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CDA

Oregon
United States
CDA by pFriem Family Brewers
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
84
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Description 

Some say the origin of this ale is shrouded in a dark mystery. Others say its origin can be traced back to the Cascadia region, where it was named. We say stop reading already and enjoy this hoppy brew with its tanned marshmallow-like foam top, while the aroma of fresh-cut Douglas fir and delicate scent of toffee dance below the surface. After all, some mysteries are best left unknown, while others are left to be drunk.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.5%
IBUs: 
70
Served at: 
40 - 45º
Hops: 
Chinook, Mosaic, Citra, Equinox
Malts: 
Rahr Pale, Simpsons Crystal Light, Simpsons Cara Malt, Simpsons Roasted
Judges Review 
John C. Tull's picture
Judges Rating:
84
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

CDA by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a Specialty IPA: Black IPA (21B). A pungent and tropical fruit hop character jumps out in the aroma, a good bit oniony or asafoetida-like (pungent) with a little mango (tropical fruit) in the background. A roast/dark malt note, some caramel, and a slightly sweet aroma are present from grains. The color is a dark garnet, and it is very bright. The tan head is fine and thinly veils the surface of the beer. The flavor also has a strong expression of hops, again somewhat pungent and quite dominant. The malts express themselves as slightly caramelly with a strong roast note, though the dark grains are not at all astringent or coffee-like.

This balance between big hop flavor, a good expression of bitterness, and the malts becomes more favorable with additional tasting. An alcoholic presence is unmistakable as a warmth and light spiciness that carries into the finish along with an herbal and resiny hop note and some malt sweetness. The mouthfeel is medium.

Overall, this is a quite expressive Black IPA with a strong, pungent hop quality that seems to struggle somewhat to find its balance.

Brewery Introduction

pFriem Brewery and its award winning tasting room is located in Hood River, OR, just south of the Washington State border and across the street from the town’s beautiful Waterfront Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia and White Salmon rivers while savoring pFriem’s core beers and... Read More