He'Brew Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A. - Shmaltz Brewing Company

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.96/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a huge beer, not for the faint of heart. it pours reddish and darker for an ipa, with a bug sudsy tan head. the nose on it is grain heavy for the style, as the rye malt makes its presence felt early and often. theres sweeter grain too, toasted elements, and of course the hops, which fall somewhere north of citrusy but south of piney. flavor wise, the hop bitterness goes expertly with the spicy rye, and is very intense on the palate. the alcohol is curiously missing, which is a shock to me. there is something round and familiar in this beer bringing everything together too, and I want to say its oatmeal, but I cant be sure. its got that softness and sweetness, and the mouthfeel fits the bill, but who knows for sure? the hops outlast the rye in the finish, and my mouth is left panting. its a lot to process. a little light on the bubbles I thought, but the fuller body and creamy feel is really nice in an ipa. also the alcohol was masked very well. overall a beer id recommend sharing, but one I enjoyed very much.

Serving type: on-tap

05-05-2013 17:20:02 | More by StonedTrippin

Brenden

Ohio

4.38/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This beer shows off the tap a thick orange-brown, pretty much looking like bronze in my glass. It grows a creamy tan head to just over a finger, and the lacing it leaves behind is pretty heavy as well.
The aroma provides a good deal of strength and showcases both hops and malts while displaying a good balance, neither dominating. A distinct, almost fruity sort of note is in there under a heady spicy/earthy combo of rye.
There's an initial sweetness that comes out under a very big malty base, lots of caramel, toffee and something like dark fruits but with a distinct, not-quite-citrusy element to it. Spiciness is all over this, without ever quite getting carried away; it seems to come both from hops and from rye. Bitterness is on an even keel and adds to the flavor while being kept in check by the malts. Overall, it's also quite bready. There's a lot of transitioning in this beer, with first the sweetness, then the bread, then pine resin/leafy bitterness, then fruits, then a bit of dryness, then something not quite nutty, and it all comes together as one. Ultimately the flavors in the beer mingle nicely, giving a deep complexity and keeping each sip interesting. Alcohol warms but never dominates.
The body is thick, big but not cloyingly heavy, enough to rest a whole lot of flavor on top of without giving in. There's lots of creaminess carried through, and the crispness that starts it off never fades either.

Serving type: on-tap

01-03-2013 12:29:11 | More by Brenden

deuce9259

Ohio

3.88/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap, poured into a pint glass.

Deep red color with a thick creamy tan head.

Nose comes off strong with malt, minimal hops.

Full bodied taste. Don't get as much of the hops as advertised. Couldn't find the IBU's listed...but maybe its lighter to me because I've been drinking other hopped up stuff lately. Very creamy and sweet. Doesn't taste like 10%.

Again I think its good..but not anything special. Taste didn't really improve over the course of the beer. I would probably prefer it to have a bit more crisp and hops to it than all of the malt and cream that I got.

Serving type: on-tap

12-28-2012 03:59:07 | More by deuce9259

merc7186

New York

4.35/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had this beer poured on tap at the Ruck in Troy NY, poured into a pint glass.

A: Deep Amber/Brown Hue, Passes Mild Light, Thick White Head, Great Lacing

S: Sweet Bread, Rye, Mild Piney

T: Rye, Piney, Sweet Malts

M: Great Carbonation, Medium Bodied, Drying, Semi Sweetm Semi Bitter

Overall, a nice Rye IPA with a decent balance of sweet and hoppy.

Serving type: on-tap

05-30-2012 01:04:30 | More by merc7186

woosterbill

Connecticut

3.8/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at Prime 16.

A: Clear dark amber body with an inch of dense, creamy tan head. Great retention and lacing. Great-looking beer.

S: Powerful, balanced aroma of grapefruit hops and sweet, spicy rye malt. Simple, strong, and quite good.

