The Cascadian dark ale, also known as the black IPA or CDA, is a style of beer that has gained popularity in recent years. It is characterized by its dark color, hoppy flavor, and balanced maltiness. But who exactly invented this unique style?
The term “Cascadian dark ale” was coined by homebrewer Bill Wood in 2007. Wood, who hails from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, wanted to create a name that reflected the beer's hop-forward nature and dark appearance. He felt that the term “Cascadian” was fitting, as it refers to the Cascade mountain range that runs through this region and is also known for its abundance of hops.
However, it is important to note that while Wood may have come up with the name, he did not necessarily invent the style itself. The origins of the black IPA/CDA can be traced back to earlier beers that exhibited similar characteristics.
One early example of a black IPA/CDA is Rogue's Skullsplitter IPA. Brewed by the renowned Rogue Ales in Oregon, Skullsplitter IPA was first released in 2000. It featured a dark color and a strong hop presence, making it a precursor to the Cascadian dark ale style. While not explicitly labeled as a black IPA or CDA, Skullsplitter IPA laid the foundation for what would later become a distinct beer style.
Another influential beer in the development of the Cascadian dark ale is Stone Brewing's Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale. Released in 2007, this beer was described as a “blackened hop bomb” and was one of the first widely available examples of the style. Stone Brewing's interpretation of a black IPA helped popularize the style and contributed to its growth in the craft beer community.
It is worth mentioning that the concept of hoppy dark beers has existed for a long time. Porters and stouts have often been brewed with a significant hop presence, balancing out the roasted malt flavors. However, the term “Cascadian dark ale” specifically refers to a style that combines the hop-forward nature of an IPA with the dark color and maltiness of a porter or stout.
While the term “Cascadian dark ale” was coined by Bill Wood in 2007, the style itself can be traced back to earlier beers like Rogue's Skullsplitter IPA and Stone Brewing's Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale. These beers laid the foundation for what would become a distinct and increasingly popular beer style. The beauty of the craft beer world is that it is constantly evolving, with new styles and interpretations emerging all the time. So, while we can credit certain individuals and beers with influencing the development of the Cascadian dark ale, it is ultimately a collaborative effort that continues to evolve and expand.