Grainstorm Black Rye IPA | Boulevard Brewing Co.
Brewed by:
Boulevard Brewing Co.
Missouri, United States
boulevard.com
Style: American Black Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.70%
Availability: Winter
Notes / Commercial Description:
Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the root cellar, along comes Grainstorm, a big, wet wallop to the senses. In the glass, dark and turbulent clouds gather. A high-pressure system of pungent hops collides with a stationary front of barley, wheat, and rye. The forecast: a veritable monsoon of flavor, with surges of roasty malt, microbursts of hops, and a chance of golfball-sized hail. The extended outlook calls for unseasonably pleasant enjoyment.
65 IBU
Added by Groenebeor on 12-06-2012
HISTOGRAM
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Ratings: 668 | Reviews: 119
3.01/5 rDev -25.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Appearance: dark brown in color, clear, 1 inch head, high carbonation
Smell: roasted malt and citrus hops
Taste: coffee grounds, char, citrus and earthly hops, light rye bread
Mouthfeel: medium-high body, medium-high carbonation, sweet start that becomes bitter and dry
Overall: I love Boulevard and the style, but this one just did not do it for me. The char is heavy on this one and sometimes the rye added a slightly medicinal quality to it. Not a horrible beer by any stretch but there are several others in the style I would go to first. This one was a miss for me.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Appearance: dark brown in color, clear, 1 inch head, high carbonation
Smell: roasted malt and citrus hops
Taste: coffee grounds, char, citrus and earthly hops, light rye bread
Mouthfeel: medium-high body, medium-high carbonation, sweet start that becomes bitter and dry
Overall: I love Boulevard and the style, but this one just did not do it for me. The char is heavy on this one and sometimes the rye added a slightly medicinal quality to it. Not a horrible beer by any stretch but there are several others in the style I would go to first. This one was a miss for me.
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4.43/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Batch 2012-1. Best by 08-2013. Think it's around a month old.
A: Nice dark brown pour with an enormously huge effervescent light brown head. Head fades annoyingly slowly - I want to drink it already! Huge island of foam reminds. Big swaths of fluffy lacing everywhere.
S: Big juicy grapefruit. Some pine in there too with the notable spicy rye to boot. Tiny bit of resin. No real roasted malt to note, maybe the lightest hint of chocolate? Might be my imagination.
T: Lots of grapefruit and pine up front. There's the roasted malt. Sweet and chocolatey, mixing in with rye and the hop flavors. Get some spice from the rye and a wave of bitterness from the hops in the finish. Pine and resin mainly in the finish and the lingering aftertaste - with hints of bitter chocolate now that the sweetness has run out. Really a wonderful combination.
M: Nice medium body but smooth and borderline creamy even.
O: Wow, this beer is great. The chocolate, rye and hops really meld together nicely. Well balanced, mellow, smooth and very tasty. Outstanding really. Not a huge in-your-face hoppiness like some - wookey jack is definitely a hoppier version of this for example. This one is more easy drinking and balanced but doesn't have as sharp of flavors. Awesome job, Boulevard.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Batch 2012-1. Best by 08-2013. Think it's around a month old.
A: Nice dark brown pour with an enormously huge effervescent light brown head. Head fades annoyingly slowly - I want to drink it already! Huge island of foam reminds. Big swaths of fluffy lacing everywhere.
S: Big juicy grapefruit. Some pine in there too with the notable spicy rye to boot. Tiny bit of resin. No real roasted malt to note, maybe the lightest hint of chocolate? Might be my imagination.
T: Lots of grapefruit and pine up front. There's the roasted malt. Sweet and chocolatey, mixing in with rye and the hop flavors. Get some spice from the rye and a wave of bitterness from the hops in the finish. Pine and resin mainly in the finish and the lingering aftertaste - with hints of bitter chocolate now that the sweetness has run out. Really a wonderful combination.
M: Nice medium body but smooth and borderline creamy even.
O: Wow, this beer is great. The chocolate, rye and hops really meld together nicely. Well balanced, mellow, smooth and very tasty. Outstanding really. Not a huge in-your-face hoppiness like some - wookey jack is definitely a hoppier version of this for example. This one is more easy drinking and balanced but doesn't have as sharp of flavors. Awesome job, Boulevard.
