Double Black IPA from 603 brewery
Recently, this column gave you two related articles on ‘Attack of the DIPA’s’ or Double IPA’s which spoke of that beer style as well as the magnitude of DIPA beers flooding the market each week. It is hard to keep track of them all but when one catches your attention, you tend to keep it in mind the next time you shop for brews. One such beer new to the shelves lately is from 603 Brewery.
603 Brewery started in Campton (above Plymouth), but is now located in Londonderry, NH. They offer year-round beers as well as seasonal beers matched to their climates. Just 4 years old, 603 Brewery has made a momentous mark in the NH craft beer scene. They are now a 60 barrel brewery providing 12 oz cans, 22 oz bottles and kegs for restaurants. Each of their beers has something to do with a historical fact about NH. For instance, their 18 Mile Rye Ale is named for the 18 miles of Atlantic shoreline NH is afforded between Maine and Massachusetts. Their beer is sold throughout NH as well as Massachusetts. You can find it in Hanniford, Market Basket and Case-n-Keg, in both Meredith and Laconia while you are out shopping. Visit them at https://www.facebook.com/603Brewery/ or at their website at www.603brewery.com
The Double Black IPA can sports two black diamonds which may refer to the difficulty of getting down a treacherous ski trail. But it is more about the enjoyment in an achievement. So this beer is quite an achievement and lets you relish in that moment of success with the first pour and sips. It is almost entirely black due to the roasted grains used in the build. A fluffy and generous tan head lasts through much of the glass and laces the sides like translucent curtains of froth. But the real treat comes when you taste the dry-hopped citrus blends of Amarillo, Simcoe and Mosaic hops. The malt is so big that amount of hops balanced to the build just make this an amazing success. Piney and earthy tones help to finish out your tasting session. At 8.3% ABV and 75 IBU’s (bittering), it is one beer that is truly remarkable.
Double Black is scheduled to be a seasonal but I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a year-round offering sometime in the near future. BeerAdvocate.com has not yet rated it, but many who have tried this are raging about its taste. Pursue this one while you can!
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com
