Diablo Rojo | Boneyard Beer Company
Wants Gots
Reviews: 19 | Ratings:
#118 ranked American Amber / Red Ale | 5.50% ABV
Boneyard Beer Company
Oregon, United States
boneyardbeer.com
Notes: Rotating availibility. This deep amber ale is extremely well balanced and very drinkable. It appeals both to the hop lover and non hop lover. This beer is duel-hopped with Cascade and Delta hops. Cheers to the Red Devil!
30 IBU
BA SCORE
84
Very Good
84
Very Good
Reviews: 19
| Ratings: 143
3.98/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Diablo Rojo pours more of a deep amber than red, with a big rocky and foamy khaki head. Surprisingly, it doesn't lace all that well, and dies recede almost completely.
Toasted bread, heavy caramel, burnt sugar, and even mild cinnamon hit the nose. As it warms, there is a mild leather aroma that appears.
The flavor starts with maple syrup which is quickly replaced toasted white bread and finishes with a nice bitter spice.
Though sweetness is the initial perception, it's actually quite balanced. A lingering earthiness plays the perfect counterpart to a bitter dryness.
I'd still say this more of an amber,and a damn good one at that. One that would even make me want to drink Amber's regularly! I know there is a fine line between the two, but this lacks the maltiness and sticky richness of a good red. Great beer overall though. Cheers!
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Diablo Rojo pours more of a deep amber than red, with a big rocky and foamy khaki head. Surprisingly, it doesn't lace all that well, and dies recede almost completely.
Toasted bread, heavy caramel, burnt sugar, and even mild cinnamon hit the nose. As it warms, there is a mild leather aroma that appears.
The flavor starts with maple syrup which is quickly replaced toasted white bread and finishes with a nice bitter spice.
Though sweetness is the initial perception, it's actually quite balanced. A lingering earthiness plays the perfect counterpart to a bitter dryness.
I'd still say this more of an amber,and a damn good one at that. One that would even make me want to drink Amber's regularly! I know there is a fine line between the two, but this lacks the maltiness and sticky richness of a good red. Great beer overall though. Cheers!
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3.79/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
being from boneyard, i anticipated this one being a red ipa, but the hops are pretty minimal in it, and once i have a few sips and accept that, i really enjoy it just as a straight up american red. its got a nice soft brick red color to it, not quite perfectly clear, and a frothing churning foamy tan head thick as a milkshake and with great retention from the tap. the nose is dry kilned type red malts, slightly nutty and earthy, toasted and warming, but never particularly sweet as they go, and thats true with the flavor too, more of an almost woody richness without the sugar. its not like there arent some hops here, but they seem more of a balancing agent thana a flavoring one, just a bit of bitterness to finish. fluffy bodied but relatively easy drinking and light for the style, i like it being drier, and i can taste some yeast in here, its not flavorless, almost an irish ale yeast vibe to it, although not quite as developed, i think its needed nuance in an otherwise somewhat simpler brew. enjoyable and hearty but also slurpable and clean. one of the first beers ive had from these guys that wasnt in the ipa family...
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
being from boneyard, i anticipated this one being a red ipa, but the hops are pretty minimal in it, and once i have a few sips and accept that, i really enjoy it just as a straight up american red. its got a nice soft brick red color to it, not quite perfectly clear, and a frothing churning foamy tan head thick as a milkshake and with great retention from the tap. the nose is dry kilned type red malts, slightly nutty and earthy, toasted and warming, but never particularly sweet as they go, and thats true with the flavor too, more of an almost woody richness without the sugar. its not like there arent some hops here, but they seem more of a balancing agent thana a flavoring one, just a bit of bitterness to finish. fluffy bodied but relatively easy drinking and light for the style, i like it being drier, and i can taste some yeast in here, its not flavorless, almost an irish ale yeast vibe to it, although not quite as developed, i think its needed nuance in an otherwise somewhat simpler brew. enjoyable and hearty but also slurpable and clean. one of the first beers ive had from these guys that wasnt in the ipa family...
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3.67/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Deep amber in color. Hazy, with a bubbly, tan head. Streak lacing. The aroma is toasted, caramel malt and faint orange blossom honey. The flavor is malt forward. A bit of hops bite in the finish, pine and grass. Resinous mouthfeel. Not bad.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Deep amber in color. Hazy, with a bubbly, tan head. Streak lacing. The aroma is toasted, caramel malt and faint orange blossom honey. The flavor is malt forward. A bit of hops bite in the finish, pine and grass. Resinous mouthfeel. Not bad.
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3.32/5 rDev -11.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Served On-Tap
A — Pours a rather deep reddish amber hue, khaki colored head sits on top and leaves behind some thin lacing.
S — Smell is sweet and very much malt forward, a little bit unexpected from Boneyard, but a fair departure. Notes of toasted lightly sweet caramel malts, balanced by a very faint and light citrusy kick.