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3.92/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Pours out a dark brown color with a couple inches of light tan head. I can tell there is a good amount carbonation. Really attractive looking beer.
Smell: Smells of light roast/chocolate malts with some rye breadiness thrown in there as well. A good amount of citrus as well as some pine hops come through as well. Nice. Nothing really sticks out above anything else. Pretty balanced.
Taste: Pretty light roast notes up front with a bit of bready dryness, with citrus and pine on the back end and finish. Again, very well balanced. The hops compliment the malt character nicely.
Mouthfeel/Overall: Mouthfeel is perfect. Light-medium bodied and drinks extremely smoothly. It probably drinks like it is less than 7% ABV. Overall, a nice black IPA. This is a pretty hit and miss style for me, but I enjoyed this one.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Pours out a dark brown color with a couple inches of light tan head. I can tell there is a good amount carbonation. Really attractive looking beer.
Smell: Smells of light roast/chocolate malts with some rye breadiness thrown in there as well. A good amount of citrus as well as some pine hops come through as well. Nice. Nothing really sticks out above anything else. Pretty balanced.
Taste: Pretty light roast notes up front with a bit of bready dryness, with citrus and pine on the back end and finish. Again, very well balanced. The hops compliment the malt character nicely.
Mouthfeel/Overall: Mouthfeel is perfect. Light-medium bodied and drinks extremely smoothly. It probably drinks like it is less than 7% ABV. Overall, a nice black IPA. This is a pretty hit and miss style for me, but I enjoyed this one.
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4.3/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Presently, this is the #20 ranked "American Black Ale" here on BA.
Served in a Port City tulip.
A: Poured pretty much a pitch black color, no light passing whatsoever, and with a mocha colored, 4-finger head. Hell, the head was bigger than the brew.
S: Melted grape popsicle, with some grilled pineapple and dark malt mixed in. Not in-your-face, but still effective.
T: Almost the perfect melding of IPA and Porter. Neither won out over the other, which I found astounding. Not a hophead paradise by any stretch, still the overall "fresh" taste of this was astounding.
M: Spritzy carbonation and smooth as silk: This is a quality I find so often with these Smokestack Series brews. Delectable in this area.
O: This is totally not a style I'm fond of overall, but this is not the standard Black IPA fare. Will have again.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Presently, this is the #20 ranked "American Black Ale" here on BA.
Served in a Port City tulip.
A: Poured pretty much a pitch black color, no light passing whatsoever, and with a mocha colored, 4-finger head. Hell, the head was bigger than the brew.
S: Melted grape popsicle, with some grilled pineapple and dark malt mixed in. Not in-your-face, but still effective.
T: Almost the perfect melding of IPA and Porter. Neither won out over the other, which I found astounding. Not a hophead paradise by any stretch, still the overall "fresh" taste of this was astounding.
M: Spritzy carbonation and smooth as silk: This is a quality I find so often with these Smokestack Series brews. Delectable in this area.
O: This is totally not a style I'm fond of overall, but this is not the standard Black IPA fare. Will have again.
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4.12/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I love the boulevard smokestack series, and will pretty much try anything in this series. The price is right and nothing has let me down so far. I expect this to be no exception.
A: Jet black, with a ton of tan carbonation. Pillowy, soapy looking foam that sticks and lasts a long time. This isn't suprising giving the information that the brewery has used wheat and rye, along with lots of hops.
S: Hoppy up front, with some light smoky, roasty scents. Some grassy, citrusy hops and a little bit of sweet malt in the nose.
T: This one has a lot going on, but not too much! It startes out bitter with a hoppy punch, and then it goes to caramel malt, some roast, and some spicy flavors. The balance is incredible, and not overly sweet or muddled, despite the obvious use of a lot of specialty malt. It comes across as a lighter experience than I would have expected.
M: Slick and oily, and fairly full bodied for an ipa, but I enjoy it. The high carbonation probably has a lot to do with that as well. The oil from the hops and the slick maltiness lends well to the overall finish and experience. The beer's finishing gravity is low enough to keep the beer refreshing and palatable.