T: Sweeter than the aroma, with lots of caramel leading through citrusy hops to a sweet, sticky, moderately boozy finish. The rye doesn't assert itself too much, with straight sweetness being more prominent than rye-specific character, although a bit of nice spice does infuse the aftertaste. It's solid, but not great.

M: Slick, moderately carbonated, and soft. Very nice indeed.

O: This is an enjoyable beer, but I wish the sweetness were less dominant. The hops and rye are the beer's two best attributes, and yet when it counts they are relegated to supporting roles behind thick caramel sweetness. Still, it's quite tasty overall and I think accomplishes what the brewers were going for. Worth a shot.

Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

03-04-2012 22:20:42 | More by woosterbill

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

3.85/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at the Doube Windsor, Brooklyn, NY. Poured into Chimay Chalice.
Pours a healthy reddish golden brown.
Smells of citrusy hoppy malts.
Taste is mainly of grapefruit hops...malty with sweet rye. Alcohol is present and obvious in every sip. Its a bit bitter and over malty in my opinion, but drinkable and different...but I wouldnt call it world class...

Serving type: on-tap

01-01-2012 19:32:18 | More by DrinkSlurm

ctfixer

Georgia

4.05/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap " The Usual Place" Augusta GA

A: White head, on top of a clear ruddy copper color. Excellent head retention, maybe indicative to the rye, one of the best I have seen.

S: Opposite many of the other he'brew beers, where sweet malt is dominant - this one has a very strong spicy hops character, with the malt playing a supporting role. Somewhat bready but hops, hops, hops!

T: Hello hops, big bite up front, which gives way to sweet malt. Alcohol well-hidden, for this big beer, very tasty if you are a hop head and like pushing the style limits.
Mouthfeel: medium-heavy mouthfeel, dry acidic finish that aids drinkability a little, but the aftertaste lingers.

M: Excellent again for this big style, I like the medium mouthfeel all the way around, with medium carbonation for 10% ABV

O: I swear I could drink 3 of these, but not sure thats a good idea, as one pint was plenty to start my night! Great beer from contract brew (Saratoga) my favorite He' Brew for sure...

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2011 00:32:20 | More by ctfixer

bnes09

Illinois

3.73/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Ruby red in color with a rich white-ish head. Excellent retention and some lace spots.

Rich and smooth malty aroma. Like whiffing some fresh baked biscuits smothered in maple syrup and cherry jam.

Intense malt character. Dense biscuity flavor with plenty of sweet caramel and cherries. Mild herbal hop attempts at balancing. Not like any IPA I have tried, way too much malt character, not bad though.

Dense, full-bodied ale and well carbonated. Sticky on the tongue and lips and lacks the dryness I expect in an IPA.

Pretty good but not quite an IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

10-06-2011 05:42:38 | More by bnes09

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a snifter at Durty Nellie's.

Had to cap things off at Nellie's somehow, so I figured I'd give this guy a go. It pours a clear sunrise garnet topped by a finger of dirty light-tan foam. The nose comprises dank greens, light leek, lightly toasted caramel, very light pine, and an even lighter hint of mint. The taste holds notes of toasted toffee, heavy pine, leek, and dark greens. The body is a light-leaning medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a kinda dry finish. Overall, a mostly solid brew, but the rye really never comes through, leaving things at the mercy of a slightly overly-piney hop lord. Not bad by any stretch, but probably not as good as it could have been (if that makes sense)...

Serving type: on-tap

09-27-2011 03:57:52 | More by TMoney2591

THECPJ

Delaware

3.93/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes: had on draft the 3P's

appearance: copper orange brown with a 1 finger head

smell: rye, spices, hops,

taste: rye bread, hops, very dry and bitter

mouthfeel: mild carbonation, medium body,

overall: hop bomb. holy cow was not expecting all that. pretty decent beer glad I got to try it.

