Alltech just sent us a press release about the newest beer, and it’s John King’s “favorite” style, Black IPA. This was the winner of the Kentucky Ale Brew-Off that happened during Lexington Craft Beer Week. If it’s half as good as last year’s winner, Hopfield and McCoy, and I’m sure it is, then you need to get out there and try this beer! Let us know in the comments below what you think after you’ve tried it.
Press Release below:
Raise your glasses high! It’s time to fill them with Kentucky Black Mountain IPA, named after the Commonwealth’s highest peak. Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. is launching the limited-edition Black India Pale Ale regionally, where craft beer enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the hoppy beer that took the top award in the Kentucky Ale® Brew-Off home brewing competition in the spring.
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. scaled up the winning brew created by local home brewers Alex Brenner, Matt Armentano and BJ Saunders. The Black India Pale Ale trumped 16 other brews created by home brewers from around Kentucky during the 7th Annual Kentucky Ale Brew-Off. As with favorite past brew-off winners such as the Kentucky Coal Porter or the Hopfield and McCoy IPA, Kentucky Black Mountain IPA will be distributed to select markets on draft only and when it’s gone – it’s gone.
“As in past years with the beers that have won our Kentucky Ale Brew-Off, the Kentucky Black Mountain IPA is likely to disappear quickly from the market once people get their hands on it,” said Hal Gervis, global operations manager for Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. “We are very lucky to have such a strong home brewing community, and the pro-am competition pays homage to this group’s talents. We will continue to support and encourage the art of brewing at home and everywhere.”
According to one judge’s review of the Black IPA during the competition, the “IPA character is front and center. Toast, char and chocolate all support hops but don’t compete for balance.”
“It’s definitely exciting that the beer we created will be distributed by Alltech,” said Matt Armentano, one of the home brewers behind the Kentucky Black Mountain IPA. “There’s a lot of people trying craft beer now and it’s exciting to know we are a part of that scene. It’ll be neat to go out and see people enjoy the beer.”
Kentucky Black Mountain IPA will be sold on draft only in select areas of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee while quantities last. A collectible chalice with the limited edition brew’s logo will be used during some pint night and “keep the glass” promotions at on-premise locations. Follow the Kentucky Ale Facebook page for more details. The 8th annual Kentucky Ale Brew-Off will take place again next year in May.
And, man…what a beautiful photograph that is. Great stuff.
