Ryedentity Crisis - Knee Deep Brewing Company

KajII

North Carolina

3.33/5  rDev -4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

[Suggested Glassware: Tulip Glass]

The pour was a cloudy amber orange with an average (1-2 finger) white creamy head that slowly receded, down to a thin film with a small collar and possessed very good streaky lacing.

The aroma was of a light bread malt and a musty Belgian yeast with notes of apple, pears, rye, a mild peppery spice and a slight tartness.

The taste was lightly sweet with a mild tartness and a nice fruity presence from the start, and then became rather yeasty with a mild taste of rye and a slightly spicy ending. The flavor lasted an average duration after the swallow, with a lightly tart spicy taste left hanging on the taste buds.

Mouthfeel was a bit past light in body and watery in texture with a nice lively carbonation.

Overall this is a brew with a very interesting taste. Not exactly sure what to think of it, but I do know it is rather tasty and really grows on you the more you drink...

http://www.facebook.com/KAJIIsBeerReviews

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2012 15:18:58 | More by KajII

NoLeafClover44

Delaware

2.7/5  rDev -22.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

22 oz. bottle poured into an Allagash chalice. Batch 351, 1/16/12 printed on the bottle.

A - Pours a dull golden color with significant haze. About a half finger of head fizzles to a halo. The lacing is pretty good.

S - Smells of pear, belgian yeast, black pepper, and cheap wine. Sweet with a bit of a bready malt character. None of the rye I expected from the name. The aroma is too rich for the style in my opinion.

T - Starts with a sour apple tartness that fades to a malty center. Some out of place rye bread follows. Finishes with a strange corn flavor mixed with lemon and dates. There is a lot going on but the flavors never come together. Cloying on the palate.

M - Carbonation is adequate, but the body is a bit thick for a saison.

O - I picked this one up a Total Wines because I was intrigued at the prospect of a rye saison and the price was right. I was disappointed by pretty much every facet of this beer. I don't recommend it all, even with the low price.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2012 01:52:15 | More by NoLeafClover44

lacqueredmouse

Australia

1.65/5  rDev -52.4%
look: 1.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 1.5

Rye Saison? Sure, sign me up for that. Bomber purchased from Whole Foods, Los Altos, CA.

Pours a very clear deep yellow colour, with a very fizzy and insubstantial head of white, that expends itself after very little time. No lacing, very light body. Overall, it looks really quite weak and insipid. Not impressed.

Grainy, adjuncty, corny on the nose. Oddly sweet lager characters, and no hint of funk, spice, organics or anything truly saison-y. No, perhaps untrue: there is a hint of peppery spice to it, but it's the only notable thing in an otherwise very, very forgettable aroma.

Taste is similar, indeed—I feel like it might actually be worse. Here the adjunct character really comes to the fore, leading with a strong grainy corny character, with cooked green veggies and only a hint of that spice on the back. The only contrast comes from the overzealous carbonation, which is not helpful except that it makes you forget the cloying vaguely unpleasant sweetness.

Far from pleasant: I feel like this used an unusual amount of rye, which is where that unpleasant adjunct character comes from. Overall, it comes across as bland, unfortunate and unnecessary. Really not a good saison, really not a good rye beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-18-2012 00:48:01 | More by lacqueredmouse

facundoCNB

New Jersey

3.68/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a slightly hazy golden yellow pour with 2 fingers white foamy head, nice sticky lacing. smells bready, lemon citrus, pepper, grassy. taste is pretty much exactly like the smell, a bit of bitterness coming from the rye. light to medium body, mild creamy feel, nicely carbonated - very refreshing.

overall, this is a very modestly priced ($5 a bomber) refreshingly delicious saison. i didn't really know what to expect with rye in the mix since i've never seen that done before (not saying they're the first, just the first i've seen/had). it's pretty much a traditional saison style, with a slight amount of bitter toasty flavor that i assume is being let off from the rye - that;s the only difference i can notice form other saisons i've had. very tasty, and a perfect summer brew.. may have to invest in a few more bottles before it's gone from the shelves.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2012 07:26:27 | More by facundoCNB

Cyberkedi

Georgia

3.63/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Aroma is yeasty and a little fruity, not strong but still inviting. It pours a nice clear amber with a fairly thick and somewhat persistent pale golden head that leaves a little lacing. Flavor is definitely better than the aroma - not quite full-bodied, but enjoyable, malty, fruity (apple plus a little pear) and yeasty, just a tad sweet and just a tad hoppy. Smooth texture has plenty of fizz and firm body. No crisis here - just a good sippin’ brew.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2012 01:10:13 | More by Cyberkedi

mikechance

California

3.43/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A --- a very hazy straw coloring.