Cheers,
The CPJ

Serving type: on-tap

09-11-2011 15:40:02 | More by THECPJ

bboelens

Florida

3.78/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Had on-tap at WOB, poured into a snifter

A-Dark orange-red, a thin dark head that left decent lacing

S-Hops, malt, spice, and alcohol, exactly what I'm looking for in a big DIPA

T-Hops, yeast and some grapefruit flavoring are the first to hit my tongue, the light malty taste comes immediately after and its chased by a strong but not overly powerful or repulsive alcohol flavor.

M-A full bodied beer, but something was lacking, a little too light on the carbonation made it feel a bit slick sliding down the throat, it really didn't detract from the beer at all though

O-In all this is an excellent beer bursting with a complex flavor profile, rich nose and beautiful look. I would definitely pick up a bottle.

Serving type: on-tap

08-22-2011 17:28:24 | More by bboelens

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

First had: on tap at Mayor of Old Town, Ft. Collins, CO

Poured a slightly hazy copper with a nice white head that left some decent lacing on the glass. A good aroma of mixed hops, sweet malts, and tangy rye. Oh, and alcohol. Not too strong, but definitely noticeable. The malt makes a brief appearance, before an influx of piney hops and bitter citrus, with a good rye base...and I do love rye in my beer. Thick, resinous, on the heavy side of medium-bodied. A great drinkable IPA, just watch yourself with that ABV.

Serving type: on-tap

08-16-2011 00:06:03 | More by Rifugium

AgentMunky

Alabama

4.2/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A half-pint served in a full pint glass at Mellow Mushroom. From notes. Reviewed 2 July 2011.

A: *Lots* of head with good retention. Orange-brown. Slightly translucent. Great lacing. Beautiful.

S: Double IPA, all the way. Lots of alcoholic, malty hops.

T: Big and alcoholic. Malty sweet with a huge hop presence. Vaguely astringent with a drying bitterness on the endtaste.

M: Strong, substantial, and dryingly delicious.

O: Great double IPA, but straightforward, if pleasantly so. I would have another; recommended. The ABV is quite noticeable, affecting the drinkability, but it's such a nice beer.

Serving type: on-tap

07-12-2011 15:43:07 | More by AgentMunky

mdfb79

New York

3.83/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had on tap tonight at Fireworks in Arlington, DC. Served in a tulip.

a - Pours a clear dark amber color with one inch of white head and no carbonation evident.

s - Smells of wheat, citrus hops, fruit, and caramel malts.

t - Tastes of citrus hops, rye, wheat, grapefruit.

m - Medium body and low carbonation, very smooth and creamy body.

d - A nice DIPA; I think I liked this more than the Lenny's R.I.P.A. on rye. This one had more citrus come out, as well as some caramel. Would have again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-19-2011 01:51:59 | More by mdfb79

TheKingofWichita

North Carolina

2.53/5  rDev -37.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Pours a very pretty red color with a ton of orange highlights and a little white head and some lacing. Smells of rye, citrusy grapefruit, and a good amount of hops. Tastes of rye, grapefruit, honey, hops, and caramel. Mouthfeel is medium with a heavy carbonation. Drinkability is okay.

Serving type: on-tap

03-18-2011 13:59:55 | More by TheKingofWichita

thedoubler55

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- A hazy amber in color, about a finger of beige head at the top the goes around the glass with every sip.

S-Smell of strong citrus, lots of grapefruit as well as honey and caramel. Great nose on this beer.

T-Tasted very pleasant, dark malts, a bit of burnt sugar as well as caramel.

M-Medium bodied, perfect amount of carbonation.

D-Alcohol is hidden on this beer! Great brew!

Serving type: on-tap

03-15-2011 02:38:49 | More by thedoubler55

paulginva

Virginia

4.33/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

APPEARANCE: Poured into a goblet from the tap, this beer exhibited a 1/2" foamy off-white head with excellent lacing that dissipated very slowly. The body was a hazy moderately deep amber.

AROMA: The first whiff of this beer just about knocked my socks off. A heavy, spiced citrus scent was most prominent with overlays of floral, orange and a slight hint of perfume. All of this was supported by a light malt aroma of caramel.

