Hop Rod Rye - Bear Republic Brewing Co.

FormatKid

Tennessee

4.65/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is one of those beers I've been waiting to try ever since I started getting into craft brew. I actually managed to grab a bomber of this from State Line in Maryland, and I am happy to say it did not let me down.

The body of this beer is quite a bit darker than I'd imagined, completely brown practically with some hints of amber and red. The head is off white and sticky, fat globs of lace are spread about sporadically. The nose is explosive with hop aromas, pine, citrus (grapefruit), pineapple. The underlying malt was broken up a bit by the aroma of rye. The first thing I notice upon tasting is that the typically thick, sweet malt backing was softened up by the rye, gaining it a bit of complexity. The bitterness levels were aggressive througout with the finish being dominated by sharp spikes of those lovely hop flavors, pine, apricot, pineapple, grapefruit... The mouthfeel is perfect, soft with light carbonation, neither too slick or clingy. What a great beer, next time I see it I will be sure to stock up.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2005 03:58:35 | More by FormatKid

JamesStreet

Louisiana

3.75/5  rDev -12.2%

05-20-2013 17:57:51 | More by JamesStreet

jjd315

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-20-2013 13:01:51 | More by jjd315

NJB145

Michigan

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-20-2013 01:01:38 | More by NJB145

Photekut

Azerbaijan

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-19-2013 13:36:22 | More by Photekut

bambam2517

Arizona

4.36/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

22 oz. bomber poured into an Imperial pint glass, served at 50F.

A - Caramel brown body, no head but a really strong lace ring that is extremely long-lived. The carbonation in this one is a little more present than in other AIPAs I've had, I'm liking it.

S - Fresh malt with a rye sourness on top and an undercurrent of sweetness.

T - Surprised me, its a hop hammer at first! Puckering hops lead into the rye and malt character, and it does have some sweetness balancing it out as well. Some honey, also juniper. A lot to take in.

M - A real wild ride, high level of complexity in the mouthfeel. Starts off fresh and wet, then picks up with bitterness and just as it peaks it slides off with a sweet counterpoint. Finishes with a slightly herbal aftertaste, and it really sneaks that 8% ABV past you.

O - Hell of a fun beer! I like an occasional rye-heavy offering, and this one is near the top of the ryes for me.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 04:39:20 | More by bambam2517

alanv

California

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-18-2013 21:32:29 | More by alanv

GinsuDave

Michigan

3.75/5  rDev -12.2%

05-18-2013 01:14:12 | More by GinsuDave

anteater

Oregon

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-17-2013 17:54:58 | More by anteater

Glider

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-17-2013 13:42:40 | More by Glider

JothHu

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-17-2013 00:03:56 | More by JothHu

Blashawright

Texas

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-16-2013 22:35:22 | More by Blashawright

verge

California

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-16-2013 21:45:44 | More by verge

Westuh

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-16-2013 18:36:44 | More by Westuh

Poupae

Thailand

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-16-2013 16:19:47 | More by Poupae

inanity

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +17.1%

05-15-2013 23:44:15 | More by inanity

gfap61

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-15-2013 20:03:54 | More by gfap61

ajtorres311

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-14-2013 20:03:37 | More by ajtorres311

Rob315

Kentucky

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-14-2013 18:14:48 | More by Rob315

SDG1070

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-14-2013 13:45:38 | More by SDG1070

baybassboy

California

4/5  rDev -6.3%

05-14-2013 05:35:20 | More by baybassboy

beerandcycling88

Washington

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-14-2013 02:30:04 | More by beerandcycling88

TheRuss9585

Vermont

3.5/5  rDev -18%

05-14-2013 00:56:02 | More by TheRuss9585

Dcunicelli

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%

05-13-2013 19:21:27 | More by Dcunicelli

KVNBGRY

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%

05-13-2013 18:53:43 | More by KVNBGRY