T — Taste is much like the nose, sweet malt notes initially, biscuity, chewy, amber. Faint hop profile does little to balance out the malt.
M — Medium bodied, fairly smooth and refreshing.
O — Good overall, well made, but just not what I've come to expect from Boneyard, still a nice enough NW Red though.
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look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Served On-Tap
A — Pours a rather deep reddish amber hue, khaki colored head sits on top and leaves behind some thin lacing.
S — Smell is sweet and very much malt forward, a little bit unexpected from Boneyard, but a fair departure. Notes of toasted lightly sweet caramel malts, balanced by a very faint and light citrusy kick.
T — Taste is much like the nose, sweet malt notes initially, biscuity, chewy, amber. Faint hop profile does little to balance out the malt.
M — Medium bodied, fairly smooth and refreshing.
O — Good overall, well made, but just not what I've come to expect from Boneyard, still a nice enough NW Red though.
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3.78/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I had this beer on-tap in a pint glass at the Hillside in Seattle.
Appearance: rich amber hue with a moderate haze and a finger of creamy ivory foam. Head leaves a nice lace on the glass. I dig it!
Smell: toasty malt with a mild but nice citrusy hop character. Not bad.
Taste: nicely malty with a little toasty and bready character. Hips are subdued, but it's still a nice brew.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a good level of carbonation and an enjoyable creaminess.
Overall: I'm not always a fan of the style, but this beer is for me a hugely drinkable amber.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I had this beer on-tap in a pint glass at the Hillside in Seattle.
Appearance: rich amber hue with a moderate haze and a finger of creamy ivory foam. Head leaves a nice lace on the glass. I dig it!
Smell: toasty malt with a mild but nice citrusy hop character. Not bad.
Taste: nicely malty with a little toasty and bready character. Hips are subdued, but it's still a nice brew.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a good level of carbonation and an enjoyable creaminess.
Overall: I'm not always a fan of the style, but this beer is for me a hugely drinkable amber.
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2.79/5 rDev -25.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
Look- A dark amber color. Nice head as well.
Smell- a very light smell, a bit malty.
Taste- Very bland. I got used to malty reds, and then hoppy reds when I moved to Oregon. This has neither prominent.
Mouthfeel- Meh. Fine.
Overall, a rare miss for me from Boneyard. Maybe it means more to the Amber side, which is one of my least favorite styles.
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look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
Look- A dark amber color. Nice head as well.
Smell- a very light smell, a bit malty.
Taste- Very bland. I got used to malty reds, and then hoppy reds when I moved to Oregon. This has neither prominent.
Mouthfeel- Meh. Fine.
Overall, a rare miss for me from Boneyard. Maybe it means more to the Amber side, which is one of my least favorite styles.
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4.87/5 rDev +29.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
One of my all-time favorites. I had the opportunity to test this one out at Boneyard, and it was easily the best beer I had that day. The folks at Boneyard suggested mixing it with V8 juice, which turns out to be a wonderful mixed drink. I hope to be able to try it out again, next time I'm in Bend.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
One of my all-time favorites. I had the opportunity to test this one out at Boneyard, and it was easily the best beer I had that day. The folks at Boneyard suggested mixing it with V8 juice, which turns out to be a wonderful mixed drink. I hope to be able to try it out again, next time I'm in Bend.
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3.75/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On tap at the 16 tons boneyard tap takeover. This beer seems to vary wildly, from batch to batch. The fist time I had this beer, it was so spicey hot, I could barely drink it. The beer I had last night had very little heat by comparison, and so just came across as a pleasant red amber (pretty malty, but with a hint of spice and hoppy bitterness in the finish). It's a decent beer, but when you have Suge Knight, Notorious, hop a wheelie, hop venom, armored fist and bonafide available, it's pretty hard to give this beer a second look.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On tap at the 16 tons boneyard tap takeover. This beer seems to vary wildly, from batch to batch. The fist time I had this beer, it was so spicey hot, I could barely drink it. The beer I had last night had very little heat by comparison, and so just came across as a pleasant red amber (pretty malty, but with a hint of spice and hoppy bitterness in the finish). It's a decent beer, but when you have Suge Knight, Notorious, hop a wheelie, hop venom, armored fist and bonafide available, it's pretty hard to give this beer a second look.
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3.93/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Had this on 2015-05-06 in Bend, OR at Greg's Grill on tap
A - Clear amber with a 1-finger tan head and great lace
S - Yeasty bread, floral, pear
T - A light touch of caramel, pear sauce, light citrus tartness. Balanced with the right amount of bitterness. Pretty dry. Alcohol is completely hidden.
M - Light-medium body and medium carbonation. Crisp.
