Tasting Notes

March 1, 2011 By Rick Lyke

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye: This 8 percent alcohol by volume brew uses 18 percent rye. The beer pours a bright cherry wood color with a creamy thick tan head. Plenty of piney hops in the nose. The flavor is a solid 90 IBU hop bomb. Good amounts of spice and a malt base that actually comes in at mid-palate to balance the brew, making it a big beer that is very drinkable.

Black Market Brewing Rye IPA: The beer pours a gold color with a slight amber tint and a full rocky head of foam. The ale has a pronounced floral aroma. The flavor has a forward mix of citrus and pine, with some background spice notes from the rye.

Founders Red’s Rye PA: The beer opens with a nice citrus nose and a golden orange color. The off white head lingers. There is a nice spice note from the rye and a ton of grapefruit notes from a healthy amount of Amarillo hops added during dry hopping.

Great Divide Hoss Rye Lager: A 6.2 percent alcohol by volume beer with 10 percent rye in the grain bill, Hoss pours a rusty brown with a thick tan head. The aroma has some good malt undertones with just a hint of citrus. The body has a nice malt biscuit flavor with some spice in the background.

Terrapin Rye Pale Ale: This pale ale pours a golden color with a rocky white head. The aroma has a nice floral and citrus note. The flavor has some good hop spice and a nice amount of malt overall. Well designed and layered flavor.

Two Brothers Cane & Ebel: This 7 percent alcohol by volume rye beer pours a dark amber color with a decent head. The aroma is slightly sweet and the flavor carries forward the firm malty character of the brew. There is a hint of roasted grains and the rye does help add some spice that provides overall balance to the beer.