“This tentacled terminator packs a punch – ten punches to be precise. Each hop addition adds to the intense layers of depth in this red rye IPA. Toasty caramel & cinder toffee from crystal malts, cacao richness from intensely roasted malt and the spiciness of rye. Zesty pithiness from citra and the robust resin of chinook. This small batch exclusive brew is up-front intensity matched with twisted complexity.”
Served in an IPA glass. A short tan head lays atop an attractive ruby red body. The head falls away quite quickly but not before it weaves a dense and wavy trail of lace down the walls of the glass. The aroma isn’t as pungent as we were hoping, although a dominant spicy rye scent does lead out. In support is a decent balance between dank, fruity hops and sweet caramel malts and toffee. A good dose of pine certainly comes through too. Undertones of fresh pineapple, blood orange and strawberries provide yet another tier of fruity sweetness. Well, the nose may not be pungent but it’s definitely well layered. Pretty smooth overall feel in the mouth, no where near as aggressive and bitter as we were expecting. The silky smooth texture coats the palate nicely as the medium-sized body holds up and gradually proceeds to the swallow. Not only is the 65 IBU contained so is the 7.4% ABV. Surprisingly accommodating! Hints of caramel and sweet toffee malts are quickly followed by spicy rye and piney hop notes on entry. Flavours of ripe citrus fruits like orange, tangerine and mandarin carry through the mid and land on a dry and mildly bitter finish that reveals subtle herbal accents in the tail. As we’ve mentioned a couple of times already this red rye IPA isn’t what we expected. A bit questionable over the lack of bitterness and a bit more oomph in overall feel and flavour was needed. On the flip side it’s quite a sessional drop for its size so they’ve done well there. To sum up though, we’ve had much better from Brewdog.