O - Very nice. Not too much of any one flavor. Great balance.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Had this on 2015-05-06 in Bend, OR at Greg's Grill on tap
A - Clear amber with a 1-finger tan head and great lace
S - Yeasty bread, floral, pear
T - A light touch of caramel, pear sauce, light citrus tartness. Balanced with the right amount of bitterness. Pretty dry. Alcohol is completely hidden.
M - Light-medium body and medium carbonation. Crisp.
O - Very nice. Not too much of any one flavor. Great balance.
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4.23/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I recently tried this beer at a new restaurant in the White Salmon, WA area called Pioneer Pizza. I believe that for what this beer is, its outstanding.
First lets talk color. Im a big fan of the Rojo's color. Therr is something abouy the dark amber tones that say drink me. Trust me I do drink it... alot
As for taste, its very very smooth. Its very easy on the pallete. The only thing about it that bothers me is this wierd almost bitter but not really aftertaste. But dont let that put you off overall this beer is delicous and very drinkable.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I recently tried this beer at a new restaurant in the White Salmon, WA area called Pioneer Pizza. I believe that for what this beer is, its outstanding.
First lets talk color. Im a big fan of the Rojo's color. Therr is something abouy the dark amber tones that say drink me. Trust me I do drink it... alot
As for taste, its very very smooth. Its very easy on the pallete. The only thing about it that bothers me is this wierd almost bitter but not really aftertaste. But dont let that put you off overall this beer is delicous and very drinkable.
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3.62/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
on-tap @ Henry's Tavern.
from notes.
Arrives a clear, amber red with a thin, foamy white head.
A bit subdued in the nose and taste, but what I did pick up was a balance of grainy, lightly sweet pale malts and earthy, floral hops.
Medium+ body with average, bubbly carbonation.
A bit tough to place this one, as I found it enjoyable and tasty, but the flavors did seem a bit subdued at times.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
on-tap @ Henry's Tavern.
from notes.
Arrives a clear, amber red with a thin, foamy white head.
A bit subdued in the nose and taste, but what I did pick up was a balance of grainy, lightly sweet pale malts and earthy, floral hops.
Medium+ body with average, bubbly carbonation.
A bit tough to place this one, as I found it enjoyable and tasty, but the flavors did seem a bit subdued at times.
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3.73/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A - Reddish amber, with nice foam head and thick lacing
S - Upfront malt but a bit muted
T - Strong malt with subtle maple and hops
M -Nice balance, perhaps a little too much carbonation.
O - Very drinkable, but a bit unpronounced for Boneyard. Would reach for an RPM if given the choice
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A - Reddish amber, with nice foam head and thick lacing
S - Upfront malt but a bit muted
T - Strong malt with subtle maple and hops
M -Nice balance, perhaps a little too much carbonation.
O - Very drinkable, but a bit unpronounced for Boneyard. Would reach for an RPM if given the choice
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3.6/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Served in straight pint glass. Poured a nice, clear, clean, reddish amber color with over 1/2 inch of light khaki colored head that had OK retention and lacing.
The aroma featured nice malts that weren't too sweet, some earthy grains, and some gentle hops in a well-balanced package. The slightly sweet malts were at the front of the tongue, the grains had the middle and the hops tickled gently at finish of this nicely balanced and even brew.
The body was a bit fuller than average for the style, but not at all heavy or sticky. Drinkability was very good, if I didn't have to go to work, I would have had a couple more of these sweethearts. Overall, a very good take on a style that in some hands can just be boring. A must try if you see it.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Served in straight pint glass. Poured a nice, clear, clean, reddish amber color with over 1/2 inch of light khaki colored head that had OK retention and lacing.
The aroma featured nice malts that weren't too sweet, some earthy grains, and some gentle hops in a well-balanced package. The slightly sweet malts were at the front of the tongue, the grains had the middle and the hops tickled gently at finish of this nicely balanced and even brew.
The body was a bit fuller than average for the style, but not at all heavy or sticky. Drinkability was very good, if I didn't have to go to work, I would have had a couple more of these sweethearts. Overall, a very good take on a style that in some hands can just be boring. A must try if you see it.
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3.78/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
On tap at the tasting room.
A - Served a dark, clear reddish-amber. A light tan head sits atop of it.
S - Malty and some sweet fruit. Hard to pick up much here.
T - Malty and sweet. Hard for me to place but enjoyable.
D - Great carbonation and a medium body.
O - A real hard beer to describe, but I did enjoy it.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
On tap at the tasting room.
A - Served a dark, clear reddish-amber. A light tan head sits atop of it.
S - Malty and some sweet fruit. Hard to pick up much here.
T - Malty and sweet. Hard for me to place but enjoyable.
D - Great carbonation and a medium body.
O - A real hard beer to describe, but I did enjoy it.
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3.83/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Last Boneyard growler from New Years.
Pours a bright and clear amber color with a small white head.