TASTE: The taste of this beer was as audaciously sharp as its namesake, with a heavy blast of hops exhibiting a strong citrus backbone with grapefruit, floral and orange overtones and just a hint of pine. There was a light taste of spicy alcohol and this whole structure, which could easily be too bitter (but was not), was supported by a medium toasted malt flavor (which, because of the strong hoppyness, actually seemed light) with overtones of caramel.

DRINKABILITY: This beer was as audaciously brash as its namesake, pushing the edge of the envelope all the way but never crossing the line into harshness. This was the first one of these I've ever had and, while I wouldn't pick it for a long night of imbibing, I would go out of my way to pick some up for any other social occasion with those who enjoy excellent, hoppy beer.

Serving type: on-tap

02-01-2011 19:48:29 | More by paulginva

PDXHops

South Carolina

2.68/5  rDev -34%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

On tap in a shaker pint. See-thru deep amber with a smallish off-white head that displays impressive staying power and leaves plentiful crackly lacing in the top quarter of the glass.

Smells, hmm, strongly of caramel. Uh oh. There's plenty of citrusy hops and what appears to be a fair amount of rye, but both are somewhat smothered by the malt. Flavor profile is more of the same. This very well be the most caramel I've ever tasted in a (D)IPA; it completely overwhelms the generous helpings of rye and citrus. On the positive side, the carbonation is quite vigorous (keeping all that caramel from becoming too heavy) and it somehow manages to finish somewhat crisply.

Overall impression: Another east coast malt monster. Hopheads, take a pass on this one. Those who like balance in their (D)IPAs should definitely give it a shot, though.

Serving type: on-tap

12-24-2010 12:29:21 | More by PDXHops

DoubleSimcoe

New York

4.22/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

He'Brew Lenny's on tap at mighty Max's in Fells Point, B'more, MD, served in a pint glass.

Appearance: Golde red like Lauren Bacall's flowing tresses at the height of her career. Slightly transparent. Considerable white head, doesn't last. Great lacing, though.

Smell: Malts, booze, freshly-cooked cereal. Grass after a gentle rain and some hops. The smell of leaves needing to be raked.

Taste: A pungent malty booziness, at first. Boiling rye and other grains. Some sweetness.

Mouthfeel: Full body and flavor, medium-to-full carbonation. A bit too hot as it warms up. Not too sticky.

Drinkability: High! For a 10%, it is chuggable. Despite being obviously malty and cereal-y, it drinks well. Not hot, nicely balanced.

I love Lenny!

Serving type: on-tap

12-03-2010 16:12:04 | More by DoubleSimcoe

Phelps

Arizona

4.1/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed on tap at Tops, poured into a snifter.

A: hazy rosy-orange and slightly hazy, with a very short-lived head of off-white that becomes a thin ring.

S: tons of mango and pineapple and lime -- it's a tropical fruit medley in there. A nice amount of spicy rye and white pepper is tempered with sweet caramelized malt. Citrusy, sweet, fruity; delicious.

T: the flavor reminds of grapefruit peel in both the citrus notes and pithy bitterness it provides. Caramel, orange juice, rye, and a hefty lingering bitterness all mix in the mouth. Notes of sweet sugar-coated mango emerge as the beer warms.

M: the beer holds together nicely amidst a medium-high, fizzy, peppery carbonation. Medium in body, it feels smooth and velvety about the mouth. Very nice.

D: a flavorful, delicious (if a little expensive) rye IPA. With the last sip of Lenny's, a revelation: He'Brew makes some delicious beers. I'm going to have to seek them out more often.

Serving type: on-tap

11-05-2010 21:47:17 | More by Phelps

Rayek

Colorado

4/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at City O' City in Denver. Served in a snifter.

A: Deep amber with a slight haze. The cream head is small and dense. Head retention is marginal, but a nice amount of lace is left behind.

