Two Brothers - Cane and Ebel Red Rye Ale

Today I'll be taking a look at this Red Rye Ale from Two Brothers Brewing.  I tried their Resistance IPA recently, which was phenomenal, so hopefully their streak will continue with this brew.  This is a year-round beer brewed with Rye and Thai Palm Sugar.  What is Thai Palm Sugar, you ask?  WELL, according to the Wikipedia internet-brain, it is a blend of coconut palm sugar, white cane sugar, and malt sugar.  Should make for an interesting, sweet flavor addition in this brew.

The label designs from Two Brothers have been simple but professional - this label includes a drawing of a Thai farmer, presumably picking from sugar cane stalks.  The beer is a dirty, murky dark brown with a 1/4 finger egg-white creamy head.  Nose is spicy with rye and malt-forward with brown sugar making a big statement.  Also a little bit of wood, maybe oak, although I'm pretty sure this wasn't barrel-aged.  The drink is a lot hoppier than the nose let on - lemon zest and orange rinds up front.  Also a faint grassiness.  Then come the malts - raw almonds and spicey rye are primary here, along with a nice touch of sweetness that must come from that palm sugar.  The finish is dry and clean, with the spices hanging a bit in the aftertaste.  The 7% alcohol is well-hidden.

Overall Rating:  (4.8 out of 6.0)  Another solid brew from Two Brothers!  Those guys are building some great beers, and this is one of my favorites.  Smooth, creamy, and packed with interesting flavors.  Give it a try.