S --- I pick up a little lemon grass, but not much else.

T --- Saison can be over the top for me. This one is very balanced due to the rye malts.

M --- Nice amount of carbonation and creamy silkiness

O --- The score may not reflect it, but I really enjoyed this beer. Not something I would go back to often, but still a solid drink.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2012 03:14:17 | More by mikechance

cichief

Virginia

3.43/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

poured from a 22 ounce bomer into a tulip glass.

A- pours a nice amber gold with an off white head which dissipates quickly.

S- subtle hoops aroma with a hint of grassiness and rye.

T- tastes hoppy at first, but finishes with a little sour rye.

M- thin body, very effervescent

O- a decent beer, nice for the summertime, the alcohol is well hidden.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2012 00:37:38 | More by cichief

ummswimmin

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This was the last bottle of my vacation in Florida. It saddened me to say goodbye to the warm weather of Florida for the mid-50's of New Jersey.

I used my tulip glass. I hope my mother-in-law doesn't throw it out before I come back to Florida.

This cross-brew had a nice orange/golden coloring with some minimal foam. The bouquet had lots of saison-venous qualities. I also get a little white wine. I don't taste much rye, though.

Surprisingly the flavor was kind of muted. Both saisons and ryes are pretty strong normally. This beer has some flavor, but I expect a flavor punch.

This is a pretty easy to drink beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2012 01:17:34 | More by ummswimmin

BeerLover99

New Jersey

3.28/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A: pale brown/shiny body, trace white head,
no lacing

S: sweet malt, nutty, caramel

T: sweet malt, caramel, nutty, semi-dry finish

M: med body, semi-dry mouth

O: Ok beer, feel like amber ale
not saison brew. I was confused
about this offering. Not to style,
but not bad either.

OK, NOT MUST HAVE!

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2012 18:26:06 | More by BeerLover99

cjgator3

Florida

3.85/5  rDev +11%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottle

A- Poured into a tulip glass. Pours a golden amber color with an off-white head.

S- The aroma is malt, rye, citrus, yeast and hops. Smells good!

T- The taste starts out with some spicy rye malt along with some citrus flavors, Belgian yeast and some hops in the finish.

M- The mouthfeel is light to medium bodied with a good amount of carbonation.

O- Overall, I really enjoyed this beer. I typically enjoy rye beers and this is a style that I haven't tried yet (rye saison).

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2012 02:39:12 | More by cjgator3

Seanibus

California

3.5/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Not bad - a bit bready with a Belgian phenolic edge.

Pouts a hazy golden with a short-lived white head. The aroma is phenolic and orangy, like a fermented mandarin orange. The flavor is strongly wheat-influenced, with a strong, flat bready character and a little of that wry rye character, like a slightly sweet matzoh. The mouthfeel is prickly with a bitter apricot finish.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 23:09:10 | More by Seanibus

BrewerB

California

3.68/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Picked this up recently at Healthy Spirits.

Pouring into a Jester King tulip that arrived courtesy of miikezombie. It's a hazy, medium-golden color with a 1-2 finger white foam. Retention is lacking but this could be a non-beer clean glass. Sticky legs cling the glass.

Complex yeast-driven esters in the aroma. Clove-like spiciness, hint of vanilla. Sour lemon rind and shredded coconut. Alcohol is present but not overpowering.

More yeast-driven flavor coming through to the palette but an equally intriguing malty profile makes an entry, too. Sweet pastry dough, clove spice. Tartness prevailing over bitterness. Dry finish.

Light bodied with a moderately high, tingling carbonation. Smooth for its ABV presence.

