Phillips Brewing's Black Toque India Dark Ale gets my vote for BC 'Beer of the Year 2007.' India Dark Ale is not a common style - for all I know, Matt Phillips may have invented it himself as a way to push the limits of India Pale Ale (IPA) in a malty direction without losing the hop factor. Whatever the case, this one works - big style. It has the deep dark color and big malty nose of a good porter, but with a much greater than expected wonderful hoppy aroma in there as well. Full rich, roasty flavour, but again there's a bonus: nice hoppy bitterness that lingers on the finish creating a most satisfactory beverage experience. Perhaps the best part is how the various flavours work together. The label says,
"Big hop flavours complement this rich dark ale in this ultimate example of fusion between some of our favourite styles of beer."
My taste buds cheer in hearty agreement!
What was the your favourite BC beer this year? Let us know!