Glassware: IPA
Appearance: Uber dark for an IPA. That’s the rye at work there. Looks almost like a light brown ale. It constructs a frothy three finger head which holds its shape. Healthy lacing as it ebbs.
Aroma: Quite a different nature to most other rye IPA’s we’ve had. the rye plays a large role in that, but the supporting malts almost give it a bock or marzen-esque character. The rye provides its hallmark peppery spice, freshly baked wholemeal bread and black tea whilst the hops impart a more toned-down set of herbal spice, mixed citrus and pine. It’s not what we expected but we dig it.
Flavour: We’re getting bock-like character again which is pretty cool. It’s certainly the rye component doing that…with its peppery spice, wholemeal bread and pumpernickel. It quickly switches tact and goes full IPA mode early in the mid with its explosion of bitterness, citrus, herbal spice and dank pine/resin. Notes of caramel helps deliver a rather sweet and malty finish, but it’s nicely balanced by the citrus, peppery rye and dry bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Chewy and gelatinous initially then dry and frothy in the swallow. Medium body, slightly lifted Co2. A boisterous yet well contained 6.6% ABV.
Overall: They’ve certainly put the Sierra Nevada aura on to this. It is completely unique to every other rye IPA we’ve had. For that we tip our hats to these OG masters. Solid offering.