“Our latest Rare Breed has been dedicated to the hero of one of our favourite video games, Street Fighter’s Ryu. Ryu means ‘plentiful and abundant’ and this is exactly how we would describe the hops in this brew. In addition to Amarillo and Calypso pellets, we used Simcoe Lupulin and Ekuanot Lupulin. Lupulin powders are extra concentrated and oozing with highly resinous natural oils, resulting in a dense hop flavour and a strong, balanced bitterness.”
Glassware: IPA glass.
Appearance: Relatively clear amber pour with a thumb of foamy white head over the top. It holds its shape well and weaves a soapy lace down the walls of the glass.
Aroma: Tonnes of citrus in there – mostly lemon, grapefruit and orange peel with flashes of pineapple, melon and peach. We’re also picking up a hint of Earl Grey tea which works tremendously well with the spicy rye malts. The booze (7.8% ABV) is peeking through a little with just a slight touch of malt sweetness on the flank. Lovely!
Flavour: A bit of a citrus bomb on entry. It explodes with grapefruit, lemon and orange peel before its reinforced with the spicy rye malts and super subtle notes of umami. The citrus bitterness intensifies late in the mid and compliments the dry, spicy and citric finish which goes the distance.
Mouthfeel: Dry and really well rounded. It coats the whole mouth nicely. 7.8% ABV and 66 IBU – both aggressive yet well tempered. Medium body and co2.
Overall: How could these 80’s babies refuse a Street Fighter-themed double rye IPA?! Impossible! Especially when rye IPA’s are one of our favoured styles….along with Ryu (sorry Ken, you were never as good!) Solid drop – flavour and inspiration wise.