The Beer of the Week is Tommyknocker Brewery’s Hop Strike Black India Pale Ale.

Brewed in Idaho Springs in the Colorado mountains, the heavily hopped brew is characterized by a dark, heavy body, spicy citrus hops, and chocolate malt flavors.

“Black IPA beers are really a new big thing in American craft brewing,” said Joe Hotek, the beer-room manager at John’s Grocery, 401 E. Market St. “They’re a really nice combination of a stout and an IPA.”

According to Tommyknocker’s website, Hop Strike uses chinook, summit, and Willamette hops, along with seven varieties of malts to achieve a distinct flavor that also makes a “great first impression on the nose.”

And at 7 percent alcohol by volume, the beer is particularly strong.

Hotek said Tommyknocker’s Hop Strike Black IPA — like most IPA brews — drinks well on its own, but it can nicely complement any spicier dishes.

— by Brian Albert