Knuckle Sandwich - Bootlegger's Brewery

mrotstein

California

5/5  rDev +15.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: bit of a dark orange/yellow color

S: This is where it hits. As soon after they serve me the cup I can smell it easily from 2 feet away. Smelling of wonderful hops and floral scents

T: Very good. Not too bitter, not too malty. Just right. I can keep drinking this if it was available in a unlimited quantity in my cup

M: Not heavy, goes does very easily and doesn't over power the senses

D: Like I said, Amazing, can drink this all day

Serving type: on-tap

05-08-2010 20:22:07 | More by mrotstein

MiloHoP

California

5/5  rDev +15.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours out a orange/red, nice 2 finger head and lacing on tulip glass.

Smells like fresh fruits, pine smell, HUGE aroma on this. Nice sweet caramel smell malt on it as well.

Tastes how it smells fresh hop taste, with fruits on front with a nice balance of hops and malt backbone finish leaves you wanting more. 10% not detectable on this treat of a drink.

This is a dangerous beer for the non suspecting. Lives up to its name, drink too many its like Mike Tyson punching you in the face in his prime.

This beer belongs in the top tier of DIPA's in my opinion. Has all you want in that category and more. This is on my TOP 3 in the style, great brew Bootlegger's! Perfect score in my books.

Serving type: growler

02-25-2011 06:34:01 | More by MiloHoP

afksports

New York

4.95/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

If I'm not mistaken, this is the highest I've ever rated a beer. Damn near perfect in appearance, smell, taste, mouthfeel and drinkability. Knuckle freakin' Sandwich from Bootlegger Brewery in Fullerton, CA. Thank you, Martin, for this in a trade. Thank you, me, for asking for it. Holy cow. This may be a new Top5 beer. Definitely my top IPA. And I had it side by side with Pliny the Elder.

In appearance it's a robust and deep amber that's nearly clear, with brilliant head and lacing throughout. That head smells like floral and sweet hops aromas paired with a perfect malt balance that's full of caramel. The taste begins malty caramel with hops, then the hops really take effect, and then it finishes clean. As it warms, the finish with hops bitterness becomes more evident, but it stays mild. So somehow the folks at Bootleggers have figured out how to pull out the brilliance of the citrus, pine, and floral elements of hops without having the bitterness be overwhelming. A bready character to the malts is probably part of it.

This isn't just drinkable. It's all I want. The carbonation is perfect and fills the mouth on every sip - even to the end of the bottle. Even the booze, at 10%, is in perfect balance. I don't even notice it. My adrenaline is pumping I'm so excited. I must have more.

End review. I just don't have any other words.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2011 04:33:04 | More by afksports

bs870621345

New Jersey

4.95/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Heard about the comparisons of this to PtE.

Pours amber with an inch and a half of white head. Tiny bubbles that last all day with nice lacing down the glass.

Smells of a huge hop presence. Grapefruit, orange, and pine hops. Strong caramel backbone there to hold the hops up.

Taste follows smell. This, is a perfect DIPA. Explodes with orange/grapefruit and carries into a mellow pine taste with caramel on the end. Finishes clean.

Mouthfeel is nicely carbonated and moderate mouthfeel.

Drinkability is amazing for 10%. Didn't even realize it was that high.

Gives PtE a run for its money, I say that it wins.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2011 02:17:49 | More by bs870621345

coldmeat23

Oklahoma

4.93/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

GLASS: St. Bernardus Oversized Wine Glass
TEMP: Cellared @ approx 45 degrees
Thanks to RodBurg for this one!

This pours up a dark shade of amber with some light ruby tinting. It is slightly darker than anticipated, for a DIPA. (Still looks great, though!) A head of creamy looking, white-colored, foam sits on top. It forms a head that is about a finger thick, then recedes to a very nice surface covering. The lacing is thick and very sticky.

Hops are absolutely front and center with this one....as they should be. Lots of resinous, 'green', dank notes are here, mingling with some nicely sharp citrus notes and even some passing tropical hints. Pine, grapefruit, orange, lemon zest, pineapple, mango, nectarine....it just keeps on going. A light hint of earthiness. A definite touch of caramel malt sweetness is on the backside of this one.

