Hop Rod Rye - Bear Republic Brewing Co.

BlurryVisi0n

New York

4.15/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Served in a pint glass.

Appearance: a Very dark brown still transparent but on the cusp of opaque. Sediments on the body with an off white head that settles quickly. With the initial pour it reached about half an inch.

Smell: Strong at first with its hoppiness, you feel light caramel to the aroma this beer but the problem is it leaves as soon as it comes. Just wish it was a little more sticking.

Taste: Little sour, and has a lemon citrus feel to it but also bitter. Lightly piney-ness to it. To take a sip is tough on this one, it improves progressively as you get closer to the end of the glass.

Mouth: The mouthfeel comes off with a little light to medium combination. The sour bread feel to it just sticks pretty damn well.

Overall: I have to thank myself for buying a four pack, this is quality brewing once again from Bear Republic. Grab a glass and pour one on me...Salud!

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2013 06:52:14 | More by BlurryVisi0n

--Dom--

Missouri

4.29/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a snifter. Pours a deep reddish-brown with minimal head, decent lacing though. Had to give it a ridiculous pour to get a head on this one. Smells mostly of biscuity malt.

The taste is actually remarkably smooth and velvety, I wasn't expecting that. I get a good strong hop kick on the front end, and then it just turns smooth and delicious. A lot of biscuity malty goodness in the middle, good sweetness here. Mouthfeel is slightly syrupy and smooth.

Overall this beer wasn't what I was expecting it to be. I was thinking of a palate wrecking double ryepa. Instead it really drinks more like a slightly hoppy barleywine. It's a good thing though. This beer is freaking delicious, whatever it's supposed to be.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2013 04:10:44 | More by --Dom--

PorterLambic

Florida

3.76/5  rDev -11.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Pours the color of a well rusted old car. Small light tan head with very short retention and just scattered lacing.
Smell is more than than just hops though that is the majority player. Some roasted malt and the expected rye with some citrus add supporting roles.
Taste is a better balance than one might expect from a west coast IPA with hops first followed by roasted malt, rye, some alcohol and a hint of citrus.
Mostly full bodied, dry finish, medium effervescence. Cleans the palate nicely. Slightly warming as well.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2013 00:06:29 | More by PorterLambic

Jake_Ramrod

Kentucky

4.14/5  rDev -3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

I've always been a Red Ale fan, so I was excited to get this in trade from a nice lady in CA. Adding in the rye flavor was a pleasant surprise and worked really well. A really nice beer and one of the best red ales I've had. Enjoyed out of a tulip watching my UK Wildcats whoop that butt.

A: This beer is somewhat cloudy and is a light mahogany-red beer topped with a creamy white head about a half inch in height. The head receded quicker than I would have expected for the carbonation present

S: The smell has a wonderful caramel malt sweetness plus a bit of citrus in the hop character. I have to agree that this nearly smells like a barleywine.

T: I love the flavor of this beer - not too sweet and just a hint of bitterness. The malts lend to a very drinkable beer and the rye grain and hops gives it a funky kick in the end. This has a complex flavor and yet remains extremely drinkable. Tons of flavor.

M: This has a great mouthfeel as the rye leaves a lasting impression that just keeps on going. A bit oily, but it really works.

O: I really enjoyed this beer. IMO, this would pair really well with some Asian food, curries, and meats. It remains a complex beer and yet is completely drinkable and balnced. All the flavors work harmoniously together. Well done and I'll be hunting these out.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2013 01:44:34 | More by Jake_Ramrod

sommersb

Tennessee

4.29/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Tasted On: 03-05-2013
Freshness: Not indicated
Packaging: 12 oz. brown bottle, pry-cap
Glassware: Globe glass
Purchased: Received in a trade

A: Cloudy, dark orange-red beer topped with an off-white head a finger in height. Shows good lacing and a low amount of retention.

S: Aromas have a caramel malt sweetness plus tropical fruits, tangerine and grapefruit in the hop character. The smells seem kind of like a barleywine.

T: The taste is initially malty and is quickly followed by a big hop bitterness. I also get the spicy flavor from the rye grain. As the beer warms the hop bitterness is more pronounced.

M: Prickly carbonation and a medium body define the mouthfeel, with a finish that is fruity, hoppy and spicy.

O: A very good beer; hop-forward yet still balanced. To me it tastes a lot like a fresh, hoppy American-style barleywine.

Thanks to Treyliff for the try!

