American-Style Black Ale – North American Origin Ale Styles

American-Style Black Ale Style

  • Color: Very dark to black
  • Clarity: Opaque
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Low to medium-low caramel malt and dark roasted malt aromas and flavors are present. Astringency and burnt character of roast malt should be absent.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Medium-high to high, with fruity, citrusy, piney, floral, herbal or other aromas derived from hops of all origins.
  • Perceived Bitterness: Medium-high to high
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters are low to medium. Diacetyl should not be present.
  • Body: Medium
  • Additional notes: Black ales that don’t meet the specifications for American-Style Black Ale may possibly be categorized as Experimental India Pale Ale category.

American-Style Black Ale Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.056-1.075 (13.8-18.2 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.012-1.018 (3.1-4.6 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.0%-6.0% (6.3%-7.6%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 40-70
  • Color SRM (EBC) 35+(70+ EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Ale Styles – North American Origin Ale Styles – American-Style Black Ale