Black Rain

Nøgne Ø Black Rain is a Black IPA collaboration between Nøgne Ø and Naparbier of Spain at 7.5% and has 75 IBU. Brewed with pale, crystal 75 and black malt with chinook, amarillo and simcoe hops. I believe this was the first ever Black IPA brewed by Nøgne Ø.

Naparbier started in 2009 in Pamplona, Navarra, Spain a place probably best known for bullfights and Hemingway, and now great beer. The name is a combination of the Basque word for Navarra (Napar) and the German name for beer (bier, of course).

Pours really well, dark brown body with a large off-white creamy head. First aroma was roasted malts, coffee, chocolate, black berries like bramble berries. Hops in aroma were mild with touches of licorice, I am starting to like this beer and this is positive as I am not a Black IPA fat at all.

The taste was medium and slightly creamy, nice balance between hops and malt but I am suspecting that many who are more home with this beer style expect more hops kick as it still is an IPA beer. I liked the gentle sweetness in the beer which is always a plus with darker beers as it makes them easier to drink. The after-taste was slightly bitter and hoppy, this is a beer i like and would definitely buy again if I get the chance to drink it.