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2013 04:44:28 | More by sommersb

BrownNut

Florida

4.03/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

A - 4.0 - I was expecting red for some reason, but it came out more on the brown side of amber. Crystal clear. Oily cream colored head that dissipates slowly.

S - 4.0 - Malty sweet and rich honey, pungent hops. Distinct.

T - 4.0 - Can't quite put my finger on the main taste in the body... fairly sweet malt (but not too sweet), very rich. Very manageable bitterness level. To the degree I notice spicy rye, it's only subtly, on the exhale with the aftertaste.

M - 4.25 - Medium heavy body, unexpectedly. Somewhat viscous. Very nice.

O - 4.0 - Enjoyable and different. I like the richness of it - so flavorful. But still not too overtaxing.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2013 01:34:18 | More by BrownNut

KDE

Texas

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Solid beer for the price -- excellent value and readily available. Definitely can taste the rye flavoring without being overpowered. Dark coloration... pours easily... and clean aftertaste. Not for drinking everyday... but perfect for watching NASCAR!

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 19:14:03 | More by KDE

CraftBeerTastic

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Ba Review #260
Served On: 2/27/2013
Glassware: Duvel Glass
Labeled ABV: 8.0%
Date/ Code: -

This was a 12oz bottle from a mixed sixer I made at Ye Old Spirit Shop in Frederick, MD.

Look: Poured a very dark reddish amber color. Semi-clear body. Head was a consistent film of tight eggshell bubbles. Lacing was hit and miss. Not much for carbonation. Notice some floaties in suspension.

Smell: Pungent aroma of a garlic and onion hop character. A very resiny malt quality was in the background. Some booze was noticeable.

Taste: First up was the onion hop note from the aroma. Then the sweet malts hit in the middle. The rye hit in the finish was of mustard seed and pumpernickel. Aftertaste was a mixture of bitterness and sweetness. No real alcohol detected in the taste.

This was a solid Rye. The onion and mustard seed quality made this beer for me.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2013 15:29:36 | More by CraftBeerTastic

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.16/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Stone AB pint.

A- pours a transparent bright amber with a 2 finger off-white head. Some blotches and trails of lacing cling to the glass.

S- sweet caramel and toffee, some spice from the rye, orange and citrus, light pine.

T- toffee, toasted malts, light citrus, and big pine bitterness.

M- medium body and carbonation. Creamy and smooth finish.

O- very good rye pa. Really enjoyable sweet malts, a touch of citrus and nice punch of pine bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2013 04:11:57 | More by kawilliams81

SolipsismalCat

Pennsylvania

4.19/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured into a pint glass.

A: Cloudy dark copper with tiny particles and one-finger, off-white, creamy head that lasted a couple minutes and left a nice film. Pretty good lacing.

S: Caramel malt and citrus hops. Grapefruit.

T: Moderate sweetness and light bitterness. Citrus hops and rye.

M: Medium bodied with fizzy carbonation. Smooth and slightly warm going down.

O: Good Rye IPA. Seems almost like a double IPA.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 03:10:08 | More by SolipsismalCat

notchucknorris

California

4.16/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a dark caramel color with a fluffy one finger cream colored head. Leaves some good lacing down the glass.

S: A bit of a rustic rye aroma alongside some nice citrus hops. Caramel, some pine and some grain. Smells pretty good.

T: Opens with some rye and earthy hops. A lingering piney hop bite throughout with some toasted malt and charred rye on the finish.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 22:42:51 | More by notchucknorris

dar482

New York

4.7/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

There's a rich dark copper, ruby color. The beer starts off with a strong hop and tropical fruit aroma along with tons of apple with a spice rye aroma to it too.

The grapefruit taste pops at the tongue quickly. Then there’s a malt/rye finish that rounds off the beer nicely and brings some amazing sweet tones. It hits with a dry bitterness at the end that hangs around for a while.The taste is piney and bitter, but well done. The crisp from the rye helps the bitterness and gives it some smoothness.

The rye is amazing to help out the body and giving this semi-creaminess to the beer.

The dryness in the end detracts from the beer slightly, but it's pretty different from non-ryed IPAs. Definitely recommend this variation to the style. Everytime I have this beer, it just keeps getting better. The rye and maltiness along with the slight punch of hops sells this beer for me.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 04:57:01 | More by dar482

mfnmbvp

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

1 pint 6 fl oz. bottle, poured into a Firestone Walker pint glass. No apparent bottled on date present. Never had a beer by Bear Republic before, so I'm keeping it unbiased and unexpected.

