Today's review is the Cretaceous Black IPA. This beer from North Carolina-based Aviator Brewing is brewed, then "short aged" in bourbon barrels. The short aging lends some smooth alcohol notes to the aroma, and adds a hint of the same to the taste as well--this is a bit surprising, given the fairly low 5.3% ABV. A pitch black beer, the "Black" and the "IPA" are represented pretty well. There is a mild hop flavor combined with a bit of that unsweetened cocoa-type taste you find in stouts. But these flavors tend to be pretty well-balanced, making for an enjoyable beer. Just don't expect "IPA" when you see it on the can.