Armored Fist Double CDA | Boneyard Beer Company
Brewed by:
Boneyard Beer Company
Oregon, United States | website
Style: American Black Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 10.00%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
80 IBUs
A collaboration with Three Floyds Brewing Co.
Added by Docer on 11-01-2010
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 40 | Ratings: 217
4.4/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Growler from The Growler Guys.
A very dark brown with a dense, light brown head that falls off to a thin ring leaving little lacing, this looks decent. The nose is awesome. This is exactly how I like my black IPAs to be. Pungently hoppy with some fruit, pine and grapefruit to go with a pleasant roasty bitterness. The balance of the grainy vs hoppy bitterness is nice. There's some creamy chocolate and coffee as well. The palate opens with a wonderful hoppy bitterness, clean, mildly resiny with pine and grapefruit pith and juice. This plays wonderfully with the roast and the dark caramel character from the malt. The malt really amplifies the fruity aspects of the hops. Bitter and resiny but with a little cocoa and coffee on the finish, this beer is medium in body, creamy and softly carbonated. A fantastic beer.
★ 822 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Growler from The Growler Guys.
A very dark brown with a dense, light brown head that falls off to a thin ring leaving little lacing, this looks decent. The nose is awesome. This is exactly how I like my black IPAs to be. Pungently hoppy with some fruit, pine and grapefruit to go with a pleasant roasty bitterness. The balance of the grainy vs hoppy bitterness is nice. There's some creamy chocolate and coffee as well. The palate opens with a wonderful hoppy bitterness, clean, mildly resiny with pine and grapefruit pith and juice. This plays wonderfully with the roast and the dark caramel character from the malt. The malt really amplifies the fruity aspects of the hops. Bitter and resiny but with a little cocoa and coffee on the finish, this beer is medium in body, creamy and softly carbonated. A fantastic beer.
★ 822 characters
4.2/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
you knew when these two breweries teamed up it was going to be huge and hoppy, and sure enough, thats what we have here. on tap at hops and pie, i had to order this, as neither of these breweries comes around much. looks like a porter in the glass, smallish head over an almost black liquid without too much viscosity. it smells like a pine tree. you really get that pungent almost floor cleaner hoppiness in the aroma. it pairs well with the rich roasted barley and chocolate malt that provides the foundation, midnight dark smooth vibe to the grain. you have a neat juxtaposition here in the flavor between that dark malt, dormant and earthy and somewhat stagnant, while the hops are so oily and juicy and alive. its quite a powerful combination, the best of both worlds, and where some of these risk bitterness double jeopardy from grain bitterness and hop bitterness, its well calculated here. not too much of either, but a heady combination of both that is tamed only by a slight oily pine sweetness from the hops and a kiss of caramel malt. insanely strong, you can feel the alcohol in it, and without hardly any carbonation, it feels pretty intense, like a black american barleywine. overall though, big beers like this are the order of the season, and i really loved it.
★ 1,278 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
you knew when these two breweries teamed up it was going to be huge and hoppy, and sure enough, thats what we have here. on tap at hops and pie, i had to order this, as neither of these breweries comes around much. looks like a porter in the glass, smallish head over an almost black liquid without too much viscosity. it smells like a pine tree. you really get that pungent almost floor cleaner hoppiness in the aroma. it pairs well with the rich roasted barley and chocolate malt that provides the foundation, midnight dark smooth vibe to the grain. you have a neat juxtaposition here in the flavor between that dark malt, dormant and earthy and somewhat stagnant, while the hops are so oily and juicy and alive. its quite a powerful combination, the best of both worlds, and where some of these risk bitterness double jeopardy from grain bitterness and hop bitterness, its well calculated here. not too much of either, but a heady combination of both that is tamed only by a slight oily pine sweetness from the hops and a kiss of caramel malt. insanely strong, you can feel the alcohol in it, and without hardly any carbonation, it feels pretty intense, like a black american barleywine. overall though, big beers like this are the order of the season, and i really loved it.
★ 1,278 characters
4.47/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Looks black in the glass but is more of a dark red when you look at it through light. White head and smells of huge tropical fruit, also very piney. The taste is very similar. Almost no chocolate or roastiness coming through. Really Great.
★ 239 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Looks black in the glass but is more of a dark red when you look at it through light. White head and smells of huge tropical fruit, also very piney. The taste is very similar. Almost no chocolate or roastiness coming through. Really Great.
★ 239 characters
3.91/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Growler from Boneyard. Wished they would've used darker malts. Felt more like an Indian Brown Ale than a CDA. Hid the alcohol well, and enjoyed the hop profile. I'd drink it again, but won't seek it out like Blakkr.
★ 222 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Growler from Boneyard. Wished they would've used darker malts. Felt more like an Indian Brown Ale than a CDA. Hid the alcohol well, and enjoyed the hop profile. I'd drink it again, but won't seek it out like Blakkr.
★ 222 characters
4.45/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Bigfoot growlers. Chocolate colored, creamy khaki head, decent lacing. A little malty, nice hops on the back end. Doesn't taste like 10% abv. Another good beer from boneyard.
★ 184 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Bigfoot growlers. Chocolate colored, creamy khaki head, decent lacing. A little malty, nice hops on the back end. Doesn't taste like 10% abv. Another good beer from boneyard.
★ 184 characters
4.32/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Look: First appearance of the body is pitch brown, with a fluffy, beige head. When held up to the sun, the darkest ruby red body is revealed. The body is barely pierced by the sun, and appears as a ruby red dot. Sticky decorative lace.
Smell: Burnt pine cones. The pine tree aroma is pointed. Medium roasted grains play a background role here. The hops dominate the smell, but are supported with with a stoutly aroma.
Taste: Christmas tree, hops, some bitterness, and pine nuts. Roasted malts play a supporting role, but give this black ale a great taste. Clean finish.
Feel: Medium body, medium carbonation. Less lather makes an appearance near the end.
Overall - My favorite black ale, and something you should not miss if it is available. What a great concoction by Boneyard. They must pay top dollar to attract some of the best beer chemists.
★ 865 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Look: First appearance of the body is pitch brown, with a fluffy, beige head. When held up to the sun, the darkest ruby red body is revealed. The body is barely pierced by the sun, and appears as a ruby red dot. Sticky decorative lace.
Smell: Burnt pine cones. The pine tree aroma is pointed. Medium roasted grains play a background role here. The hops dominate the smell, but are supported with with a stoutly aroma.
Taste: Christmas tree, hops, some bitterness, and pine nuts. Roasted malts play a supporting role, but give this black ale a great taste. Clean finish.
Feel: Medium body, medium carbonation. Less lather makes an appearance near the end.
Overall - My favorite black ale, and something you should not miss if it is available. What a great concoction by Boneyard. They must pay top dollar to attract some of the best beer chemists.
★ 865 characters
4.03/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served On-Tap
A — Pours a deep clear amber color, not very dark, just a medium brown dark hue, very clear and there is a thin off white colored head to it, minimal lacing.
S — Smells intensely hoppy, like a fresh and juicy IPA, piney, citrusy, sweet, bitter.
T — Tastes of big juicy hops, sweet overall, lightly piney, there is a little roasted malt undertone but it is fairly muted.
M — Medium bodied, a bit thin considering its ABV, not bad.
O — Great beer, super hoppy, would have really loved some more rich dark roasted malt complexities to take this over the top.
★ 586 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served On-Tap
A — Pours a deep clear amber color, not very dark, just a medium brown dark hue, very clear and there is a thin off white colored head to it, minimal lacing.
S — Smells intensely hoppy, like a fresh and juicy IPA, piney, citrusy, sweet, bitter.
T — Tastes of big juicy hops, sweet overall, lightly piney, there is a little roasted malt undertone but it is fairly muted.
M — Medium bodied, a bit thin considering its ABV, not bad.
O — Great beer, super hoppy, would have really loved some more rich dark roasted malt complexities to take this over the top.
★ 586 characters
4.65/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Great aromas of chocolate, hints of coffee, with bursts of hoppiness. Citrus and pine with some straight up resiny hop flavors. Perfect clean finish.
★ 151 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Great aromas of chocolate, hints of coffee, with bursts of hoppiness. Citrus and pine with some straight up resiny hop flavors. Perfect clean finish.
★ 151 characters
4.39/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Excellent. I have yet to have a bad beer from Boneyard.
Updating on a sunny, warm January day in Portland. Fruiter and less roasted than I remember, and that's a good thing. Not sure about batch to batch variation, but this batch is exactly what I want from this style. So, so good.
★ 283 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Excellent. I have yet to have a bad beer from Boneyard.
Updating on a sunny, warm January day in Portland. Fruiter and less roasted than I remember, and that's a good thing. Not sure about batch to batch variation, but this batch is exactly what I want from this style. So, so good.
★ 283 characters
4.5/5 rDev +5.6%
I am a bit of Boneyard fanboy and I pretty much try Boneyard every time I see any of their stuff on tap. HOWEVER! I do not enjoy everything they brew. I did not hear anything about this particular beer and had no expectations. This is my favorite CDA ever. It's not overly bitter or overly malty but man.... so so so balanced. Has the smoothest mouthfeel. Alcohol is hidden. I thought it was like a 6% ABV beer. If you see this on tap, try it.
★ 454 characters
I am a bit of Boneyard fanboy and I pretty much try Boneyard every time I see any of their stuff on tap. HOWEVER! I do not enjoy everything they brew. I did not hear anything about this particular beer and had no expectations. This is my favorite CDA ever. It's not overly bitter or overly malty but man.... so so so balanced. Has the smoothest mouthfeel. Alcohol is hidden. I thought it was like a 6% ABV beer. If you see this on tap, try it.
★ 454 characters
4.09/5 rDev -4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
on tap at APEX, Portland
Amber brown with sandstone film.
A bit of ash and lemon but lots of tropical fruit hops.
Char, sweet coffee, a bit of brown sugar, then big lemon, pine, and mango hops.
Waxy lemon finish and bittersweet linger.
Medium, chewy, round.
Grapefruit and fruit salad CDA, not so much “D”. Lots of Simcoe passionfruit, if I had to guess. Black bits are very secondary, but lovely just the same.
★ 422 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
on tap at APEX, Portland
Amber brown with sandstone film.
A bit of ash and lemon but lots of tropical fruit hops.
Char, sweet coffee, a bit of brown sugar, then big lemon, pine, and mango hops.
Waxy lemon finish and bittersweet linger.
Medium, chewy, round.
Grapefruit and fruit salad CDA, not so much “D”. Lots of Simcoe passionfruit, if I had to guess. Black bits are very secondary, but lovely just the same.
★ 422 characters
4.07/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
On guest tap at the Alpine Beer Co. pub
02/28/14 - Half Pint glass
Listed as a 10%ABV Double Black IPA 3Floyds/Boneyard Collab
A: Pour is more of a rusted reddish brown color. All ruddy and murky looking. I think they may have missed the SRM mark here. Thin wisp of khaki bubbles forms on top slipping out to just a thin crown. A few splotchy dots of stick noted. Not the most attractive looking brew I must say.
S: The nose is bursting with super Citra hop aromatics. Bright and floral with orange, tangerine, and grapefruit mostly. I am not getting much else here to be honest. Some subtle malt sweetness in the form of candied citrus really and a hint of chalky cocoa powder. Quite fragrant with the citrus hops really.
T: Taste is an orange crush with loads of citrusy hop flavors and an abrasive hop bitterness that scrubs across the palate. Tangerine and grapefruit combined. Malt is practically absent minus some faint toasted cracker bits and some mild coffee roast on the finish. Dash of cocoa powder and there is something lightly herbaceous. It’s a little bit of an odd mixture with the coffee. Very light on the sweetness and dry with a resinous linger. Alcohol is deceptively well hidden for a 10% ABV brew this drinks more like a single IPA would. Crazy brew although enjoyable I would say.
M: The beer maintains a light body for such big ABV. Medium fullness overall. Upper level of constricting bitterness. Finishes out very dry with a long lasting linger.
D: This beer is Beast Mode! Big citrus blast of flavor with a scarce malt presence. Super bitter and dry with the alcohol incredibly well masked at 10%. What a great tick to find here.
★ 1,672 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
On guest tap at the Alpine Beer Co. pub
02/28/14 - Half Pint glass
Listed as a 10%ABV Double Black IPA 3Floyds/Boneyard Collab
A: Pour is more of a rusted reddish brown color. All ruddy and murky looking. I think they may have missed the SRM mark here. Thin wisp of khaki bubbles forms on top slipping out to just a thin crown. A few splotchy dots of stick noted. Not the most attractive looking brew I must say.
S: The nose is bursting with super Citra hop aromatics. Bright and floral with orange, tangerine, and grapefruit mostly. I am not getting much else here to be honest. Some subtle malt sweetness in the form of candied citrus really and a hint of chalky cocoa powder. Quite fragrant with the citrus hops really.
T: Taste is an orange crush with loads of citrusy hop flavors and an abrasive hop bitterness that scrubs across the palate. Tangerine and grapefruit combined. Malt is practically absent minus some faint toasted cracker bits and some mild coffee roast on the finish. Dash of cocoa powder and there is something lightly herbaceous. It’s a little bit of an odd mixture with the coffee. Very light on the sweetness and dry with a resinous linger. Alcohol is deceptively well hidden for a 10% ABV brew this drinks more like a single IPA would. Crazy brew although enjoyable I would say.
M: The beer maintains a light body for such big ABV. Medium fullness overall. Upper level of constricting bitterness. Finishes out very dry with a long lasting linger.
D: This beer is Beast Mode! Big citrus blast of flavor with a scarce malt presence. Super bitter and dry with the alcohol incredibly well masked at 10%. What a great tick to find here.
★ 1,672 characters
3.96/5 rDev -7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On-tap as the guest beer @ Alpine. Labeled as a 3Floyds/Boneyard collab?
A pretty beer, was expecting a bit more darkness due to the "double" moniker. Lots of roast in the aroma, swirled with the expected hoppiness.
Tasted more roast than chocolate to me. On the sweeter side, as far as CDA's go.
Mouthfeel was slightly thin, but that's all I can knock this beer down for. For hoppiness, it didn't stand up to the other Alpine beers in the flight (Duet, Nelson, Pure Hoppiness). Delicious distraction though.
★ 511 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On-tap as the guest beer @ Alpine. Labeled as a 3Floyds/Boneyard collab?
A pretty beer, was expecting a bit more darkness due to the "double" moniker. Lots of roast in the aroma, swirled with the expected hoppiness.
Tasted more roast than chocolate to me. On the sweeter side, as far as CDA's go.
Mouthfeel was slightly thin, but that's all I can knock this beer down for. For hoppiness, it didn't stand up to the other Alpine beers in the flight (Duet, Nelson, Pure Hoppiness). Delicious distraction though.
★ 511 characters
4.39/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Growler shared with my Dad last night.
Pours a dark brown (not as dark as I expected though) with a large off white head. Was happy to see that this beer was still well carbonated.
Aromas are wonderful. Earthy, pine, lots of resin, grassy, with some really ripe and sugary citrus notes.
Taste follows the nose very nicely. Sweet cocoa, sticky resin, hard candy sweetness, light nutty undertones, and a pine like bitterness on the finish. Very nicely balanced for the style, though the hoppiness is certainly on the forefront.
Lighter and very smooth mouthfeel. It kind of makes it easy to drink and also easy to forget that this beer is 10% ABV.
Overall, an outstanding example of the style. One of the best CDAs I have ever had.
★ 734 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Growler shared with my Dad last night.
Pours a dark brown (not as dark as I expected though) with a large off white head. Was happy to see that this beer was still well carbonated.
Aromas are wonderful. Earthy, pine, lots of resin, grassy, with some really ripe and sugary citrus notes.
Taste follows the nose very nicely. Sweet cocoa, sticky resin, hard candy sweetness, light nutty undertones, and a pine like bitterness on the finish. Very nicely balanced for the style, though the hoppiness is certainly on the forefront.
Lighter and very smooth mouthfeel. It kind of makes it easy to drink and also easy to forget that this beer is 10% ABV.
Overall, an outstanding example of the style. One of the best CDAs I have ever had.
★ 734 characters
4.18/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
64 oz. growler poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Dark brown. Murky. Khaki head. Nice collar and a wispy surface.
Smell - Big grapefruit and piney hop aroma. Some roasty malts, but it's all about the hops.
Taste - Still a huge hop flavor. Grapefruit hops. Roasted malt throughout. Never quite takes over, but just a bit of sweetness. Bitter finish.
Mouthfeel - Kinda light. Surprising for a 10% beer. I expected and wanted a little more body. The growler maintained the carbonation very well.
Overall - Not sure if it's because I've been drinking a lot of mediocre beer, but this is really nice.
★ 604 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
64 oz. growler poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Dark brown. Murky. Khaki head. Nice collar and a wispy surface.
Smell - Big grapefruit and piney hop aroma. Some roasty malts, but it's all about the hops.
Taste - Still a huge hop flavor. Grapefruit hops. Roasted malt throughout. Never quite takes over, but just a bit of sweetness. Bitter finish.
Mouthfeel - Kinda light. Surprising for a 10% beer. I expected and wanted a little more body. The growler maintained the carbonation very well.
Overall - Not sure if it's because I've been drinking a lot of mediocre beer, but this is really nice.
★ 604 characters
4.53/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Reddish brown, hazy and dark.
Smells super hoppy, but drinks very creamy. Truly the most buttery Pale Ale I've ever had... Finish is great too, leaves you with a sense the favors and characteristics if the region.
An outstanding beer for the habitual IPA drinker to expose the other side of the pale ale spectrum.
★ 316 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Reddish brown, hazy and dark.
Smells super hoppy, but drinks very creamy. Truly the most buttery Pale Ale I've ever had... Finish is great too, leaves you with a sense the favors and characteristics if the region.
An outstanding beer for the habitual IPA drinker to expose the other side of the pale ale spectrum.
★ 316 characters
4.3/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Had on tap at Uber Tavern. Review from notes.
A: Dark brown with a small tan head on top. Quick reduction to a thin cap on top. Bits of lacing form on the glass.
S: Extremely hoppy. Lots of citrus, grapefruit, and tropical fruits. Very faint roast mixed in, but definitely dominated by the hops.
T: Similarly hoppy, which is fine by me. Was expecting more roast influence, but the tropical fruits are quite dominant. There is some grapefruit, pineapple, papaya with just a touch of chocolate and roast.
M: Medium bodied, surprised to find out it is 10%, certainly drinks a lot easier than that.
O: One of the best black ales I have had, and one that I would actually drink again.
★ 688 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Had on tap at Uber Tavern. Review from notes.
A: Dark brown with a small tan head on top. Quick reduction to a thin cap on top. Bits of lacing form on the glass.
S: Extremely hoppy. Lots of citrus, grapefruit, and tropical fruits. Very faint roast mixed in, but definitely dominated by the hops.
T: Similarly hoppy, which is fine by me. Was expecting more roast influence, but the tropical fruits are quite dominant. There is some grapefruit, pineapple, papaya with just a touch of chocolate and roast.
M: Medium bodied, surprised to find out it is 10%, certainly drinks a lot easier than that.
O: One of the best black ales I have had, and one that I would actually drink again.
★ 688 characters
4.77/5 rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Growler from Main Brew, poured into my large Gulden Draak tulip, Armored Fist is Black with a tan head leaving light lace.
Smell is a big blast of pungent hops, lots of tropical fruit, citrus. Sweet and intense.
Taste is fantastic. This is by far the best CDA I've had. The massive, fruity hop load really complements the slight charred notes from the dark malt. Often times I find this style clashes, but the dark malt and hops really come together into a delicious elixir here. There's just a touch of some piney hops as well, but they are a subtle back-current behind the dank citrus, tangerine. There's a modest bitterness. I'm shocked at the ABV, there's not a trace in the taste, very clean.
Mouthfeel is dry, slippery, medium light bodied.
Drinkability is dangerously high. This is a fantastic beer.
★ 814 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Growler from Main Brew, poured into my large Gulden Draak tulip, Armored Fist is Black with a tan head leaving light lace.
Smell is a big blast of pungent hops, lots of tropical fruit, citrus. Sweet and intense.
Taste is fantastic. This is by far the best CDA I've had. The massive, fruity hop load really complements the slight charred notes from the dark malt. Often times I find this style clashes, but the dark malt and hops really come together into a delicious elixir here. There's just a touch of some piney hops as well, but they are a subtle back-current behind the dank citrus, tangerine. There's a modest bitterness. I'm shocked at the ABV, there's not a trace in the taste, very clean.
Mouthfeel is dry, slippery, medium light bodied.
Drinkability is dangerously high. This is a fantastic beer.
★ 814 characters
3.8/5 rDev -10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
on-tap @ Belmont Station.
from notes.
Near black, with deep brown highlights and a thin, foamy off-white head.
Very hoppy upfront, citric mostly, some resinous pine, blends to a roasty malt finish. Some cocoa.
Medium body, very light alcohol warmth. Average, bubbly carbonation.
Extremely hop forward, with just enough roasted malt to keep it from being a DIPA.
★ 365 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
on-tap @ Belmont Station.
from notes.
Near black, with deep brown highlights and a thin, foamy off-white head.
Very hoppy upfront, citric mostly, some resinous pine, blends to a roasty malt finish. Some cocoa.
Medium body, very light alcohol warmth. Average, bubbly carbonation.
Extremely hop forward, with just enough roasted malt to keep it from being a DIPA.
★ 365 characters
4.45/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had on tap at the Parkway Tavern on 9/27/12.
Appearance: Dark brown, almost black with a one finger light tan head.
Smell: Huge citrus hops. Grapefruit, citrus, and a more subtle roasted malt character. Hop forward for sure.
Taste: Initial subtle dark roasted malts and then the delicious citrus/tropical hop characteristics that the nose hinted at. Finishes with a nice combo of roasted malts, a bit of cocoa, and a fruity hop bite.
Mouthfeel: Creamy, medium-bodied, alcohol is pretty well-hidden. Hop bite doesn't detract from the roasted character of this beer.
Overall: Although I have admittedly not tried a plethora of Black IPAs, this one seems to be a benchmark. Great mixture of both dark malts and lively hops. A bit more hop forward than others that I've tried in this category.
★ 799 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had on tap at the Parkway Tavern on 9/27/12.
Appearance: Dark brown, almost black with a one finger light tan head.
Smell: Huge citrus hops. Grapefruit, citrus, and a more subtle roasted malt character. Hop forward for sure.
Taste: Initial subtle dark roasted malts and then the delicious citrus/tropical hop characteristics that the nose hinted at. Finishes with a nice combo of roasted malts, a bit of cocoa, and a fruity hop bite.
Mouthfeel: Creamy, medium-bodied, alcohol is pretty well-hidden. Hop bite doesn't detract from the roasted character of this beer.
Overall: Although I have admittedly not tried a plethora of Black IPAs, this one seems to be a benchmark. Great mixture of both dark malts and lively hops. A bit more hop forward than others that I've tried in this category.
★ 799 characters
4.3/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
32oz growler from Boneyard. Reviewed from notes.
Black with a monolithic tan head that recedes at a glacial pace leaving spider-web lacing and a final ring.
Deep, damp marijuana and pungent herbs like thyme and marjoram. Less intense tropical notes of passionfruit and guava. Mild, but sharp-edged coffee roast character.
Touch more roast and less green hop character in the flavours. A vibrant, minty bitterness grows in force. At times there's a difficult to place chalky, lavender note that doesn't quite agree with me.
Medium to full, super-smooth mouthfeel. Carbonation provides a good vibrancy and lift on the front palate and feeds into a moderate bitterness that lingers nicely. No hint of booze.
Slammin' black IPA with the restrained use of roast malts allowing the intense hop character to assail the senses. Crazy drinkable for 10%.
★ 850 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
32oz growler from Boneyard. Reviewed from notes.
Black with a monolithic tan head that recedes at a glacial pace leaving spider-web lacing and a final ring.
Deep, damp marijuana and pungent herbs like thyme and marjoram. Less intense tropical notes of passionfruit and guava. Mild, but sharp-edged coffee roast character.
Touch more roast and less green hop character in the flavours. A vibrant, minty bitterness grows in force. At times there's a difficult to place chalky, lavender note that doesn't quite agree with me.
Medium to full, super-smooth mouthfeel. Carbonation provides a good vibrancy and lift on the front palate and feeds into a moderate bitterness that lingers nicely. No hint of booze.
Slammin' black IPA with the restrained use of roast malts allowing the intense hop character to assail the senses. Crazy drinkable for 10%.
★ 850 characters
4.5/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
on-tap at Apex in Portland, OR.
appearance - dark, tan head, medium lacing
smell - resinous/grapefruit hop notes backed by some subtle chocolate malt
taste - strong notes of grapefruit and pineapple hops with some pine mixed in, very hoppy, tones of chocolate and roasty malt in the background, alcohol is present as well but not dominating
mouthfeel - generous carbonation, medium/full bodied
overall - great hop profile, another staple from Boneyard
★ 456 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
on-tap at Apex in Portland, OR.
appearance - dark, tan head, medium lacing
smell - resinous/grapefruit hop notes backed by some subtle chocolate malt
taste - strong notes of grapefruit and pineapple hops with some pine mixed in, very hoppy, tones of chocolate and roasty malt in the background, alcohol is present as well but not dominating
mouthfeel - generous carbonation, medium/full bodied
overall - great hop profile, another staple from Boneyard
★ 456 characters
4.79/5 rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A - Poured a very dark brown with a light brown head.
S - First reaction to the smell was that it was great. Very hoppy with citrus and smoky notes.
T - Hoppy, citrus, and smoky. A little bit of grapefruit makes it's way through. Surprisingly smooth and easy to drink for being 10% abv.
M - Thick, smooth, and lingering. The aftertaste of citrus stays with you for a while.
O - Got this in a half growler and would definitely like more. Boneyard needs to start bottling asap.
★ 480 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A - Poured a very dark brown with a light brown head.
S - First reaction to the smell was that it was great. Very hoppy with citrus and smoky notes.
T - Hoppy, citrus, and smoky. A little bit of grapefruit makes it's way through. Surprisingly smooth and easy to drink for being 10% abv.
M - Thick, smooth, and lingering. The aftertaste of citrus stays with you for a while.
O - Got this in a half growler and would definitely like more. Boneyard needs to start bottling asap.
★ 480 characters
3.96/5 rDev -7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
First had: on tap at Apex, Portland, OR
Courtesy of johnmichaelsen. Thanks!
I was really just shopping for rare beers at Apex, and didn't intend to drink anything else for a while, but suddenly this beer appeared in front of my nose, so what the hey.
Attractive pour: served in a snifter, a solid, dark brown with a well-retaining cap of eggshell head. Aroma of chocolate malts, tree bark, pine and citrus hops. Mouthfeel was quite smooth and mild for the style, probably one of the more easier drinkin' CDAs that I've had. Woody on the palate, roasty malts, piney hops, cirtus zest, notes of cigary tobacco. Very nice, very drinkable. Too bad I couldn't savor it more, but I had to rush to move my illegally-parked car!
★ 722 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
First had: on tap at Apex, Portland, OR
Courtesy of johnmichaelsen. Thanks!
I was really just shopping for rare beers at Apex, and didn't intend to drink anything else for a while, but suddenly this beer appeared in front of my nose, so what the hey.
Attractive pour: served in a snifter, a solid, dark brown with a well-retaining cap of eggshell head. Aroma of chocolate malts, tree bark, pine and citrus hops. Mouthfeel was quite smooth and mild for the style, probably one of the more easier drinkin' CDAs that I've had. Woody on the palate, roasty malts, piney hops, cirtus zest, notes of cigary tobacco. Very nice, very drinkable. Too bad I couldn't savor it more, but I had to rush to move my illegally-parked car!
★ 722 characters
Armored Fist Double CDA from Boneyard Beer Company
4.26
out of 5
based on 217 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Growler served in pint glass. Beer is quite dark, brown, nearing black, and forms a moderate tan head. Big PNW IPA aroma: piny and tropical. First sip is full of huge, luscious flavors. Layers upon layers of hop flavors, combining with a rich mouthfeel, and complemented by the malty taste of molasses and maybe even a hint of coffee. This is an amazing CDA, exemplifying the style perfectly, and the texture is one of the best I've ever found in beer of any style. Despite the "Imperial" designation I don't detect any hint of boozy burn (though I think this year's batch only weights in at 9%), nor is the beer overly bitter (65 IBUs). Of course, the telltale signs of heavy hopping and high final gravity are still there. The result is delicious and worth seeking out.
★ 779 characters