Luckily for many folks (but, sadly, not us in NC, yet) 21st Amendment Brewery‘s black IPA Back in Black is going to be available year round. This bold and black IPA pours very dense and black in color, though if held up to the light a gorgeous, bloody revolutionary purple hue is revealed. Offering medium head, the nose pours with grape and blackberry, much like a California pinot noir. While bitter and fizzy upfront, the beer finishes delightfully mellow and chestnut in flavor. Oh and prunes… did I mention prunes? They’re in there. Out of the black of night, the nearly 7 percent ABV creeps up on you, so pay attention, or not, as the case may be. Inspired by Paul Revere’s midnight ride (and AC/DC?), this beer is deemed a revolt against the British IPA by brewers. However, I prefer to think of it as a unique and defining American beer. Look for six packs and draft in AK, CA, OR, WA, ID, MN, OH, PA, NY, MA, NJ, VA, MD and GA.