Brant's Beer - Karl Strauss Blackball IPA

As a home brewer - there is nothing better than the sensory overload experienced immediately following brewing a fresh batch of beer - the malt, the hops, the yeast - words just can't describe. I  have always thought if you could bottle up the smell, the taste, the experience - that would be magic in a bottle. Well my friends, I believe I have found that magic in a bottle, and it is Karl Strauss Blackball IPA.   I don't know how they did it, and it might not have been intentional, but the second I opened this 22 oz. bomber, I felt that amazing enjoyment  that follows a great home brew session.

This beauty pours out a nice apricot, golden orange with a bleach white head.  It  is crisp and clean right out of the bottle.  Blackball gives off a big time Belgian yeast aroma, followed by a hint of sweet and a hint of spice, with a nice grassy hop finish. I am not sure that I have ever opened a beer that gives off this much yeast right off the top - it is an amazing. The taste follows down the same great path blazed by the aroma. The first thing to hit the tongue is the distinct earthy, yet bright taste of Belgian yeast.  This is followed by a slight hint of sweetness provided by the coriander - and then, just then when you think you are drinking a nice tipple or Belgian golden - the hops come out of left field and provide a smooth, balanced grassy finish.  This is what a Belgian IPA is supposed to taste like!

This beer is the real deal. Especially if you are a home brewer or love the experience of walking into your favorite SoCal brewery - this is a beer you must try. It provides the best elements of a Belgian and an IPA - and combine to provide a unique beer drinking experience that any craft beer lover will enjoy.