Review – Mendocino Black Eye Ale

From Mendocino Brewing – Mendocino Brewing Company Black Eye Ale “The Ultimate Blend”A blend of Black Hawk Stout  and Eye of the Hawk Select Ale. From the neck label: “Black Eye Ale is a unique blend of two of our popular brands – Black Hawk Stout & Eye of the Hawk Select Ale. Black Eye Ale is big in flavor and smooth in finish. The high percentage of dark & specialty malts in Black Hawk Stout enriches the silky warming character of Eye of the Hawk Select Ale, making Black Eye Ale – Truly the Ultimate Blend.”

Mendocino Brewing Company – Black Eye Ale – Purchased at Dawsons Liquors in Severna Park, MD. Chilled and poured into a pint glass. 6.5% ABV.

Appearance: Deepest burgundy. Only when held up to a light does any shine through. Plenty of cappuccino colored head but little lacing.

Aroma: Sweet breads, brown sugar and butterscotch.

Taste: A nice bitterness that the nose conceals. Tastes like a lighter bodied stout on the palate but finishes like a pale ale (not quite IPA levels of hoppiness).

Mouthfeel: Thinner than the sweet aromas would suggest. A good amount of carbonation, though.

Drinkability: This is very easy drinking yet leaves you satisfied. It’s also one of the least expensive bombers in the store. Recommended.