Judge's Review: 84 Rating - CDA by pFriem Family Brewers

CDA by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a Specialty IPA: Black IPA (21B). A pungent and tropical fruit hop character jumps out in the aroma, a good bit oniony or asafoetida-like (pungent) with a little mango (tropical fruit) in the background. A roast/dark malt note, some caramel, and a slightly sweet aroma are present from grains. The color is a dark garnet, and it is very bright. The tan head is fine and thinly veils the surface of the beer. The flavor also has a strong expression of hops, again somewhat pungent and quite dominant. The malts express themselves as slightly caramelly with a strong roast note, though the dark grains are not at all astringent or coffee-like.

This balance between big hop flavor, a good expression of bitterness, and the malts becomes more favorable with additional tasting. An alcoholic presence is unmistakable as a warmth and light spiciness that carries into the finish along with an herbal and resiny hop note and some malt sweetness. The mouthfeel is medium.

Overall, this is a quite expressive Black IPA with a strong, pungent hop quality that seems to struggle somewhat to find its balance.