Top 10 American-Style Black Ales Brewed in North America
This Top Ten American-Style Black Ales list is from the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. The Top 10 American black ales are perceived to have medium high to high hop bitterness, flavor and aroma with medium-high alcohol content, balanced with a medium body. Fruity, floral and herbal character from hops of all origins may contribute character. The style is further characterized by a moderate degree of caramel malt character and dark roasted malt flavor and aroma. High astringency and high degree of burnt roast malt character should be absent. ABV: 6.30% – 9.0%. IBU: 50-70.
1. Once You Go – Lynnwood Brewing Concern – North Carolina
2. Hoppa Emeritus – Beachwood BBQ & Brewing – California
3. Bet on Black Dark Cascadian Ale – Feather Falls Brewing – California
4. Black 28 – Cannonball Creek Brewing – Colorado
5. Midnight Moonlight – Fat Head’s Brewery – Ohio
6. Wookey Jack – Firestone Walker Brewing – Colorado
7. Black Imperial IPA – Reuben’s Brew – Washington
8. Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA – Stone Brewing – California
9. Mountain Standard Double Black IPA – Odell Brewing – Colorado
10. Turmoil – Barley Brown’s Brewpub – Oregon
History of American-Style Black Ales
American-style black ales, often referred to as Black IPAs or Cascadian Dark Ales, are a bold and innovative craft beer style that combines the roasty, dark malt character of stouts or porters with the aggressive hop profile of India Pale Ales. Originating in the United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, this style emerged in the early 2000s as brewers experimented with blending the deep, jet-black color and subtle chocolate or coffee notes of dark malts with the resinous, citrusy, and piney hop flavors typical of American IPAs. The result is a beer that pours dark as night with a creamy tan head, offering a complex aroma where bright hops—often featuring varieties like Cascade, Centennial, or Simcoe—clash with roasted malt undertones. The alcohol content typically ranges from 6% to 8% ABV, providing a balanced yet robust drinking experience that appeals to fans of both dark beers and hop-forward styles.
The flavor profile of American black ales is a study in contrast, delivering a harmonious yet daring interplay between bitterness and malt depth. On the palate, you’ll encounter a burst of hop-driven grapefruit, pine, or tropical fruit notes, followed by a smooth, roasted malt backbone that might hint at dark chocolate, toasted bread, or mild coffee. The mouthfeel is often medium-bodied, with a dry finish that keeps the beer refreshing despite its dark appearance. Unlike traditional stouts, black ales avoid heavy sweetness, leaning instead toward a crisp, hoppy bite that makes them versatile for pairing with foods like grilled meats, spicy dishes, or even rich desserts. Breweries like Stone Brewing, Deschutes, and Firestone Walker have championed this style, with iconic examples like Stone’s Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale showcasing its enduring popularity in the craft beer scene.
Top 10 Beers in America – Ales Lagers Specialty Barrel Aged