A - Pours a dark ruby color with virtually no head at all except a vague white bubbling foam across the surface. Tons of sediment to be seen suspended in motion. Very nice looking lacing coming down the sides. Looks pretty nice indeed.

S - Extreme amounts of hops and rye abound. Vanilla. Oak. Cream. Maybe a hint of dark fruits with a slight hint of bourbon also. Smells very nice, my taste buds are tingling with anticipation.

T - Smooth creamy oaked iced tea type flavor. Not very strong in the way of hops, but still very bitter. Well-balanced and very tasty, to be sure. Has almost some coffee attributes to it in the end, but I think it is more akin to some kind of an English breakfast tea leaf type taste. Very smooth to be masking an 8.00% abv.

M - Sticky mouthfeel, yet smooth and clean at the same time. Resinous, but not overwhelming. Smooth vanilla taste seems to linger.

In all, tastes like a very well made beer, and at five dollars a bottle you can't really go wrong with this. Rivals some of the better Lagunitas offerings like Lagunitas Hop Stoopid or Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot price-wise, and holds it's own as a unique and complex brew. An intense beer with a nice 8.00% abv masked nicely. A bottle I would have again, to be sure.

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye ---4/5.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2013 06:41:53 | More by mfnmbvp

His_Royal_Hoppiness

United Kingdom (England)

4/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

A: Lovely dark amber colour with an off-white head.

S: Strong smell of citrus, pine and malt.

T: Initial taste is that of a well-balanced IPA, then a distinct malt profile sets in - there's almost a hint of doppelbock to the afteraste. A delicate rye flavour comes through, but because of the strength of the hops, it's much less discernible than in a German roggenbier.

M: Smooth and medium-bodied - alcohol is well-concealed.

I would probably rate this slightly higher if I was paying US prices for it, but at £3 for a 12oz bottle, I was hoping for a bit more complexity - it's straightforward and delicious but I wouldn't go to great lengths to seek it out again.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2013 21:35:23 | More by His_Royal_Hoppiness

dionito

Washington

4.38/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served from a 12oz bottle into an 8 oz. thin V-shape glass.

A: Dark orange copper with a foamy off-white head that dissipates fairly slowly with very uniform and strong lacing. Really nice looking beer.

S: Fruity, citrusy aromas, from the hops but mostly malty from, I guess, the rye. Some burnt sugars, maybe.

T: caramel, malt, flowers, a little grassy. Very balanced sweetness with initial bitterness of the hops. Round flavor.

M: I'd say medium to full body with little carbonation. Goes smooth, no alcohol feeling.

O: Super nice beer. I tried Racer 5 IPA last week and that made me buy this one yesterday. Great decision. This is one of my first rye beers, and if all are like this, it's going to be a favorite style. These guys are making some killer brews!

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2013 02:22:02 | More by dionito

mtbdonn

United Kingdom (England)

4.43/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

12 bottle from Beers of Europe, England and poured to a tulip.
A-The color is a deep maroon amber with two to three fingers of light brownish head with some really thick lacing.
A-Hoppy with some really nice floral scent, pretty sweet with the rye malt really presence in the nose; one of the better smell beers I had in a while.
T-Definite hints or rye malt at first, almost all rye malt with a small bitterness at the end of this first sip. The rye malt flavor continues to show it’s self on further sipping, with some good floral hops that seem to increase towards the end.
M-The feel is this beer is a light medium bodied beer. It is light on the pallet and goes down pretty well.
O-A great pleaseant feel to this beer and easy drinking.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2013 20:33:57 | More by mtbdonn

Kevin73

Washington

4.35/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Pours a slightly cloudy super dark amber. A sturdy off white head takes a while to disappear leaves sheets of lacing. Nose is typical IPA, pleasant grapefruit, but slightly bready from the unique malts used. First sip is surprisingly mild. The rye malts come through strongly in the middle and the hops aren't as pronounced. In fact this is one of the sweetest IPA's I've had in recent memory. As such the alcohol is almost undetectable. Not a hint of metal or lingering bitterness form the hops, just a really clean finish. Almost ESB-like in its smoothness and balance. Nice hefty body too. An instant favorite, I think! I know I will becoming back to Hop Rod again.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2013 02:01:54 | More by Kevin73

JeffreyJDavis

North Carolina

4.46/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

I had this for the first time, maybe 6 months ago, and remember thinking "Dang, this is even better than Terrapin and may very well be my new favorite Rye IPA!!"

