A new craft beer, “Paint it Black,” has debuted from Kagiya Brewery in Saiwai Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The style is BLACK IPA. It is a beer that combines a deep black appearance with vivid bitterness and fruit character.

What sets this beer apart is the way it layers the roasty aroma characteristic of a black IPA with the bright aroma of citrus hops and blueberry-derived nuances. Mosaic hops add berry-like notes, while Belgian yeast contributes dark-fruit-like aromas, creating a flavor that balances heaviness and lightness.

The specs are ABV 7.0%, IBU 60, and SRM 27. Built on a smooth roasty base from Carafa Special, it establishes its bitterness with Columbus, then layers Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic in multiple dimensions. The blueberry as an adjunct adds a subtle acidity and fruitiness.

The article notes that as the beer warms slightly, the berry and roasted aromas become more complex, and suggests enjoying it slowly after a meal. For IPA lovers, it sounds like a BLACK IPA best approached on the third round, a beer worth taking your time with.

The name comes from The Rolling Stones song “Paint It Black,” and carries the strong impression of “repainting everything black” onto the beer. This is one to watch as a new release from a Kawasaki brewpub that refreshes the image of dark beer.