Prins Katts Black Metal BDIPA

Style: Black DIPA
Brewery: Prins Katt Hantverksöl
Origin: Östergötland
Size: 33cl
Alcohol: 8%
Price: 39kr
Systembolaget: 3423135

Prins Katt Bryggeri is a small Swedish craft brewery founded by Erik Rydå, who began his brewing journey as a homebrewer before turning professional. Operating as a contract brewery, Prins Katt produces its beers at other brewing facilities rather than from its own dedicated brewhouse. The brewery takes its name from Rydå’s cat, which also features prominently in its branding. Black IPA, sometimes referred to as Cascadian Dark Ale, is a style that combines the bold hop character of an IPA with the dark appearance and subtle roasted qualities of a stout, creating a unique balance of citrus, pine, chocolate and coffee-like flavours.

This poured a deep chocolate brown colour and was topped by a fluffy off-white head. My first impression was just how crisp and inviting it looked in the glass. The aroma was excellent, with bright notes of melon and orange peel immediately jumping out, supported by hints of lemon, pine and lightly roasted malt. On the palate, the beer struck an impressive balance between vibrant hop character and roasted chocolate malt, allowing both elements to shine without overpowering one another. The alcohol was well integrated and never intrusive, while the finish lingered with notes of rye bread, leather and spruce tips gradually fading into the background.

Black IPA can be a difficult style to execute well given the intensity of both the hop and malt components, but Prins Katt have done a fantastic job here. The balance between the dark malts and expressive hop character was particularly enjoyable, resulting in a beer that was both complex and highly drinkable. An excellent example of the style.