Falling under the style category of an American Black Ale, this IPA is brewed with dehusked black malt, to give it a rich black color and mild roast character, without imparting any of the bitter roast flavors, that would be more characteristic of a stout. It is then hopped very aggressively with American flavor/aroma hops to bring about an assertive hop bitterness and a strong, pungent hop flavor. A blend of West Coast American hops (Amarillo, Simcoe, and Citra) create the hop profile of this newer style of beer, more commonly referred to as a Black IPA.