Bear Republic Brewery Hop Rod Rye
What the brewers say
“A high gravity IPA brewed with 18 percent rye malt. Hop Rod Rye has a floral hop aroma and subtle caramel notes with a slightly earthy and spicy rye character.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “For a rye IPA, this one features more citrusy notes than others, with notes of lemon and grapefruit rind. The spicy rye character becomes more prevalent as it warms.”
Flavor: “Starts with a prominent, almost intense, malt sweetness that gives way to an aggressive hops bitterness and powerful rye spice. As you adjust to it, you find more citrusy hop character.”
Overall: “Nice example of a Rye IPA, with enough rye to be foreceful while still maintaining a balance with the hops. This was one of those beers that develops significantly on your palate—up-front sweet followed by aggressive hops followed by aggressive rye.”