Full disclosure here, when I grabbed this beer I thought two things - "I really liked their Hopstar IPA and want to try another offerings." and "Rye IPAs almost always sit well with me." Then I found out this is a Rye Saison…oops. None the less, it's an interesting experience for the glass. As a saison, it's definitely missing some of the complexity the best in the category bring and I'm having trouble finding the rye. But still a worthwhile beer that I'm glad to have sampled.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2011 03:45:50 | More by BrewerB

brewandbbq

New Hampshire

3.73/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

22oz bottle.

Pours murky gold with a half inch head of white. Barely a whisp left on the surface with a few dots of lacing for the duration.

Aromatics lead off with honey, bubblegum, cut grass, clove dust and peppercorns.

Medium bodied with a syrupy, slickish mouthfeel.

Honey-drizzeled sweet malt, earthy spice, and tropical fruit start the palate. Grainy, peppery rye steps forward as does shades of tangerines and bubblegum.

Finishes with lingering sweet malt, citrus fruit, and a hint of band-aid.

This is a unique beer, but for a saison the carbonation is seriously lacking and overall the beer is way too sweet.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2011 01:53:51 | More by brewandbbq

maximum12

Minnesota

3.65/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks again to lurpy1 for hauling this back from Sacramento. Always eager to try a new rye, & rye saisons should be brewed more often. Well. 22 oz. bottle split into two tulips.

Pours an indelicate yellow. Murky. Nose is straight-up saison without much rye influence. Mostly Belgian yeasts. The rye rises from the swamp as it warms. Bit of fruitiness there, too.

Ryedentity Crisis oozes rye from the primordial slime. Rye rye rye. Spicy rye leaves fossilized footprints all over this beer, from the going down to coming up (burps). Belgian yeasts provide complementary, muted spicing. Little citrus. Not a real complex beer. Easy to sip, though.

Good beer that's easy to drink. Could use a jazz line or two, but hey, it has rye, it's tasty. I'll take it.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2011 03:52:00 | More by maximum12

mactrail

California

4.13/5  rDev +19%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Attractive golden coppery color in the chalice. Decent lacing and sparkly carbonation. I think what's different about this is the distinct biscuit flavor. The sweetness suggests a shortbread cookie, but not overwhelmingly. You wouldn't notice the rye flavor if it wasn't on the label, but this has its own pleasures. Even the mouthfeel is just sharp and bubbly enough.

It's a sweeter, richer combo than practically every Saison I've had but it has enough of the odd Belgian flavors to satisfy. You just have to think of it as more of a golden bock brewed when the monks were not in a penitential mood. Brewery says the malt includes pilsener, wheat, and rye with Hallertau hops.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2011 06:23:20 | More by mactrail

GRG1313

California

3/5  rDev -13.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a clear orange amber with a short lived white head.

Nose is full of assertive esters; assertive clean fresh pear and quite pleasant. Lots of perfume but no rye character at all.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with medium to heavy carbonation; just shy of too much.

Flavors are big and assertive but with a bit too much of a sweet character on the front palate, almost no midpalate character and goes quickly to a simple light bitter grapefruit finish.

This is the third of Knee Deep's efforts that I've tried and all are similiar in that they have assertive front palate character - no mid palate to speak of - and fast reaching, short finishes. Not a bad effort; just nothing special. Sweet character prevails which I find off putting; others may find attractive.

Note: The brewery identifies this beer on their website as a Belgian Saison. I get no saison character at all, regardless of saison style. Also, this is supposedly made with rye. There is no rye character anywhere. I love rye beer and I really looked. Perhaps that's why the name came about? Brewery realized issues but bottled anyway? Just a thought since this beer really does have a "ryedentity" crises!

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2011 17:40:32 | More by GRG1313

100floods

California

3.68/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

My girlfriend picked this up at the Petaluma Market. It was pretty good, good enough that I'm reviewing bottle #2.

This brew pours a pale yellow, with lots of visibile carbonation. A surprisingly low amount of head, even after pouring it straight into the glass (rather than tipping the glass a bit). Notes of pepper, astringent yeast, bubble gum very clean. Faint notes oc grassy-light citrus.

