Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA – Oregon's Venomous Strike of Hop Excellence

Updated → August 2025

At 9% ABV and 60-80 IBUs, Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA represents the pinnacle of West Coast Double IPA craftsmanship, delivering a massive 4.5 pounds per barrel of Simcoe, Centennial, Chinook, and CTZ hops in perfect harmony with a robust malt backbone.

The West Coast Double IPA Revolution

The American craft beer landscape has witnessed countless style innovations, but few have captured the imagination quite like the West Coast Double IPA. This bold style emerged from California's pioneering breweries in the late 1990s, forever changing how we perceive hop intensity and alcohol balance. Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA stands as a modern testament to this revolution, pushing boundaries while respecting tradition.

West Coast Double IPAs distinguish themselves through their unapologetic hop presence, crystal-clear appearance, and surprisingly drinkable nature despite elevated alcohol levels. Unlike their hazy East Coast counterparts that emphasize juicy, tropical notes, West Coast variants celebrate resinous pine, citrus peel, and floral aromatics. The style demands technical precision – any brewing flaw becomes magnified when working with such intense hop loads and high gravity worts.

Boneyard Beer's Craft Legacy

Nestled in Bend, Oregon, Boneyard Beer has cultivated a reputation that extends far beyond the Pacific Northwest. Founded by Tony Lawrence, a former brewer at Deschutes Brewery, Boneyard emerged from humble beginnings with a clear mission: create hop-forward beers that balance aggression with drinkability. The brewery's name itself tells a story – they began by rescuing and refurbishing discarded brewing equipment, giving new life to what others considered scrap metal.

This resourcefulness translates directly into their brewing philosophy. Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA exemplifies their approach – nothing goes to waste, every ingredient serves a purpose, and the final product must deliver exceptional value. The brewery's growth from a small operation to a regional powerhouse hasn't diminished their commitment to quality. They still hand-select hop lots, maintain rigorous quality control, and refuse to compromise on their vision of what great beer should be.

Understanding Hop Venom's Profile

At first glance, the statistics for Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA might seem intimidating: 9% ABV and approximately 60-80 IBUs suggest an aggressive beer that challenges the palate. However, the genius lies in its execution. The substantial malt backbone provides a canvas for the hop expression while preventing the bitterness from becoming harsh or astringent. This balance transforms what could be a one-dimensional hop bomb into a nuanced drinking experience.

The beer pours a gorgeous amber-gold, crowned with a persistent off-white head that leaves intricate lacing down the glass. The clarity speaks to Boneyard's dedication to traditional brewing techniques – no shortcuts, no haze-inducing additions, just pure craftsmanship. The aroma hits immediately upon pouring, filling the surrounding air with notes of fresh pine needles, ruby red grapefruit, and subtle caramel sweetness that promises the balance to come.

The Art of 5-Pound Dry Hopping

The technical achievement behind Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA becomes apparent when examining their dry-hopping regime. Multiple additions at 5 pounds per barrel represent an extraordinary commitment to hop character. This isn't simply about throwing hops into the fermenter – it requires precise timing, temperature control, and an understanding of hop oil extraction dynamics. Each addition builds upon the previous, creating layers of complexity that unfold with every sip.

The economic implications of such generous hopping rates cannot be overlooked. Premium hop varieties command premium prices, especially when purchased in the quantities Boneyard requires. This investment in raw materials directly translates to the glass, where drinkers experience hop intensity rarely achieved even in other Double IPAs. The multiple dry-hop additions also extend production time, tying up fermentation vessels longer than standard beers – another cost that reflects Boneyard's quality-first approach.

A Sensory Journey Through Each Sip

The first sip of Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA delivers on the aromatic promises. The initial impression strikes a balance between hop bitterness and malt sweetness, neither dominating but working in harmony. Citrus notes reminiscent of tangerine and blood orange dance across the palate, followed by a wave of piney resin that coats the tongue without becoming cloying. The carbonation level perfectly complements the body, providing enough effervescence to cleanse the palate between sips while maintaining a creamy mouthfeel.

