#38 - Hardknott Brewery - Code Black

I can say without question or hesitation that this is the most divisive ale I've drunk to date.  In form it is a Black India Pale Ale, or as our American and Canadian brethren would call it, a Cascadian Dark Ale.  I have to say, being brutally honest, that I found this beer undrinkable.  I quite literally did not finish my glass.  Those of you who know me will be shocked and astounded by this revelation and I too was surprised at my violent dislike of what should be a very nice beer.  To read a lot of people saying nice things about it, I would suggest you click here.  The malt is highly roasted to the point of being burnt.  Now, normally this is not a problem for me, nor is a highly hopped beer.  Indeed, I have reviewed, and will continue to review a number of black IPAs that I have enjoyed, but for some unknown reason the brewer then decided to add coriander in what I can only assume was an attempt to out hipster another hipster.  As a drinking colleague remarked, 'It's like drinking beer that's been brewed in a coffee pot with a sprig of coriander.'  She gave it a 7, another colleague gave it a 4.5, I was forced to give it a 2/10 with the fervent hope that I never have to try it again.