This is a beer with a great sense of balance to it. The hops are definitely the star and make themselves known, right away. They come out bitter and fruity, which is a touch of balance, on it's own. Then the maltiness comes in, just a little bit, to bring a touch of sweetness to the mix. The hops come back up with a good deal of pine notes. They bring a wonderful earthiness with them which gives a good touch of dryness to the finish.

This is medium-to-full-bodied and has a light-to-almost-medium level of carbonation. This works very well for this particular beer. It allows it to remain crisp, yet have a good dose of creaminess which makes it very smooth and enjoyable.

This is one exceptional beer. It is full of big, rich, bold flavors. They are balanced out to the almost perfect level. They don't 'battle' with each other, they let each other have their own chance to shine. It is delicious and beautiful.
On top of that, the 10.00%abv is absolutely nowhere to be found! You probably couldn't drink this one all night, but you could seriously drink it until you fell over! The best part is that you'd have no idea why you were no longer able to stand...of your on accord.
Seek this one out, people.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2011 01:37:24 | More by coldmeat23

rtaps

California

4.93/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

into a tulip glass

A very nice amber color, with an off white kind of frothy head. pretty good retention leaving lacing around the glass.

wow when i cracked/poured it the aroma hit me right away. nice floral, citrus and piny hops balanced well with grapefruit and a malty backbone

taste fallows the nose. big citrus, floral and piny hops balanced well with grapefruit and malt

medium bodied, medium carbonated, sweet smooth and slightly creamy

overall was worth the hunt and held up to the hype. Damn good DIPA with this and citra i dont know if i would need another one

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2012 05:43:41 | More by rtaps

brystmar

New York

4.93/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Bottle from the most recent batch, opened 3/10/2012. Reviewed from notes.

I have different tastes in IPAs than many beer geeks; I want a balanced, rounded mixture of hops & malts instead of a sharp, aggressive hop character with a biting bitterness that lingers. If you're expecting another DIPA along the lines of Palate Wrecker or Ruination, this brew will disappoint. But that would be crazy because Knuckle Sandwich is the world's best DIPA!

Amber/golden body with creamy, white head. Its bubbles exude a heavenly aroma of hops, fruit, malt, and other delectables. More strongly juicy & fruity than most other IPAs. Makes me want to powderize the remnants, sift it into lines with a credit card, and snort the stuff directly into my cranium.

Taste is sublime! Layers of silky hops and fruits dance around my mouth. Fresh Citra hops are out in force, though the strong malt backbone keeps everything in check. Soothing hoppy bitterness blends perfectly with the alcoholic character to warm my throat as it descends, much like the boozy sensation from a good RIS. Each flavor is bright and beautiful, thanks to the freshness of this bottle. Enjoying this within a week of bottling was a good choice.

Best IPA I've ever tasted, hands down. Abner is a close second, but I currently bow before Knuckle Sammich. Need moar!

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2012 15:59:40 | More by brystmar

ejyoung

Arizona

4.9/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Second time having this beer and I love it more with every sip. Great color with an off-white head. The smell is one of my favorite parts of this beer - amazing hop aroma with pineapple, citrus, and pine. Powerful smell. The taste is just as excellent. Fairly malty compared to some other DIPAs but still has great hop presence. I could use a little more carbonation, otherwise mouthfeel is good. Super easy to drink for 10%.

Seems like this beer is picking up steam lately. I wouldn't be surprised to see this get a lot more notoriety soon. One of my favorite DIPAs I've ever had.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2011 03:55:30 | More by ejyoung

PeprSprYoFace

California

4.9/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

One of the best IPA's I've ever had. Better than hopslam. Maybe not as good as Younger, Elder or Heady Topper but I might have to give it 4th place.

On Tap at Bootlegger's in OC. Super fresh.

Pours an amber honey color. Very clear with a very nice sticky white head and lacing. Very good lookin beer.

Aroma isn't as good as the IPA's I listed that were better but still pretty good. Very citrucy hops. Little bit of peach and tangerene.

