21st Amendment Back in Black 6Pk

21st Amendment Back in Black 6Pk is a year-round Black IPA from San Leandro, California, packaged as a 6-pack of 12 oz cans at 6.8% ABV. Notably, it was the first Black IPA in the United States released in a can, helping define an emerging style when few breweries dared to commit a Black IPA to year-round production.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.8%  |  IBU: 65  |  Origin: San Leandro, California  |  Style: Black IPA (American)  |  Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery

Production & Heritage

21st Amendment Brewery originated as a brewpub near San Francisco's historic South Park district and later expanded to a full production facility in San Leandro, California. Back in Black is built on a grain bill of Rahr Pale malt, Crystal 45L, Munich, and De-Bittered Black malt — the last of which delivers color and subtle roast character without the harsh acrid bitterness of conventional black malts. Columbus and Centennial hops drive the hop profile, delivering resinous pine and citrus notes that stand up to the dark malt backbone. At 65 IBUs, the bitterness is assertive but carefully calibrated to let the roasted grain flavors share the stage rather than compete.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Medium-roast coffee beans lead the nose, followed by touches of raspberry and faint earthy undertones. A subtle creaminess rounds out the aromatics as the beer warms.

Taste: The entry is defined by dark roasted malt and fresh earth, giving way to a mid-palate where piney, resinous hop character and a thread of bittersweet chocolate emerge. Licorice and coffee-like roast notes build toward the peak, balanced by the citric edge of Centennial hops.

Finish: Moderately long with lingering roast and pine resin. Faint raspberry resurfaces at the tail end, adding a clean, slightly fruity close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Back in Black

Pour into a tulip glass or IPA glass at around 45–50°F to let the roasted and hop aromatics fully open up; drinking straight from the can will mute many of its nuances. Back in Black also holds its own in beer cocktails and food-forward settings:

• Black Velvet (beer variation): Layer with dry sparkling cider for a roasty, effervescent twist on the classic.
• Michelada Negra: The roasted malt and citric hop notes pair well with lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire in a savory Michelada build.
• Beer Float: Pour over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream — the coffee and chocolate malt tones create a natural affogato-like experience.

Best For

• Introducing IPA drinkers to the Black IPA style with an accessible, well-balanced example
• Pairing alongside a backyard barbecue spread of smoked ribs or grilled burgers
• Building a craft beer tasting flight exploring hop-forward dark styles
• Stocking a cooler for game-day gatherings where bold flavor and easy-drinking format matter

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Back in Black taste like? Back in Black delivers dark roasted malt, coffee, and bittersweet chocolate up front, layered with resinous pine and subtle citrus hop character. The overall impression is a well-balanced meeting of roasty porter-like malt and American IPA hop intensity.

How does Back in Black compare to Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous? Both are respected American Black IPAs, but Back in Black at 6.8% ABV is notably more sessionable than Stone's higher-ABV offering, making it more approachable for everyday drinking. Back in Black also leans toward a smoother, less aggressively bitter roast profile, using de-bittered black malt to soften the dark grain character.

Is Back in Black good for IPA beginners? Its 6.8% ABV and 65 IBUs are moderate for the style, and the roasted malt sweetness tempers the hop bitterness, making it a solid entry point for drinkers curious about darker, hop-forward beers.

Where is Back in Black made? Back in Black is brewed by 21st Amendment Brewery at their production facility in San Leandro, California. The brewery originally launched as a brewpub in San Francisco before expanding to the larger San Leandro operation.

What foods pair well with Back in Black? Smoked brisket or pulled pork — the roasted malt mirrors the char and smoke. Sharp aged cheddar — the bitterness cuts through the fat. Dark chocolate desserts — the coffee and chocolate malt tones create a natural bridge. Grilled portobello mushrooms — earthy flavors in the beer complement the umami of roasted fungi. Spicy black bean tacos — the malt sweetness tempers heat while hop bitterness refreshes the palate.

What sizes does Back in Black come in? Back in Black is widely available in 6-packs of 12 oz cans, which is the standard retail format for this beer.

Is Back in Black worth the price? Back in Black positions as a well-priced, everyday craft beer within the Black IPA category. Its year-round availability and accessible 6-pack format place it firmly in the value tier for specialty IPAs, delivering a distinctive style without a premium price tag.

Why Back in Black?

Back in Black earned its reputation by being the first canned Black IPA released in the United States, proving that a dark, hop-driven beer could thrive as a year-round offering rather than a seasonal novelty. The use of de-bittered black malt is a deliberate production choice that separates it from many peers in the style — it achieves deep color and coffee-chocolate roast without the acrid, burnt edge that can overpower lesser Black IPAs. With an 84 score on BeerAdvocate across nearly 2,500 reviews and over 88,000 ratings on Untappd, the beer has demonstrated consistent consumer approval over years of production. For drinkers who want a hop-forward beer with genuine roast complexity in a convenient, portable format, few Black IPAs match Back in Black's combination of availability, balance, and pedigree.