As the beer warms slightly, additional complexities emerge. Subtle stone fruit notes appear – hints of apricot and peach that add depth to the citrus-forward profile. The malt character reveals itself more fully, contributing biscuity and caramel flavors that provide essential balance to the hop intensity. Despite the 9% ABV, alcohol heat remains remarkably subdued, integrated seamlessly into the overall flavor profile rather than announcing itself with unwelcome warmth.

The Four-Hop Symphony

The hop bill for Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA reads like an all-star lineup of American hop varieties. Simcoe brings its signature cat-like dankness and tropical fruit notes. Centennial, often called "Super Cascade," contributes classic citrus and floral characteristics. Chinook adds grapefruit and pine resin intensity, while CTZ (Columbus/Tomahawk/Zeus) provides a punchy bitterness and additional citrus complexity. Together, these varieties create a symphony rather than a cacophony, each playing its part in the overall composition.

Understanding these hop varieties helps appreciate the brewer's art. Each variety has optimal usage points during the brewing process – some excel in early additions for bittering, others shine in late additions for aroma, and all contribute uniquely during dry hopping. Boneyard's brewers have clearly mastered this choreography, extracting the best characteristics from each variety while avoiding harsh or vegetal notes that can emerge from improper usage.

How It Stacks Against the Competition

In the crowded Double IPA market, Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA holds its own against both regional favorites and national brands. Compared to Russian River's Pliny the Elder, Hop Venom presents a more approachable bitterness while maintaining comparable hop intensity. Against Stone's Ruination 2.0, it offers better balance and drinkability. When measured against Firestone Walker's Double Jack (which inspired Boneyard's creation), Hop Venom shows its own personality while honoring the influence.

The 19.2-ounce stovepipe can format also deserves mention in comparisons. While many premium Double IPAs come in 12-ounce or 16-ounce formats, the larger serving size provides better value and suits the beer's sessionable nature despite its strength. This packaging choice reflects confidence – Boneyard knows drinkers will want more than a standard serving once they taste what's inside.

Food Pairing Excellence

The bold flavors in Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA demand equally assertive food pairings. The beer's bitterness and carbonation cut through rich, fatty dishes beautifully. Consider pairing with sharp aged cheddars, where the hop bitterness balances the cheese's richness while citrus notes complement its tang. Spicy cuisines also work wonderfully – the beer's residual sweetness tames heat while hops cleanse the palate between bites of Thai curry or Mexican mole.

For meat pairings, think bold flavors and char. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, blackened fish tacos, or even a perfectly seared ribeye all stand up to Hop Venom's intensity. The piney hop notes particularly complement herbs and smoke, making barbecue another excellent choice. Vegetarian options aren't excluded – roasted vegetables with robust seasonings, mushroom risotto, or even dark chocolate desserts can create memorable pairings when thoughtfully selected.

Optimal Serving Recommendations

To fully appreciate Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA, proper serving temperature and glassware matter more than casual drinkers might expect. The ideal serving temperature sits between 45-50°F – cold enough to be refreshing but warm enough to allow the complex aromatics to express themselves fully. Straight from the refrigerator often means missing nuanced hop oils that become volatile at slightly warmer temperatures.

Glassware selection enhances the experience significantly. An IPA glass, with its ridged base and tapered bowl, aerates the beer while concentrating aromatics. A tulip glass offers similar benefits with added elegance. Even a standard pint glass works well, though specialty glassware elevates the experience. Whatever vessel you choose, ensure it's clean and free from soap residue that can destroy head retention and alter flavors.

Maximizing Freshness and Storage

Hop-forward beers like Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA are best enjoyed fresh. Unlike styles that benefit from aging, Double IPAs showcase their hop character most vibrantly within the first few months after packaging. Check the canning date on your purchase and prioritize drinking within 90 days for optimal flavor. The enemies of hop freshness include heat, light, and oxygen – store cans upright in a cool, dark place, ideally refrigerated.

