Introducing Bellows Black IPA

Black IPA’s appeared in the 1990’s in Vermont but remained under the radar and were not really recognized as a beer style. The style gradually gained popularity but faded when other styles of IPA became popular including White IPA’s, Red IPA’s, and then Hazy IPAs. In the past year, a select group of brewers revitalized the Black IPA although they differ in the name of the style with different breweries calling them Black IPAs, Cascadian Dark Ales, or even American-style Black Ale.

 The Story

Bellows, short for the Bellows Falls Petroglyph Site, is an archaeological site in Vermont containing panels of precontact Native American petroglyphs. Located near the Vilas Bridge on bedrock above the Connecticut River, they depict a series of figures interpreted as human heads. These petroglyphs are consistent with the traditional corn husk masks of the Abenaki and Iroquois peoples. Known to exist as early as the 18th century, such petroglyphs are extremely rare in New England – although similar figures have been identified in Pennsylvania, Canada, and around the great lakes.

• Click on the movie below to hear from our Head Brewer and Founder about this style and the story behind the beer…

The Discovery

A Black IPA delivers the best of both worlds: dark in color, yet hoppy like an IPA. The malts give a very slight chocolate and very slight roasty character. Falconer's Flight 7C is a blend of Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Citra, Cluster, Columbus and Crystal that gives a floral and grapefruit like aroma and flavor.

ABV 7%

IBU 67

Malts: 2-Row, Crystal-80, Carapils, Midnight Wheat, Chocolate Malt

Hops: Magnum, Falconer’s Flight 7C