O: while this beer is complex, it is still very refreshing and enjoyable. I had no problem finishing a bomber quickly by myself, and could have had more. I would consider this one of my favorite black ipa's, and the rye didn't overpower the beer which is what I was hoping for. Another great one from the smokestack series.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I love the boulevard smokestack series, and will pretty much try anything in this series. The price is right and nothing has let me down so far. I expect this to be no exception.
A: Jet black, with a ton of tan carbonation. Pillowy, soapy looking foam that sticks and lasts a long time. This isn't suprising giving the information that the brewery has used wheat and rye, along with lots of hops.
S: Hoppy up front, with some light smoky, roasty scents. Some grassy, citrusy hops and a little bit of sweet malt in the nose.
T: This one has a lot going on, but not too much! It startes out bitter with a hoppy punch, and then it goes to caramel malt, some roast, and some spicy flavors. The balance is incredible, and not overly sweet or muddled, despite the obvious use of a lot of specialty malt. It comes across as a lighter experience than I would have expected.
M: Slick and oily, and fairly full bodied for an ipa, but I enjoy it. The high carbonation probably has a lot to do with that as well. The oil from the hops and the slick maltiness lends well to the overall finish and experience. The beer's finishing gravity is low enough to keep the beer refreshing and palatable.
O: while this beer is complex, it is still very refreshing and enjoyable. I had no problem finishing a bomber quickly by myself, and could have had more. I would consider this one of my favorite black ipa's, and the rye didn't overpower the beer which is what I was hoping for. Another great one from the smokestack series.
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4.12/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 750 ml cork n cage bottle into a Pipeworks snifter.
A- pours near black with a huge 3" light tan head. Big ring around the top of the glass along with other trails of lacing.
S- light roasted malts, lots of citrus (grapefruit, melon, orange), light spice and pine.
T- spiced malts, light roast, lots of citrus again, citrus rind bitterness.
M- medium body and carbonation. Creamy feel and has a dry finish from the bitterness.
O- good beer, more of a rye pa than a black rye pa. Lots of citrus with less chocolate or roast then a wookie jack or something similar.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 750 ml cork n cage bottle into a Pipeworks snifter.
A- pours near black with a huge 3" light tan head. Big ring around the top of the glass along with other trails of lacing.
S- light roasted malts, lots of citrus (grapefruit, melon, orange), light spice and pine.
T- spiced malts, light roast, lots of citrus again, citrus rind bitterness.
M- medium body and carbonation. Creamy feel and has a dry finish from the bitterness.
O- good beer, more of a rye pa than a black rye pa. Lots of citrus with less chocolate or roast then a wookie jack or something similar.
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4.25/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured into a Black Raven pint glass. Pours a very dark, opaque brown with a massive light brown half glass head that slowly dissipates to a half finger head with pillowy lacing. Aroma of light toasted malt, citrus hops and slight rye sourness. Unusual flavor of toasted and caramel malt, some nuttiness; transitions to dark malt and sweet fruit juice then finishes with piney, citrus hops and slight rye sourness. A fun roller coaster of a flavor progression, with the sweet fruit part a unique component. Medium bodied. This is an unusual, but completely enjoyable rye / black ale; IPA hoppiness is subdued, but the balanced, interesting flavors more than hold interest. Hope to see this one again.
700 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured into a Black Raven pint glass. Pours a very dark, opaque brown with a massive light brown half glass head that slowly dissipates to a half finger head with pillowy lacing. Aroma of light toasted malt, citrus hops and slight rye sourness. Unusual flavor of toasted and caramel malt, some nuttiness; transitions to dark malt and sweet fruit juice then finishes with piney, citrus hops and slight rye sourness. A fun roller coaster of a flavor progression, with the sweet fruit part a unique component. Medium bodied. This is an unusual, but completely enjoyable rye / black ale; IPA hoppiness is subdued, but the balanced, interesting flavors more than hold interest. Hope to see this one again.