S: Pine and anise scents dominate the experience, plus a hint of grapefruit citrus. There is also a light toffee sweetness that's along for the ride.

T: Bitterness dominates the experience, but isn't over the top. The theme from the nose continues with intense hop flavors. Sweet malts are subdued, but can be found without too much effort. The alcohol is very well masked. Finishes with lingering pine and anise flavors.

M: The medium body feels oily. Carbonation level is just right.

D: This is a nice, if not outstanding DIPA. It doesn't stray far from the style's blueprint, but I was impressed with how well the beer's alcohol is masked. A quality pickup overall.

Serving type: on-tap

10-10-2010 04:00:56 | More by Rayek

jera1350

Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at The Blue Nile.

Dark ruby hued amber color with a thinner, but soft light tan head served in a chalice.

Sweet malt scent with fresh hops of pine and citrus. Hints of caramel and toffee.

Big and balanced DIPA. Plenty of sweet malt that adds notes of toffee, caramel and brown sugar. Not really getting the rye out of it though. The hops are there in all of their glory. Mostly piney, but some citrusy notes as well.

Silky smooth and soft. Between medium and full bodied.

One of my favorites in the style. I really don't have it often enough. Never seen it on tap before, so this was a real treat. I could have a couple of these, but may suffer the repercussions later.

Serving type: on-tap

09-20-2010 02:26:51 | More by jera1350

Stigs

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

10oz pour at Fat Heads, served in a mini-snifter

A - dark copper/amber beer holds up a small layer of thick and creamy light tan colored foam.

S - very sweet...citrus candies, honey, dark caramel. earthy and lightly grassy hops round out at the end.

T - strong caramel malts hoist up citrus (grapefruit, melon) hops. there seems to be a bit going on here although the flavors appear to be fighting over each other...rye isnt really noticeable at all.

M - thick body, rich and chewy from the sugary sweetness. carbonation fights its way through.

D - drinks more like a hoppy barleywine with a massive dose of sweet malts. even my girlfriend liked it. a forced sipper due to the sweetness and ABV. this one could hold up over some time.

Serving type: on-tap

07-05-2010 17:17:03 | More by Stigs

OneDropSoup

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

Had this on tap at Beer Nutz in O'Hara Township, PA.

Poured into a shaker pint: Deep amber with a half-finger of beige head, plenty of nucleation.

Smells of sweet caramel wrapped in piney, floral bitterness, very & strong & flowery indeed.

Taste is characterized by a sugar, almost cakey sweetness, bright lemon & grapefruit with a big woody/pineyy bitterness. Lots of citrus zest & pith. Wickedly bitter but with a solid backbone. Notable booze presence, dries out in middle & leaves that stripped, piney aftertaste.

Full-bodied, creamy & foamy, leaves my tastebuds worn out but not ravaged.

A good brew, but formidable -- between the hops & the alcohol I'm ready to throw in the towel halfway through. Enjoyable, but on the strong side for me.

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2010 20:49:26 | More by OneDropSoup

4000qtrap

Missouri

3.88/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Source/Serving: Draft

Smell: A wild IPA that's rough around the edges. Very unique combination!

Taste: Funky and interesting. Slightly sour carrots, raisins, ripe plum syrup, malted brown sugar, light sage, a funky 'spiciness' that clearly isn't real spice but something that could be described as maple spice perhaps. Super complex and interesting.

Taste: Sharp flavors up front...some 'spice', interesting herbal bitterness, and a bite that is loosely like rootbeer. In the middle the malts come out: just a touch of oil, a little maple - but like its straight from the tree. Reminiscent of taking an entire spice cabinet and soaking it in water for a day to funk it up a bit and then toasting it. Finish has a full body and is slightly bitter, toasty, faint apple, even a little creamy as it warms with pronounced grapeskin bitterness that becomes quite astringent as it lingers and is a bit unpleasant unfortunately knocking the grade down on my review on an otherwise quite nice beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2010 04:28:35 | More by 4000qtrap