I want to go out, don't know if I can, 'cause I'm so afraid of the Tommyknocker man.

Tommyknocker Brewery

Idaho Springs, CO

Hop Strike Black IPA

“Heavy on Hops and Balanced with Dark Rye Malt”

6.5% ABV

78 IBU

Tommyknocker has been creating quality lagers and ales in the Colorado Rocky Mountains since 1994. The bottle describes the legend of the Tommyknockers, mischievous elves who slipped into the gold mining camps of CO Springs.  Legend has it that they kept many miners from harm and led them to gold.  Perhaps these were the same mischievous elves who led me to this beer.  The malts that put the black in this Black IPA have a mellowing effect that makes this beer an easier drink than you’d expect from 78 IBUs. 

Chance of repurchase: 30% (largely because there are comparable, more geographically-convenient Black IPAs).