I bought another bottle a few months ago and have had it in my fridge, wanting to let some space between impressions to see if really was "all that". Poured from a bomber into a Reidel stemless chalice.

A: Pours a very dark chestnut / copper, pretty clear until the last pour from the bottle. One finger caramel head is pretty creamy looking and durable, leaving nice lacing down the glass.

S: Nose is aggressive spicy hop and rye with citrus / pine and a bit of booziness. Smells damn good.

T: Taste on this is just lovely, great balance between slightly sweet caramel malts, pretty big hops, somehow perfectly balanced by the rye, with a hint of citrus / floral / honeysuckly flavors. For me, this beer is just so perfectly balanced. Well designed and solidly put together. I wouldn't call it out as 8% ABV without reading the label.

MF: Mouthfeel is refreshing and crisp, though it's pretty full bodied and almost creamy and very coating. So drinkable.

This is a really great beer and honestly the best rye ale I've had (so far). Love the complexity and balance and imminent drinkability. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 01:48:17 | More by JeffreyJDavis

ElSid

California

4.19/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

The Beers of California

#55

Bottled Date: None

A: A deep mahogany brown with a burgundy tinge and a nice head of off white foam which sticks around.

S: Grainy and thick caramel sweetness with a nice hop freshness.

T: Crisp with a nice syrupy sweetness, hints of raisins, and grainy malt backbone. The palate is even and smooth, highlighted with pine and earthy bitterness along with hints of mint and citrus zest and finally culminates to a finish that is spicy and somewhat dry.

M: Full bodied, smooth and with a nice linger which coats the palate. The carbonation is moderate and pleasing giving this brew good drinkability.

O: A great Rye IPA; this ale has nice complexity and an interesting palate. Bear Republic shows what ingenuity, creativity, and guts can do when it comes to microbrewing.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 03:20:30 | More by ElSid

MickeyBeer

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass

A- Pours a beautiful deep reddish brown with about a finger and a half of white head. Left a little bit of lacing on the glass.

S- Smells hoppy with pine and citrus aromas that come forward.

T- Abundance of bitter hops that give a delicious citrus and piney taste. Alcohol is well covered at 8% abv. Malts flavors are present. Not overly sweet, which I like in a IPA.

M- Medium bodied that has a smooth finish. Medium amount of carbonation.

O- I love IPAs and this beer did not disappoint me. It was delicious, well balanced, but not overly sweet. Had a complexity of hop flavors and provided the bite that I always crave. I will have it any chance I get.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 01:58:10 | More by MickeyBeer

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

4.14/5  rDev -3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Poured from 22oz bottle into Crooked Stave tulip. Pours a deep amber brown with a finger of head. Big spicy hop and rye aromas...very hot hop aroma. Taste is a bit spicy hop and rye, but quickly mellows out to a really nice brown sugary malt with a great almost sweet hop balance. Some citrus and more pine notes, but mostly sweet sugary malt. Really nice finish and mouthfeel. It smells very aggrestive and "hot" but it actually is very well balanced and finishes nice. I typically dont enjoy rye IPA's but this one is an exception.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 22:16:08 | More by DrinkSlurm

kojevergas

California

3.53/5  rDev -17.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Saw the high ratings so I picked this one up. 8% confirmed. 12 oz bottle into conical Samuel Smith's pint glass in Los Feliz, CA. Reviewed live. Expectations are through the roof. I googled the Bear Republic bottle codes and discovered this was bottled 09/12/12; I'm a little pissed at my bottle shop but I'll give her a spin anyway.

Served straight from the fridge. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.

A: Pours a two finger creamy frothy head of good thickness and great retention for the high ABV. Body colour is an unexpected dark copper; semitransparent and translucent. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show. Decent lacing as the head recedes, but it looks like it'll retain for a good five minutes. The colour is fantastic for an IPA; I'm already impressed.

Sm: Nectary hops are dominant, with some floral character and a bit of pine. Some oily hops. A bit of bitterness comes through, but just enough. Caramel. Sweeter malts than pale malts, but not quite amber or biscuit. Some grapefruit citrus zest and even a more herbal note; perhaps mint? Yes, natural mint leaf. No yeast is detectable, nor is any alcohol. I'm looking forward to trying it. An average strength aroma.

