So there I was, wandering around on the streets of Asheville, North Carolina. You’ve got to do these things when you’re a beer hunter, you see, and I really enjoy this, even if I don’t get to do it as much as I used to. I had a few beers in me already (OK, more than a few, I had just been to the amazing Wicked Weed brewpub), and I was in search of Wedge Brewing.
As I marched down Hilliard Ave towards Wedge, though, I came upon…a brewpub! Hi-Wire Brewing to be exact, and the imposing marquee sign juxtaposed against the exterior of an old garage of factory (not sure which) drew me right in. I stopped in and sampled 5 very tasty beers, none of which were Hi-Wire Contortionist Black IPA.
I did instead sample five beers in a sampler:
· Hi-Wire Bed of Nails Brown
· Hi-Wire Hi Pitch IPA
· Hi-Wire Lager
· Hi-Wire Man Eater Double IPA
· Hi-Wire Prime Time Pale Ale
As you can see, the beers here follow a circus theme. They were all quite tasty indeed, and very reasonable in price. I think the sampler cost me $4.75, and pints here were just $4. This was a far cry from the lofty prices at Wicked Weed. If you’re looking for some great beer at fair prices in a really neat atmosphere in Asheville, then Hi-Wire is the place for you. They also had live music when I was there, too.
But back to the Contortionist Black IPA. It was on the menu, but they were out of it. Luckily, I had stopped by Bruisin’ Ales earlier in the day and picked up a few bottles of Hi-Wire beer, one of which was the Black IPA.
Hi-Wire says the following about this beer on the label:
We hope you enjoy this dark, hoppy beer. As you experience the earthy and floral hops that give way to a roasted malt profile, The Contortionist will bend your perception of what a Black IPA can be.
Hi-Wire Contortionist is an India Dark Ale in style, what some call a Black IPA. My bottle says “Brewed & Bottled by The Three Ring Brewing Co., LLC, Asheville, NC”. The beer has an alcohol content of 6% by volume and six-packs were going for $8.99 when I was in Asheville. The bottle also touts an IBU count of 84-most impressive.
Hi-Wire Contortionist Black IPA pours to a jet black color with a medium sized head of creamy tan foam and a delightful dark roasty chocolate nose. Taking a sip, the beer is medium in body with lots of roastiness up front-chocolate, a little coffee, more chicory, and the faintest hint of licorice. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy and the beer ends with a delightful mix of resin and roast, and a huge bitterness, that is slightly grassy in the aroma. Just what I want in an IDA.
This is a very tasty India Dark Ale, and one I’ll be sure to look for again the next time I’m in Asheville.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler