Ruffneck
Sockeye Grill & Brewery

A-Looks the part, with dark brown, cascading carbonation building to a sizeable head that's a bit less lively than avg for Black IPAs
S-Smells the part, maybe less piney IPA aroma than the more flavorable examples of the style
T-Tastes the part (sort of). Below average bitter, but otherwise balanced nicely with appropriate caramel/charred malts
M-below average light body, above average carbonation, finishes reasonably dry
O-Not up there with better black IPA's, but fills the bill when whale Black IPA's are not available.

12oz canned fairly recently, poured into a pint glass.

A: Dark, cola-colored pour sits dark black in the glass with light showing through the caramel-colored edges; foamy khaki head recedes slowly and laces well.

S&T: Nicely balanced with earthy hops, mildly piney and tropical, with a moderate dose of cocoa, coffee, and faintly smoky caramel in the malt base.

MF&O: Low-to-medium bitterness, medium bodied. Overall this is a nice Black IPA that lands solidly in the middle without too much hop character, malt character, or bitterness.

an imperial black ipa that is extremely robust, a nice addition to their winter menu at the brewery and a very sturdy offering overall, even with well hidden alcohol strength. its got an obsidian shine and a deep black saturated look, average head, and almost a mirror reflection, well refined looking. it smells slightly burnt, bitter and even a little smoked on the lowest end of the grain side, certainly earthy and intense, without apparently a lot of sweet malt for balance. the hops are present themselves as rather intense, woodsy with bitterness of their own, a pine resin thing that works in a christmas context, and a little supporting citrus, nothing unfamiliar but doubly pungent with the dark grain. the flavor brings the two sides together well, and there is some nuance here, grapefruit pith, cigar, baking chocolate, and really strong drip coffee. there is a freshness through it all through from the hops, which brings this up a level for me in terms of drinkability and uniqueness, and the carbonation makes it feel very alive. this is a polarizing style, and this beer is a pretty good example of why, definitely not for everyone, but for those who like a ton of flavor in their beer, i think this is rather well executed. a nice companion to their exceptional meatloaf sandwich here!