Point Brewery – Onyx Black Ale

Point Brewery – Onyx Black Ale

Black Ale
ABV: 5.2%
IBU: 9
Bottled
Tasting on: 10/14/14
Glass: Craft Pint

Aroma: A blend of dark malt and chocolate bring mild sweetness in the overtone, which balances well with the hints of hop bitterness in the undertone. 9/10

Appearance: As promised, this ale is black.  No light shows through, even on the edges, even when held to direct light.  A thick, tan head caps off the beer. 10/10

Taste: The first few sips are chocolatey from start to finish, but soon other flavors begin to show through.  The beginning lets dark roasted malts and notes of cocoa come through, along with some sweetness.  Mellower, lighter malt flavors show up in the middle followed by a hop bitterness with notes of grapefruit in the end. The aftertaste alternates between creamy chocolate and lingering hops. 18/20

Mouthfeel: Medium to medium-heavy, smooth, highly carbonated. 9/10

Overall Impression: A beer capable of switching from chocolatey to hoppy and back again, contrasting mild sweetness with mild bitterness on a background of deep roasted flavor, similar to a very dark chocolate or a dark roasted, bright coffee. 47/50

Final Score: 93%