Castaway Chocolate Orange IPA

This unusual ale smells of cocoa powder, orange zest, overripe figs and plums, slight earthy hops and bittersweet chocolate. With moderate carbonation and an off-white, slightly tan foam that settles quickly, this dark red ale seems quite atypical for an IPA. Flavors of slightly sweet chocolate linger into the finish, accompanied by mild fruity esters, orange peel and hop notes that seem a bit muddled. A moderate mouthfeel and malt sweetness is perceived as mildly creamy with a hint of slickness on the palate. The beer finishes lightly bitter with cocoa powder nuances. This cocoa-focused, gently hopped brew may have an identity crisis but still emerges as clean, amusing and drinkable.