You may have already encountered a Black IPA and mistaken it for a stout during a tasting or a night out at the pub. And it’s true: Black IPA closely resembles stout or porter in appearance thanks to its deep black colour. However, when it comes to aromas and flavours, the experience is completely different.

PerfectDraft, the online beer expert, explains everything you need to know about Black IPA and highlights some of the best Black IPAs to try.

What Is a Black IPA?

A Black IPA combines the appearance of a stout with the taste profile of an IPA. On the palate, it delivers the hop-forward character of an IPA, enhanced by roasted, sometimes chocolatey flavours. Black IPAs are full of character, featuring roasted or lightly smoky malts, pine notes, and fruity aromas, all supported by pronounced hop bitterness.

This contrast can be surprising: visually, you expect a heavily roasted, low-hop stout, yet the nose and palate reveal fruity, hoppy aromas with subtle roasted notes. Also known as Cascadian Dark Ale, Dark IPA, Dark Pale Ale, or Indian Dark Ale, Black IPA is a beer style full of unexpected complexity.

The History of Black IPA

Black IPA was first brewed in the 1990s by Greg Noonan, founder of the Vermont Pub & Brewery. His initial idea was to create a very hoppy Scotch Ale, which quickly won over his friend John Kimmich, founder of The Alchemist brewery. Together, they continued refining the recipe, and thanks to its hop intensity, the beer evolved into what we now call Black IPA.

Although this IPA sub-style revolutionised the craft beer scene, it also experienced a decline. Brewers struggled to balance hop bitterness with roasted malts, which can clash if not handled carefully. As a result, Black IPA disappeared for a time.

In fact, dark and hoppy beers already existed in the 1800s, when British brewers shipped porter beers to India alongside IPAs, adding extra hops to preserve them during long journeys.

How to Enjoy a Black IPA

Like other dark beers, Black IPA is best served in a pint glass, similar to those used in Irish pubs. This glassware helps concentrate aromas of toast, pine, and fruit while maintaining a generous, creamy head.

Black IPA pairs perfectly with rich and bold dishes such as burgers with blue cheese sauce, strong cheese platters (Roquefort, blue cheese), or chocolate-based desserts like chocolate fondant or chocolate tart.

Where Can You Buy a Black IPA?

To help you choose your next Black IPA, here are three excellent options:

From Portugal, Voragem Black IPA offers 7% ABV and delivers flavours of caramel, coffee, chocolate, hops, and pine. It’s an ideal introduction to Black IPA, combining citrus notes with warm, roasted flavours.

For something more intense, try an Imperial Black IPA. At 8.8% ABV, Valravn from the English brewery Thornbridge offers powerful notes of malt, pine, hops, and toasted flavours.

Finally, the renowned Magic Rock brewery delivers a bold and bitter Black IPA featuring roasted malt, grassy notes, and subtle tropical fruit aromas typical of American hops.

Other IPA Styles

The IPA family is vast and diverse, united by pronounced hop character. Beyond Black IPA, you’ll find classic IPA, Session IPA, Milkshake IPA, Double IPA, and Brut IPA.

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