Blackheart - Three Floyds Brewing Co.

    Blackheart is an English Style India Pale Ale created by Three Floyds which is located in Munster, Indiana. The ale is brewed using all English ingredients, and is aged on toasted oak. The label artwork is a collaboration with the Black Heart Tattoo shop in San Francisco.

    Blackheart pours a slightly hazy golden orange with a thick, off-white head. The foam leaves a thick lacing on the glass as well as creates a thin layer between the ale and the air.

    Pouring the English IPA releases an aroma of sweet orange peel and piney hops. Once in the cup, one can note the sweet, bready notes of the English malts.

    Blackheart has a medium body which is heightened by a moderate level of carbonation. The ale has an extremely nice creaminess to it which makes it go down easy. The dangers of being fooled by the ale's drinkability are forewarned by a nice alcohol warmth. At 8.5% ABV, one wouldn't want to drink too much of this too quickly!

Blackheart and artwork by Tim Lehi of Black Heart Tattoo. For some reason
this is how I imagine Charlie Sheen will die.

    The English IPA's flavor starts out with a nice bouquet of hops flavors, mainly orange and piney resin. These bitter flavors are quickly balanced by sweet malts which bring to mind brown sugar and caramel. Bringing up the rear is the subtle flavor of toasted oak, really making this beer unique and interesting.

    I find the collaboration between Three Floyds and Black Heart Tattoo interesting as alcohol and tattoos have an long history together. In fact, it's become a common joke whenever someone has a new tattoo to ask if the wearer remembers getting it. As I looked around Tim Lehi's website, I noticed that he has done two other labels for Three Floyds beers. I guess I know who to go to if I ever decide to get some ink!

    Blackheart is a very interesting IPA as the English malts make for a much sweeter experience than some. I have to say that the aging on toasted oak is what really makes this beer special. It's so interesting to me how such an subtle, almost imperceptible flavor can make such a huge difference in a beer. Definitely pick up this May release if you spot it on the shelf!

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