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4.19/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750 Ml poured into a tulip
A- Pours murky brown, almost balck in the glass with brown around the edges. A massive off tan frothy head with great retention.
S- A good citrusy hop profile in the beer. A slight roastedness. A bit of wheat. A very herbal and earthy tone to the beer. Somewhat grainy and spicy.
T- A slight bitterness and a big bit of carbonation at first. The hop profile in this beer is somewhat floral and very citrusy. There is a lot of pineapple, lemongrass and mango in the beer. A subtle wheat character in this beer as well as a slight herbal spicyness from the rye I assume. The roastedness comes in on the back end and really only lingers for a second. A well balanced beer.
M- High carbonation, medium bitterness and medium body. Quite drinkable. A changing taste profile.
O- This is pretty badass beer. A different beer and very well done. Definitely worth a try.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750 Ml poured into a tulip
A- Pours murky brown, almost balck in the glass with brown around the edges. A massive off tan frothy head with great retention.
S- A good citrusy hop profile in the beer. A slight roastedness. A bit of wheat. A very herbal and earthy tone to the beer. Somewhat grainy and spicy.
T- A slight bitterness and a big bit of carbonation at first. The hop profile in this beer is somewhat floral and very citrusy. There is a lot of pineapple, lemongrass and mango in the beer. A subtle wheat character in this beer as well as a slight herbal spicyness from the rye I assume. The roastedness comes in on the back end and really only lingers for a second. A well balanced beer.
M- High carbonation, medium bitterness and medium body. Quite drinkable. A changing taste profile.
O- This is pretty badass beer. A different beer and very well done. Definitely worth a try.
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4.17/5 rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
750ml into a pint
A - Super frothy pour - head busting at the seems. Brown colored formation. Beer itself is brown with some amber highlights.
S - Potent hop aromas, of the earthy and dank styles. Not detecting much of the grains yet.
T - Smooth and sweet beginning, with just a bit of the nuttiness coming in from the rye. Roast is light. Mid-stream turns more bitter, a little more grainy and spicy. Hopping comes on very strong, I'm guessing summit hops. Finishes with a little bit of a sweetness.
M - Creamy body, lots of carbonation here. Almost too much. Does well to offset the somewhat hefty nature of the beer.
O/D - An interesting and very hoppy black ale/rye IPA. A little bit filling from all the carbonation. ABV is moderately reasonable. A bit of a palette smasher.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
750ml into a pint
A - Super frothy pour - head busting at the seems. Brown colored formation. Beer itself is brown with some amber highlights.
S - Potent hop aromas, of the earthy and dank styles. Not detecting much of the grains yet.
T - Smooth and sweet beginning, with just a bit of the nuttiness coming in from the rye. Roast is light. Mid-stream turns more bitter, a little more grainy and spicy. Hopping comes on very strong, I'm guessing summit hops. Finishes with a little bit of a sweetness.
M - Creamy body, lots of carbonation here. Almost too much. Does well to offset the somewhat hefty nature of the beer.
O/D - An interesting and very hoppy black ale/rye IPA. A little bit filling from all the carbonation. ABV is moderately reasonable. A bit of a palette smasher.
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4.25/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750ml bottle: This one pours a fairly opaque, dark brown color. There was about a finger of fairly dense tan head on it. It leaves a bit of lacing. Nice nose to this one. Pine, some citrus and rye are predominate. Getting some other fruits hiding in the background. Nice taste. A good citrus and pine bitter bite to it, followed by some roasted malt. Some rye, maybe some of the fruits hiding in there. Very nicely balance body. This is very good and worth searching out!
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750ml bottle: This one pours a fairly opaque, dark brown color. There was about a finger of fairly dense tan head on it. It leaves a bit of lacing. Nice nose to this one. Pine, some citrus and rye are predominate. Getting some other fruits hiding in the background. Nice taste. A good citrus and pine bitter bite to it, followed by some roasted malt. Some rye, maybe some of the fruits hiding in there. Very nicely balance body. This is very good and worth searching out!
471 characters
Grainstorm Black Rye IPA from Boulevard Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
4.05 out of
5 with
668 ratings
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