Taste is awesome. Sweet like a hopslam but the hop profile is better IMO. Tons of citrus and peaches and a bit of honey. Sooo tasty.

Mouthfeel is perfect. Sweet and malty but not chewy. The hop bitterness and the malt profile makes it feel amost dry and malty at the same time. If it's possible.

Overall an awesome beer that I hope they expand their brewery for so they can make it all the time and it won't be in such short supply.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2011 22:57:48 | More by PeprSprYoFace

Jules11788

California

4.9/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A: Pours a two finger-width head, slight lacing, good retention; nice clear golden-honey color.

S: Wow! HUGE floral notes with LOTS of tropical fruits and a deliciously fragrant resinous, piney hop smell. This beer smells like what I would imagine heaven would: fantastic.

T: Shit... this is incredible! Lots of tropical fruits with a citrus-y, piney, floral hop sweetness that settles into a nice smooth malty bitterness on the end. One of the best tasting DIPAs I've ever had (if not the best).

M: Medium thickness; lightly carbonated; buttery and smooth with no boozy sharpness whatsoever. Where is the 10% abv hiding?

O: This is a stunningly incredible DIPA. One of the best (if not the best) examples of the style that I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. It reminds me a lot of a fresh Drake's Denogginizer, but slightly better. If you EVER see one of these on the shelves, pick it up immediately. Outstanding in every way.

Serving type: bottle

08-08-2011 18:38:31 | More by Jules11788

gshak

Texas

4.9/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

If there ever was a perfect beer to represent the double IPA style, for me this it is!
A - straight pour out of the bottle into my Kostritzer stemmed glass. Formed a 2 finger's width of head subsiding into a thin ring leaving some lacing on the glass. The beer itself is bordering on yellow-orange tending towards light amber in color.
S - Whoa - guava is supremely dominant. This must be a super-fresh bottle! I pick up some papaya, honeydew, grapefruit, peaches. Mind blown!
T - Taste follows smell. Initial blast of sugary sweetness completely belies 87 IBU worth of hoppy bitterness. This is like drinking straight-up fruit juice. Sort of like a guava, papaya, grapefruit punch. The sweetness gradually diminishes as the beer flows through the mouth, indicating the counteraction of the hops and dries out towards the end. At no point do you feel any unwelcome bitterness or alcohol heat. The only indication of the 10% ABV is after a couple of sips, when you feel the warmth in your chest.
M - Perfect mouthfeel. The maltiness lends some body, but the carbonation and hops play together perfectly to make the mouthfeel lighter and quaffable. This is the sort of a beer that makes you take big gulps and let it play around in your mouth before swallowing it bit-by-bit.
O - Much as I like to rate this a perfect 5 (and the beer itself is worthy of this), I must deduct a point somewhere for not putting a bottled-on date anywhere on this brew. Brewers - not everyone might be as lucky as me to land a fresh bottle, please note and help us appreciate you better!
This beer is an ode to hops. Supremely well-balanced, supremely aromatic, supremely enjoyable. Even if I may never get to try this beer again, this beer has left an indelible impression on me, and will be the new benchmark for all DIPAs to follow.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 19:26:56 | More by gshak

M_C_Hampton

Georgia

4.88/5  rDev +12.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

A: poured from a 22 oz bottle into a snifter, a deep orange amber with a big off white head that dissipates slowly leaving some lacing, clear

S: tropical fruit, pineapple, mango, papaya, orange, grapefruit

T: heavy bitter hops up front, grapefruit, lime, fades into mango, pineapple, papaya, sweet finish that is heavy on floral hops with some pine resin, great malt profile

M: fairly viscous with higher carbonation, alcohol only slightly noticeable

O: This is a really top notch DIPA, that hasn't been hyped much at all. I had never heard of it until a friend from work sent it to me; thanks E.J.! It is on par with some of the best West Coast DIPAs I've had. It is well worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2013 01:34:58 | More by M_C_Hampton

