About This Beer:
Kerel Dark IPA is a strikingly original Black IPA brewed by VBDCK in Tielrode, Belgium. This 6% ABV dark craft beer blends roasted malts with assertive hops, offering an unconventional yet highly drinkable experience. As a hybrid of porter and IPA, Kerel Dark IPA sits at the crossroads of intense malt body and hop-forward flavour, giving lovers of bold, bitter beers a reason to explore the darker side of IPAs. Whether you're shopping for craft beer online or browsing our craft beer Dublin range, this Belgian-made standout delivers richness and refreshment in equal measure.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Dark mahogany with a creamy tan head and good retention.
Aroma: Roasted coffee beans, toasted malt, and pine resin with a hint of grapefruit.
Flavour: Bittersweet chocolate upfront, balanced by bold hops, liquorice, and citrus peel.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with soft carbonation and a clean, lingering bitterness.
For those unfamiliar with the style, a Black IPA (also known as Cascadian Dark Ale) combines the roasted malt flavours of a stout or porter with the dry, resinous hop punch of an American IPA. This makes Kerel Dark IPA a layered, intriguing beer suitable for cooler evenings, richer dishes, and hop-forward drinkers looking for something different.
Explore our IPA range to discover more hop-driven styles from Ireland and beyond.
About the Brewery:
Kerel beers are brewed by VBDCK, a modern Belgian brewery revived by the Verbeeck-Back family. Located in Tielrode, East Flanders, the brewery combines heritage brewing techniques with a daring approach to style. The Kerel range is all about flavour and originality, pushing boundaries with beers like Kaishaku, Organic Wit, and of course, this standout Dark IPA. VBDCK is known for its strong branding, high-quality brewing, and refusal to follow trends — making their beers a firm favourite at TheCru.ie.
Food Pairings:
Kerel Dark IPA pairs beautifully with:
Flame-grilled burgers or barbecued meats
Sharp aged cheddar or smoked gouda
Chocolate lava cake or rich brownies
Blackened tofu or chargrilled portobello mushrooms
Browse our Belgian Beer, German Beer, Irish Craft Beer, or Beer Kegs to explore more exceptional options.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15.