings beer suggestioneers enjoy a classic example of an American IPA.  Crow Peak's 11th Hour IPA brings happiness to both of us. We also talk about the vanishing regional differences in American IPA's

Basic food pairing suggestions for American IPA's:
1. Pepper Jack cheese.
2. Smoked salmon.
3. Mexican Cuisine

11th Hour IPA by Crow Peak Brewing Co.

Examples:  Titan,  Stone IPA, Two Hearted Ale

Serving Temp: 40°- 45°

Glassware: Pint Glass, Mug

Aroma: Think citrus (grapefruit), resinous pine, or even tropical fruit. There may be a slight sweetness present from the malt but the hop aromas will most likely cover up those aromas. 

Appearance: Colors will vary from medium gold to a reddish copper but they will all be clear unless they have been dry hopped and then there may be a slight haze.  Because the malt used has very little dark color the head will be white to off white and should persist.

Flavor: IPA’s are all about the hops (bitterness, flavor and aroma) and so there will be medium to high amount of hop flavor and bitterness that will reflect the American hop citrus qualities (citrusy, floral, resinous, pine).  Malt flavor will be low to showcase all the hop characteristics.

Mouthfeel: You can expect a medium body with a pleasing mouth puckering bitterness (think grapefruit) that helps to dry the beer out and creates a thirst quenching, refreshing beer.

pints&pairings explore the original light beer and talk about how the IPA creation mythology is seriously flawed.  We taste and enjoy the classic English example, Samuel Smith's IPA.

Pairing Suggestions for English IPA's
1. Cheddar cheese.
2. Fish and Chips.
3. Indian cuisine.

Serving Temp: 45°- 50°
Glassware: Pint Glass, Mug

Jason and I get warmed up before we take on all three subcategories of IPA.