So the whole Black IPA thing is starting to gather steam over here in Jolly Ole England, home of the IPA. The few that I have had has made it my favorite style. Where I am struggling is reading the reviews and forum posts and Cascadian Dark Ale seems to be a sticking point with many people, at least the Pacific NW. My question is, why is it not a CDA? I read that for it to be a CDA that it needs Cascadisan hops. Why? Does a stout or porter only require English Fuggles or EKG? We reinvented the IPA with bigger hops and ABV's but it is still rooted in England.
As American beer drinkers/brewers, we have the chance to define an American style yet we choose to call it a Black IPA. For the 6 years I hae been over here in England, I have had to finish the start of this conversation, "so how do you like our beer in comparisome to American beer..?" American beer in England is still Bud or Coors to the mass majority over here. Let's make CDA ours, regardless of the hops. Plus, there are plenty of Pacific NW hops being used in other styles over here and they don't seem that bothered bit.
Alright, I am off my soap box.
Very respectfully,
Cascadian Dark Ale Fan