I decided to go with Sierra Nevada's Ruthless Rye IPA to go with dinner. It was bought a while ago, so some of the flavors may be different. It was poured into a stemless brandy glass. It has a orange tinged copper color combined with two fingers of off white head. The head has a soapy consistency to it. Retention is average, splotches of lacing left on the interior. Aromas of rye is predominant..now that I'm getting a feel for what rye smells like, it's not too difficult to find. Pine notes are more predominant than citrus notes. Other aromas of caramel and spice are also picked up.
There's some bitterness up front from the hops, then the peppery taste of the rye comes next, the sweeter malt coming last before the rush of hops to provide the slightly bitter finish. It's not as hop forward as expected. The beer has a slick, oily mouthfeel. Carbonation is average, maybe it would be more potent if I was consuming earlier in the year. Body is also average, appropriate for the style.
It's a pretty good beer, but I don't find the rye to be a game-changer in the IPA world. It adds a different dimension, but I've yet to come across a rye beer that stands out. Give this one a try if you like IPAs, but I think there are better ones out there.
Grade: B-
Price Paid: $1.90 (12 oz bottle)
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