T: Mmm. Hoppy yet incredibly balanced; lots of nectary hop character, with perfect complementary floral and light pine character. A bit of herbal fermented mint leaf aids its refreshing feel. No hop bitterness whatsoever comes through. Shockingly well balanced. Light oily hop notes. Caramel and sweet malts form the simple yet effective foundation - which is more than merely a platform for the hop notes. Slight spice is also detectable. The rye works here beautifully, complementing and cooperating with the nectary hops to give it more depth. No yeast character. No alcohol comes through. Constructively, it's a bit too sweet and the hop character could be much more complex. Lacks subtlety. Still, it's tasty - and let's not forget it's four months old.

Mf: Slightly oily, very nectary, and smooth and wet. Soft and refreshing, yet a bit too thick. Perfect carbonation. Complements the flavour profile very well.

Dr: An incredibly drinkable and refreshing IPA, with a well hidden ABV that'll sneak up on you. $7.99 a four pack is quite fair for a beer of this quality. Bear republic has impressed me. For a four month old IPA, it's rather good. I intend to revisit it fresh; it deserves that respect.

Low B

I imagine it's best on draught.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2013 05:21:47 | More by kojevergas

Jeffo

Netherlands

4.35/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bomber of this from codysjb in a recent trade in Amsterdam. Fun hanging out man. Hope to see you again soon!

From a bomber into a snifter

APPEARANCE: Pours a two finger, thicker looking, tight, creamy off-white head with very good retention. Head slowly fades to a good, thick cap. A clear mahogany or rust orange color with no carbonation evident. A hazy with remains leaving some nice lacing down the sides of the glass. Great looking stuff.

SMELL: Lots of hops on the nose. Pale malts, caramel and honeydew melon there, with some nice pineapple, mango and a good dose of piney hops. Bolder as well. Nice stuff.

TASTE: Pale malts, rye malts, and lots of piney hops up front. Sweet mango and honeydew melon as well, leading into a bold and lingering finish. Piney hops, bitter floral notes, some spicy rye with a light caramel sweetness adding some balance to the brew. Very hoppy with a nice spicy element from the rye. Really good.

PALATE: Medium body and medium levels of carbonation. Enough weight on this one, creamy on the palate, goes down smooth and finishes dry. Some bitterness lingers.

OVERALL: This is excellent stuff. Piles of hops here, with a nice malt backbone and some spicy rye as well. Looks and feels good too. This is one I'd be glad to have regular access to, as it's a great example of the style. Cheers for this one Cody. Hope to hang out again!

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 13:19:14 | More by Jeffo

fox227

California

4.38/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A slightly aggressive pour yielded an impressive two fingered head, with off white foam, very nice lacing; the underlying liquid is very dark amber.

On the nose I get pine sap, grapefruit, a syrupy sweetness, and spicy rye.

On the palate I get everything described in the nose. The forward flavors are dominated by grapefruit and piney, resiny hops. Those flavors linger into a dry, sticky finish of caramel-syrup sweetness and a hint of spicy rye.

Mouthfeel is very hoppy, with high carbonation tickling the tongue long after swallowing.

Overall: A strong hoppy IPA that is matched by its sweet malt with a rye kick. This is a beer that should satisfy all hop heads, but is supported by a deep malt backbone. This is a beer I'll have again and again, and have!

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2013 20:01:23 | More by fox227

harrymel

Washington

3.03/5  rDev -29%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Bottled: unk, but grabbed the one with the least sediment....

Pours a dark amber with a couple fingers of light cream foam and gobs of lace. Smells of pine, resin, grapefruit and tangerine - nice west coast style IPA nose here. I like. Malty flavor with hints of spice and a little sweet hop character (like in the bag hops). Not much in the way of complex IPA though. Sweet with a bit of hop character is what I'm getting. Medium bodied with lower than anticipated carb and a semi dry finish. Decent beer, nothing special.

1st review: 23FEB11: 3/2.5/2/2/2 -2.15
A: Pours dark, deep red with limited translucency. A few more SRM's and this one would qualify for a CDA/ABA. Single finger, peanut colored head dissipates quickly leaving fairly confluent foam sheet. Limited lacing.
S: Some citrus, but predominantly, this is very, very similar to their Red Rocket - maybe because the beer has been sitting on the shelf too long - but too bad, learn to date your product. Lots of malt, smells like a red or ESB.
T: Yep, about the same as the Red Rocket. Too bad. Getting low marks for this. If an IPA is to be had fresh, date your bottles!
M: Medium body with low carbonation.
D: This beer is drinkable as is, but very, very disappointing for an IPA. Huge fail, and if not for the reasons of dating, then the beer is a fail in the style in general.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2013 06:22:14 | More by harrymel