A variation of the Americana style IPA first brewed commercially by Greg Noonan as Blackwatch IPA around 1990. It became popular in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California of the US beginning in the early-mid 2000s A beer with the dryness, hop balance, and flavor characteristics of an American IPA, only darker in color, but without strongly roasted or burnt flavors. The flavor of darker malts is smooth and supportive, not a major flavor component. Drinkability is a key characteristic. Medium-light to medium body, smooth, without significant astringency derived from hops or (especially) roasted malt. Dry-hopped versions can be a bit resinous.
