Holy GOODNESS!!! Just had it, can't believe how spectacular it is... DISCLAIMER: BR's HHR is one of my all time fave beers on the planet. But still.... WOWEE! It's not often that someone other than Stone has "nailed" the Black IPA category, imho, but my hat is OFF to FW, once again, throwing out an offering that is truly "world-class"... California Love.... Firestone Walker Love.....
Yeah this is a fantastic Black IPA. I liked the spiciness from the Rye in this too. I don't believe any Black IPA will ever top Stone's 15th Anniversary though. IMO.
I really need to get my hands on that beer. As far as all the hype, Stone 15 was great; but really didn't amaze me at all. Hoppin Frog Hop Heathen and Arcadia B-Craft are top of the class currently. I am a huge fan of Black IPAs with a ton of roasted malt backbone, despite being a fairly big hophead. Southern Tier Iniquity fits the bill greatly as well.
I had Wookey Jack on tap during Chicago Craft Beer Week. I can't agree more, it's absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately, bottles still haven't hit the Chicago area.
Yeah, pretty good stuff. Second on my list. Third is Odells Mountain Standard. Deschutes Hop in the Dark stills beats all of them though. Haven't had a better black ipa yet. Outstanding. ( sorry, I know this is region specific)
Bro, sometimes I just need to admit I made a mistake. You are right my friend. (mabye I forgot because I've only had it twice) Boneyard armored fist fits right in the top three. Sorry wookey jack