UCLABrewN84

California

4.85/5  rDev +12%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a clear dark amber color with a HUGE 3 inch bone colored head. Thick foamy ring lacing on the drink down. A very beautiful beer. Smells of fresh pine hops, sweet malts, peach/nectarine. Taste is beyond delicious. Herbal piney hops, sweet malt base, and a very tropical peach-like fruitiness. Hardly any lingering bitterness on the tongue. 10% ABV is extremely well hidden in this beer. Good carbonation with a medium body. Slightly creamy and sticky. Drinkability is absolutely perfect. Very hoppy but without extreme bitterness, tasty malt backbone, and a wonderful fruity taste. I only bought one bottle and I wish I bought more. I will be on the lookout for this one from now on. A must try if you see it.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2011 01:58:07 | More by UCLABrewN84

LBBeer

California

4.85/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

On Tap at The Factory Gastrobar in Long Beach, CA.

A--Deep Copper color, ivory head. Not much lacing.

S-Deep sweet malt note, combined with bright citrus, and a balanced floral note.

T-This is my favorite beer currently being brewed because there is a giant dose of sweet malt to go along with and absurdly good citrusy hop profile. I have gone head-to-head against Port's Mongo and Drake's Denogginizer, and found them to be poor substitutes.

M-When I take a drink of this beer, for a second it feels like a really well-built European ale, and then the hops catch up and its true awesomeness is asserted.

D--Honestly, I could use even a bit more malt, and a skosh of roastiness.

There is no better double IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

03-06-2011 04:19:14 | More by LBBeer

vande

Illinois

4.85/5  rDev +12%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I really only want to say is, BUY IT! If you can find it and you like IPAs, DIPAs, hops.. You will love this beer!

A strong golden rod pour leaving very little lacy on the glass after sitting a minute too.. The nose and moth ~ both strong, well balanced hops flowing here...An excellent pairing the the first burgers on the grill today... Mouthfeel - smooth and too easy to drink.

If/when I get a chance to snag more..I'm sure I will!!

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2011 23:55:46 | More by vande

LaChupacabra

California

4.85/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Dark amber color with a good two fingers of off-white head. Head dissipated quickly leaving a small amount of spotty lacing. The nose on this one is big on tropical fruit and citrus. Pineapple, grapefruit, mango, sweet malts and a bit of boozy alcohol scent stand out. The taste is an intense blend of the aforementioned. A lot of succulent fruit, alcohol and a sweet, malty backbone coming through. Creamy, medium mouthfeel. Very drinkable.

One of my favorite D/IPAs. I wish this stuff was around more often.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 23:13:26 | More by LaChupacabra

werdnacross

California

4.83/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a bomber into a pint glass. Purchased at Wades Wines, my local bottle shop; Lucky me.

A-Dark amber color, slightly opaque with a solid head

S- Strong alcohol presence, just the way I like it.

T- Bitter, Hoppy, Malty, All around great tasting beer.

M- Strong taste, a little overbearing but still great.

O- A great beer a bit difficult to come by but will try to get my hands on it whenever I can.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2011 23:49:09 | More by werdnacross

snpub540

California

4.83/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Duvel tulip. It pours a copper hue with red highlights. It is topped off by a cream colored head that has some nice stickiness to the side of the glass. Slightly hazy with a nice stream of bubbles.

The aroma is perfect. There is floral, citrus, tropical fruit, and resiny pine notes all coming through. Malty sweetness and a hint of the alcohol are also there. My nose was stuck in the glass for awhile. Yeah, its that good!

Taste is also perfect. Its a hop heads dream, but it is also sweet. It is also strong and refreshing. How can it be so many things all at once. Resiny bitter hops, with a nice fruitiness. Alcohol warmtyh slightly in the finish but very smooth in general. This is by far the most complex IPA I've ever tasted.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and it is very pleasant. Drinkability is great for a double IPA. I just wish this was a regular offering because I could possibly drink this beer every single day. It's that good.

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2011 08:19:02 | More by snpub540

Reagan1984

Massachusetts

4.8/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Big thanks to Masterski (Alex) for providing this surprise in a recent trade. Alex is a stellar trading partner.

First thing I have to say is that as I popped the bottle I got a blast of the aroma. Fantastic. And no, I didn't open the bottle with my nose near the opening. Very fragrant, floral, fresh and plenty of grapefruit coming through.

