As reported earlier, Lakefront Brewery has introduced a new beer to their “Pure Milwaukee Genius” series of beers. These are beers that exemplify the brewmasters skills and come in special 22 oz. bombers instead of six-packs. Their latest addition to this series is IBA, and India-style black ale, and I gotta say it’s a good one. The name itself doesn’t leave much to the imagination. It’s like Eastside Dark with a lot of hops, but it’s not quite that simple (plus Eastside Dark is a lager). The flavor is more roasty with a dryer finish. This pours black with a tan head. The beer was a little flat in carbonation, and we weren’t sure if this was due to how new it was in the bottle, and didn’t have time to bottle condition, or if it was by design. It went down smooth with plenty of hop flavor in addition to it’s bitterness. The hops seem to drown out the malty, caramely flavors that I would expect, but then again it is an IPA.

Overall, it’s really good. That being said, we were a little confused on it’s purpose. It seems to slot itself inline with their other Genius series beers of Fixed Gear, and Bridge Burner. These two really pull off distinction between each other besides the high hop content and the IBA doesn’t seem to do that as well, but maybe that’s its intent. Is it good, absolutely, however, when it comes to big hoppy beers from Lakefront, I think Bridge Burner and Fixed Gear will get more of my attention.