Armor Shark
Al's of Hampden / Pizza Boy Brewing

The first pour from the pint can was paused to let some billowing foam subside. It took up one third of the inside of a clear glass Imperial pint mug. It's the typical look of a barley malt deprived concoction. As is almost always the case, the foam recedes unattractively uneven, leaving only irregular scant lacing. Shame, because it spoils an otherwise lovely honey-amber body that's opaque, but toward the bright side. The foam carries just a slight tint of that color. Three aspects contribute to its solid aroma: A starchy sweetness, piney/resinous hops and alcohol. All three are present to the taste, but unfortunately, they're joined by an annoying perfume-llke inclusion, if one could taste perfume. The starchy sweetness is superficial, like refined white sugar. No doubt, that's accented by the 9.5% ABV. The hops come across more earthy and resinous than piney. There's a sharp dry hoppiness at the finish. No doubt, that's accented by the 9.5% ABV. The glass lacing turns out to be exactly what was expected. This isn't all bad, although it has its faults. Faults that likely would be mitigated with a bit more barley malt in the mix. But, for a heavy hitter, the mouthfeel is acceptable, at the least. The taste of alcohol is almost as contributing as it is distracting. No gold medal here, but still not a bad way to get a real beer buzz on one pint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks like a dingy, pale-ish ice tea with a less than enthused white head that ends up as a fizzy little sheet. Nose is primarily like a candy tangerine or something. Finishes off a touch hot, which predictably enough is exactly how it starts off tasting. So, fairly astringent and messy heat is the overwhelming taste up front but does allow some of that sweet fruit to creep in eventually. Finishes thin but angry (I mentioned the heat, ya?) with just not a ton of depth.

 

I get a lot of sweetness from this IPA. A little caramel and very light hoppy notes on the finish.