Bear Republic 'Hop Rod Rye' Specialty Ale. 8% abv. 80 IBU. Dark brown color. Lots of sediment floating in this unfiltered brew, which may or may not be to your liking (it is to mine). Nose is dominant rye grain, sweet, with ample malt and hop notes. Pours a thick rich head with excellent retention and lacing. Front taste is rich malt, grain, abundant bitter hops. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm-hot, thick, sticky, astringent. Aftertaste is where the rye shines, dominating the flavor profile, along with the onslaught of hops, nicely balanced in its bitterness, plus a creamy carb that coats the tongue well.
This is an excellent Specialty Ale. The rye is surely present in the aroma and aftertaste, and the malty backbone is balanced well with the hop bitter. Highly recommended, especially if you like rye beers.
From the brewery:
"At Bear Republic, hops take center stage. But, it's not just about being a hop head. It's about understanding how hops work to make a beer special. Oils. Lupulin. Terroir. Every one of our beers begin with a recipe, quality ingredients and hand-selected hops. (Hop Rod Rye is) a high gravity IPA brewed with 18% rye malt. Hop Rod Rye has a floral hop aroma and subtle caramel notes with a slightly earthy and spicy rye character."
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