Black IPAs are rare creatures who only come out at night. Well, not really, but whenever a brewery manages to obtain the rare hops needed to make such a concoction, it is not merely the right but the duty of beer lovers to jump at the chance to indulge themselves.

Tractor has cranked out its second batch of Black IPA, this time with a stronger bite (7.5% ABV). It comes at a lucky time for the Nob Hill Tap Room, which just ran out of the popular regular IPA. Now, Black IPAs are not for every regular IPA drinker, but in the case of Tractor’s new obsidian beast, they should all give it a taste. This version starts off with a snappy bite of hops, chomping down on the palate, before transitioning to a smooth, clean finish thanks to the dark malts, followed by a dry, but not bitter, aftertaste that lingers for only a short while. The initial strong sips eventually even out to a solid, comforting flavor until a beer lover suddenly realizes their pint glass is empty. At that point order another, just make sure that if that high alcohol content starts to roar in the mind, don’t go hopping behind the wheel for a while.

Tractor’s new milk stout will be debuting soon, but the more immediate news of importance is the ongoing fight to restore Tractor’s right to sell growlers in Nob Hill. The next Nob Hill Neighborhood Association meeting is set for Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. inside the Monte Vista Christian Church (located at Campus Blvd. and Berkeley Place). All beer lovers and Tractor fans who live in Nob Hill are encouraged to attend to show their support and speak out on behalf of the brewery. Non-area residents can also attend, but it is unlikely they will be allowed to speak. Nonetheless, keep visiting Tractor, sign the petition if you have not already, and maintain the support for one of Albuquerque’s best microbreweries!

Until then, enjoy the Black IPA, just enjoy it in moderation.

— Stoutmeister