Red's Rye comes to us from Founders in Grand Rapids, MI. This is a big red, brewed with Rye and a garden of Amarillo hops. Rye tends to add a nice mild nutty/spicy malt character to beer. Case in point was Schmaltz's Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA - that brew really showcased Rye in an IPA. It will be a treat to see how the Rye plays in this Red.
The label on this bottle gives the specs of 6.6%ABV and 70 IBU's. The picture on the label depicts the mug of an old lady, possibly Red? It's actually kind of disturbing....she looks like a crazy old grandma that could do some damage with a spatula...This beer pours a hazy, cloudy deep amber-red color with half an inch of frothy head. The aroma wafts out of this one - it was noticeable immediately after the pour. Fumes of florals, grapefruit, spices, and a dry sweetness. The taste doesn't dissapoint - very hoppy up front, and with more resiny pine in the hop profile than I expected from the nose. The malt backbone is present but timid, hiding in the shadows, with a slightly sweet bread note. The rye brings a dry texture, and adds an earthy, gritty bite to the finish. Carbonation is fairly heavy but pleasant.
Overall Rating: (4.9 out of 6.0) This was a hoppy, juicy beer that really hit the spot. The hops, sweet malts, and dry rye all came together to make a drinkable and delicious brew. The alcohol is dangerously hidden - take precaution!
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