Aromas are kind of faint, notes of tea, bread, grains, and some earthy hops.
Taste is crisp and very clean. Simple beer, with flavors like the nose, tea leaves, bread dough, light creamy sweetness, and an earthy and slightly bitter finish.
Mouthfeel is smooth, but a touch thin.
Overall, a very drinkable red ale. I like how this one is so clean, and not overly sweet like some ambers taste to me. Another solid offering from Boneyard.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Last Boneyard growler from New Years.
Pours a bright and clear amber color with a small white head.
Aromas are kind of faint, notes of tea, bread, grains, and some earthy hops.
Taste is crisp and very clean. Simple beer, with flavors like the nose, tea leaves, bread dough, light creamy sweetness, and an earthy and slightly bitter finish.
Mouthfeel is smooth, but a touch thin.
Overall, a very drinkable red ale. I like how this one is so clean, and not overly sweet like some ambers taste to me. Another solid offering from Boneyard.
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3.75/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Growler fill just minutes ago...
- Great clear red color.. light cream colored foam quickly settled to a small ring of lace and some dusting. Looks like a solid red.
- Nice grainy and bready malt... brown sugar, molasses is light... grassy earthy hop aromas..
- Bready grains, sweet caramel and biscuity malt.. certainly a solid tasting red ale.. the way it should be. Nice subtle bitterness.. grassy, herbal.. light zest.
- Easy drinking medium bodied brew without being sticky or syrupy. Well carbonated for the style, and is a little drying and chewy.
- Overall a solid NW style red ale. Proper color, malt bill, and hop flare. Overall doesn't stand out too much, but is certainly a good standard.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Growler fill just minutes ago...
- Great clear red color.. light cream colored foam quickly settled to a small ring of lace and some dusting. Looks like a solid red.
- Nice grainy and bready malt... brown sugar, molasses is light... grassy earthy hop aromas..
- Bready grains, sweet caramel and biscuity malt.. certainly a solid tasting red ale.. the way it should be. Nice subtle bitterness.. grassy, herbal.. light zest.
- Easy drinking medium bodied brew without being sticky or syrupy. Well carbonated for the style, and is a little drying and chewy.
- Overall a solid NW style red ale. Proper color, malt bill, and hop flare. Overall doesn't stand out too much, but is certainly a good standard.
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3.06/5 rDev -18.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A: Poured a reddish copper color with good carbonation leaving a dirty white cap
S: A bit faint. Toasted grains and thats about it.
T: It had a very creamy taste to it with caramel and minimal hop bite which caught me off guard. Most Imperial Reds I have been tasting lately are over the top hop
M: It was rather lightber bodied for an Imperial Red style, little bit of booze, grains, caramel and Earthiness on the palate
O: Pretty average. My least favorite offering from Boneyard thus far.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A: Poured a reddish copper color with good carbonation leaving a dirty white cap
S: A bit faint. Toasted grains and thats about it.
T: It had a very creamy taste to it with caramel and minimal hop bite which caught me off guard. Most Imperial Reds I have been tasting lately are over the top hop
M: It was rather lightber bodied for an Imperial Red style, little bit of booze, grains, caramel and Earthiness on the palate
O: Pretty average. My least favorite offering from Boneyard thus far.
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3.41/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Clear copper colour with a foamy off-white head. Good head retention.
Mild nutty malt aroma with a touch of toast. Quite nice.
Creamy nutty malt with some good earthiness. Some hops but nothing mindblowing.
Medium body with moderate carbonation. Fine.
A solid malty session ale. Not too sweet.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Clear copper colour with a foamy off-white head. Good head retention.
Mild nutty malt aroma with a touch of toast. Quite nice.
Creamy nutty malt with some good earthiness. Some hops but nothing mindblowing.
Medium body with moderate carbonation. Fine.
A solid malty session ale. Not too sweet.
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4.38/5 rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Initial tasting on tap at the brewery. Growler to go which is what I'm reviewing.
Pours dark red, minimal head, nice lace. Smooth up front, caramel, pepper. Tart, slightly bitter mouthfeel.
A very good beer from a very good brewery. I wouldn't have discovered this place except for the Bend Ale Trail. This beer, as their entire lineup, is worth checking out.
Update: A mighty fine beer. Updating scores a notch. Initial rating a bit low.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Initial tasting on tap at the brewery. Growler to go which is what I'm reviewing.
Pours dark red, minimal head, nice lace. Smooth up front, caramel, pepper. Tart, slightly bitter mouthfeel.
A very good beer from a very good brewery. I wouldn't have discovered this place except for the Bend Ale Trail. This beer, as their entire lineup, is worth checking out.
Update: A mighty fine beer. Updating scores a notch. Initial rating a bit low.
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Diablo Rojo from Boneyard Beer Company
Beer rating:
84 out of
100 with
143 ratings
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