Big rye flavor with a good carbonated texture to open the door for the rest of the brew. Again, noticeable astringent flavors follow the initial rye flavors. Medium body, a little too thick for my saison preference, but it does not work against the beer's plus sides. While the rye presents itself immediate, it doesn't have as large of a presence as I would have liked. But it works nicely with the yeast. The big lasting flavors seems to be in the finish, where I am tasting something like anise.

Adding rye to to a saison is definitely a good idea. I'm enjoying the addition of the rye malt to the traditional saison flavors. I'm not sure if the amount of malt in this beer was intentional, as it seems more full bodied than I'd like, but it's not so much a bad thing as it is a criticism. The anise seems to dominate the finish and lingers with each sip. Big points for executing this beer fairly well.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2011 00:04:04 | More by 100floods

FosterJM

California

3.88/5  rDev +11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

869th Review on BA
Bottle to Parra Tulip
22oz

No bottle date

Purchased from Aloha Liquors, Carson City, NV

App- Nice dark orange with some amber as a Rye beer should be. Picks up some of the grainy colors. A good two and half finger medium receding head with a big amount of cling and lace.

Smell- A small amount of rye, a small amount of malt. A bit of yeast. Smelled good just was lacking a big punch of aromatics.

Taste- A pretty balanced beer between the two styles. It has a firm grip on the rye flavors but blends well with the saison. The rye comes first and then the yeast and saison spice follow.

Mouth- A light medium with a medium carbonation. A good amount of peppery rye residual flavor.

Drink- I liked it. Not sure why first two slammed this one. Unique, balanced and flavorful. Nice beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-16-2011 21:46:32 | More by FosterJM

litheum94

California

3.2/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Amber body with a dark, brownish middle. Bone white head with large bubbles, leaves a thin cover and rings along the glass, marking your journey like a map.

The nose is very perfumey. Berry esters and sandlewood. Rye bread. Earthy yeast. Touch of cedar. Cinnamon. Reminds me a lot of incense.

Slightly fruity flavors at first, very sweet. Lead to some toasted caramel malts. Some faint Belgian yeast and a big mouthfull of rye and anise. Good amount of bitterness on the finish at first gives way to a strange, sickly sweetness that coats the mouth. It's a slightly unpleasant feeling.

I like the rye flavors, but that lingering sweetness is a turn off. And I wouldn't identify this as a saison in a blind test; it's more like a pale ale with rye. It's good, but I was hoping for more.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2011 03:40:36 | More by litheum94

ehammond1

California

3.73/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On Tap

Churchill's Pub & Grille
San Marcos, CA

Clear golden yellow with a thin white head. Spotted lacing down the glass.

The aroma is dominated by tangy Belgian yeast, along with some white fruits, apple and melon, and a bit of pepper.

The flavor is similar, with the white fruits leading the way, along with a strong yeast component, mild spice, and a bit of alcohol heat.

Thin to medium bodied with moderate carbonation.

Decent enough, but nothing special.

Serving type: on-tap

12-22-2011 02:57:24 | More by ehammond1

HopHead84

California

3.5/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12/17/2011

On tap at Churchill's.

A: Burnished yellow gold with a white head.

S: Pepper and coriander with wheat, grainy malt, apple, pear, and faint lemon. Spicy floral notes are evident.

T: Pepper-like phenols up front with notes of wheat and grain. Fruity esters remind me of apple and pear. Alcohol is faint. The finish has a lot of peppery phenols.

M: Lower medium in body with medium carbonation.

Overall: An okay strong Saison, but nothing I would revisit.

Serving type: on-tap

12-18-2011 16:23:39 | More by HopHead84

impending

California

3.75/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Petaluma Taps. Served in a tulip. Deep hazy light yellow orange dull straw color with minor dense white head, minor lacing.

Aroma is sweet, the rye is forward. Light skinned fruits, touch of citrus and minor mustiness.

Taste too is sweet, the rye defines the flavor. Nice complexity in the fruitiness but lacks a wild yeast kick. Finishes sweet not dry. Mild bitterness start the long lasting pleasant aftertaste. Medium bodied mouthfeel.

a unique saison
cheers
jd

Serving type: on-tap

05-19-2011 03:35:33 | More by impending