A thin finger plus head stays for just a short while and settles to a think cap. The beer is a very bright and clear copper/amber color with no visible carbonation. An unexpected amount of lacing for the head that developed. There were sheets of lace lining the glass.

Wow, excellent DPA. While this is a hop focused beer, there is a great balance here. The malt backbone is fantastic. Big fruit flavors with plenty of tropical notes. There is a sense of the alcohol, but again the balance is spot on. Doesn't feel like a 10% abv. This is a top notch DPA. I get a note of honey in the finish. The aftertaste is also fantastic.

The carbonation is almost like a cask conditioned beer. The feel is very smooth and just wonderful. I am falling in love with this beer as I work my way through the bottle.

Phenomenal Beer

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2011 23:31:43 | More by Reagan1984

Drinkerofales

California

4.78/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I had this on tap at my local Oggi's

a - Great color, a clean amberish-orange, slightly murky

s - hops, grapefruit, citrus, and a malt sweetness undertone

t - bright citrus hops up front, with malty sweetness in the middle, and both on the back, a excellent changing of the flavor throughout

m - it feels almost light, the right amount of alcohol flavor and feel, doesn't feel like the high abv it is

o - this has rapidly become one of my top 5 beers of all time, just wish it was more available, even going to the brewery itself they didn't have any. If I would want anything from this beer it doesn't have, it would be that I could have it all the time.

DOA

Serving type: on-tap

11-14-2011 02:30:28 | More by Drinkerofales

BrantleyJ

California

4.76/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Wow! I was pleasantly surprised by this DIPA. I picked up a few bottles from my local grocer after hearing good things about it. The hop aroma is intoxicating. If I could create an air freshener for my truck that smelled as good as Knuckle Sandwich I would. It tasted a good as it smelled, and surprisingly drinkable for a 10% beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 01:43:33 | More by BrantleyJ

SDtastentune

California

4.75/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A - Dark amber orange yellow, good lace, good head but I pour it slow!

S - Citrus zesty hops, dank pine, kushy??

T - Citus & some hops, more zesty and balanced grapefruit kinda fruits but has a great manageable aftertaste

M - Medium to more carbonation, I like that though. Great balance with a not over the top aftertate surprises me for a 10% DIPA

D - I think this drinks easy for a 10% DIPA, But very flavorful and rich, reminds me of an Islander IPA from Coronado brewing. Thumbs WAY up for a brewery doing it right outta nowhere!

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2010 02:22:31 | More by SDtastentune

MrVonzipper

California

4.75/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured a nice bright clear amber color with a slight ruby tone. Nice frothy tan head with decent retention and lacing.

Amazing nose. Very nice sweet citrussy notes including orange peel and sweet ruby red grapefruit.

Amazing balanced flavor. Excellent sugary malt character on the back end supporting the great citrus and floral hop notes. Very nice aftertaste like a grapefruit-sugar brulee.

Nice full bodied mouthfeel that is creamy yet a tad tacky coating the entire palate. Good carbonation.

Overall this is one of the beat DIPAs out there. The nose is Perfect. The flavor is amazing and So Well Balanced. We need more hop production so we can get more of this stuff made!

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2011 21:56:35 | More by MrVonzipper

chickencoop

California

4.72/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thank you Green Jug for always having Bootleggers, and this recomendation, as well as the closest place besides WF-Santa Clarita that serves my Bottleggers fix from Oakland. On with the beer. Deep amber pour, big and sweet citrus on the smell and taste. The taste is smooth, get's a little more boozy as it warms but way to drinkable at 10%. great beer, need more.

update 1-7-11; one of the most consistant DIPA's out there.

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2010 05:00:57 | More by chickencoop

JeffBob

California

4.72/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

poured from tap at Bootleggers brewery into a beer glass.
A Great 1/2 inch of foam
S aroma of fantastic hoppy piney sweetness.
T At first bitter hops then sweetness hits you fading away to a nice bitter hop aftertaste.
M bitter dry and smooth
O just fantastic this beer ruined most IPA's for me.

Serving type: on-tap

04-17-2011 19:28:37 | More by JeffBob