If you discover a can that's been stored longer, don't despair. While the bright hop aromatics may have faded, the beer often develops interesting malt-forward characteristics that some drinkers actually prefer. The bitterness mellows, allowing caramel and toffee notes to emerge more prominently. Think of it as a different beer rather than a degraded version – still enjoyable, just expressing a different personality than the brewer originally intended.

Hawaii's Craft Beer Renaissance

The availability of Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA in Hawaii represents the islands' growing sophistication in craft beer appreciation. No longer satisfied with mass-market lagers and tourist-targeted mai tais, Hawaii's beer enthusiasts demand access to the same quality craft products available on the mainland. Vintage Wine Cellar's decision to stock this Oregon favorite demonstrates their commitment to curating exceptional beverages for discerning customers.

The tropical climate presents unique challenges for hop-forward beers. Higher ambient temperatures accelerate aging, making proper storage even more critical. However, Hawaii's beer culture has adapted, with retailers investing in proper refrigeration and consumers becoming more educated about freshness. The reward for this diligence is access to world-class beers like Hop Venom, enjoyed with the same quality as mainland drinkers experience.

Seasonal Availability and Special Releases

While Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA enjoys year-round production, availability can fluctuate based on hop contracts and production capacity. Boneyard occasionally releases special variants, including triple dry-hopped versions that push the hop intensity even further. These limited releases generate considerable excitement among hop heads, often selling out quickly at retailers fortunate enough to receive allocations.

Smart shoppers track release patterns and maintain relationships with knowledgeable retailers like Vintage Wine Cellar. Staff at specialized bottle shops often provide insider information about incoming shipments and can reserve products for regular customers. Building these relationships enhances your craft beer journey beyond simple transactions, creating a community of enthusiasts sharing discoveries and recommendations.

What Homebrewers Can Learn

Homebrewers studying Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA can extract valuable lessons about Double IPA construction. The beer demonstrates that massive hop character doesn't require excessive bitterness – late additions and dry hopping provide aroma and flavor without harsh astringency. The clean fermentation profile suggests careful yeast selection and temperature control, likely using a neutral American ale strain that showcases ingredients without contributing unwanted esters or phenols.

The grain bill likely features a simple base of American two-row malt, possibly supplemented with small amounts of crystal malt for color and residual sweetness. Some brewers might include sugar additions to boost alcohol without adding body, maintaining drinkability at 9% ABV. The real magic happens in the hop schedule – homebrewers should experiment with moving additions later in the boil and exploring multiple dry hop additions to achieve similar aromatic intensity.

The Value Behind the Premium

Premium craft beers like Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA command higher prices than mainstream alternatives, leading some to question their value. Consider the economics: 4.5 pounds of premium hops per barrel represents significant raw material cost. Add extended production time, specialized equipment, and skilled labor, and the pricing begins making sense. You're not just buying beer – you're investing in craftsmanship, supporting independent business, and experiencing flavors impossible to achieve through mass production.

The 19.2-ounce format actually provides excellent cost-per-ounce value compared to many 12-ounce craft offerings. When evaluating price, consider the entire experience: the anticipation of opening a special beer, the sensory journey through each sip, the satisfaction of supporting quality producers. These intangibles, combined with exceptional liquid in the can, justify the premium for those who appreciate craft beer as more than mere refreshment.

Making Your Next Pour Count

Your journey with Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA begins at Vintage Wine Cellar, where knowledgeable staff can guide your selection and ensure you're getting the freshest product available. This isn't a beer to rush – set aside time to appreciate its complexity, preferably with friends who share your passion for craft beer. Consider purchasing multiple cans to explore how the beer changes as it warms, how different foods interact with its flavors, or simply to ensure you don't run out too quickly.

Remember that great beer creates memories beyond the liquid itself. The conversations shared over Hop Venom, the foods paired alongside, the moments of discovery as new flavors reveal themselves – these experiences elevate craft beer from beverage to cultural touchstone. Whether you're a seasoned hop head or exploring Double IPAs for the first time, Boneyard Hop Venom Dbl IPA offers an accessible entry into world-class craft brewing, available right here in Hawaii through Vintage Wine Cellar's carefully curated selection.