Cane & Ebel - Two Brothers Brewing Company

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.98/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Something a bit different and very tasty and pleasant. Summit hops, plum sugar which gives interesting drinkable characterist while being fresh fruit sweet. A good showing of rye, with vanilla.Everyone I shared this with had a different take, reflecting the complexity successfully created, different fruits, citrus. Complex aroma as well.

Serving type: bottle

08-26-2007 03:00:58 | More by northyorksammy

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

4.6/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Darkest bronze combined with burnt orange, a gorgeous hue that glows like dying firelight when even faintly backlit. Atop the liquid sits a tight-bubbled crown of ecru foam that looks like melting cinnamon ice cream. After all that, the best part about the appearance might just be the circumferential sheets of fine, filagreed lace.

I wish that I could appreciate rye malt in the nose. That's the only (slight) negative in what is a wonderful smelling beer. Even if I didn't know that Simcoe hops were used for dry-hopping, I might have been able to guess since their tropical fruitiness is so distinctive. A modest amount of caramel maltiness underlies the citric fruity goodness. Come to think of it, DIPA comparisons wouldn't be out of line.

Cane and Ebel is fabulous beer. It's everything that I'd hoped for and more. I know that two is a pretty small number, but after tasting Founders Red's Rye and now this one, I'd have to say that highly-hopped, rye-malted red ales are one of my favorite sub-sub-styles. If any other brewers want to jump on the bandwagon, there's plenty of room.

I'm still reminded of a DIPA. There's a more that solid malt backbone that is now tremendously rye spicy (woo hoo!) and a more than generous amount of hops that provide flavors of bitter orange and grapefruit zest. I'm pretty sure this bottle is at least six months old, which makes the still kickin' hoppiness all the more remarkable. This stuff is some kind of delicious.

Who knows what the Thai palm sugar added? The beer is sweet, but no more sweet than any other big IPA or DIPA. My thought is that it gave the brewers the opportunity to use the play on words that make up the name. Rather than Cain and Abel, we have Cane (sugar cane) and Ebel (the last names of the two brothers who own and run the brewery).

There's no way, with all that malt and all that palm sugar, that the mouthfeel could be anything other than full and semi-chewy. It's also plush, borderline sticky and sparsely carbonated. I wouldn't change a damn thing.

Without even checking my reviews, I know that Cane and Ebel is the best Two Brothers beer that has ever entered my glass. It's a lip smacking combination of cane sugar sweetness, rye malt spiciness and citric hop bitterness. I consider Red's Rye to be one of the best beers on the planet. I never dreamed that this Two Brothers offering would be almost as good. It will be a crime if it doesn't become a part of the brewery's year-round lineup.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2007 21:57:14 | More by BuckeyeNation

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.83/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I was thrilled to get this one in a package recently. I had heard about this a while back and had been hunting it ever since. It really seemed like something that would be right up my alley, and as a result, have had it sitting on my wants list for a while. So last night I decided it would be a good night to pop open this 12oz and sit down and enjoy it with dinner. Served it right out of the fridge and poured it into an imperial pint glass. A nice hard pour produced a wonderful ruby tinted liquid. Lots of haze with it, but you could still make out some nicer carbonation streaking its way up toward the surface. A very nice two finger high head of white colored foam then came up over the top and hung around for a good long while before finally settling down to a thin veil across the top that hung around for the remainder of the session. Very nice side glass lace really capped it off very well. This had a really good overall look to it and I was most excited to proceed with it.

The aroma was loaded down with hops. Tons of grapefruit and tangerine like aromas just erupting from the first moment that I took a whiff. Once it warmed it settled down and a good dose of the rye malts started to come through and really deepen the profile. Some nice hints of sugar coming through sweetening it up nicely. The flavor really started to set it off. First off it was remarkably smooth, almost too smooth at times, I had trouble believing this was at 7%. Rich rye malts were the big player in the smoothness, giving a subtle and refined balance to the loads of floral hosp that were dumped in on this one. The flavor started out with a heavy dose of grapefruit and orange, hints of lemon grass as well, nice puckering hop bite, that was then transformed over to the malts, nice hints of sugar, and cereal grains coming through giving it a very lively depth. The long lingering bitterness of the finish provided by the ample dry hopping only served to draw out the moisture and really let that sweet smell sit there and dissolve for a good bit of time. The feel was very nice, with a good medium bodied ale with more then ample carbonation. Never dull or slick it really just came off very well. I could not even tell this was anywhere near 7%, in fact it was damn near session able. I would have loved to have had another one right after this, it was really that goods.

Overall I was really blown away by this one. I did not expect it to be as good as it was. Really a top notch, quality brew on all accounts that I would love to have the chance to try again. If you see this one around, go for it!

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2008 13:21:27 | More by mikesgroove

womencantsail

California

3.9/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Forgot to write down who shared this one.

A: The pour is a very dark amber color, almost copper, with a sizable off-white head.

S: Decently hoppy with quite a lot of rye aromas. Somewhat sweet with some bread and toffee coming through in addition to the citrus and floral notes of the hops.

T: Interesting flavor. The rye gives off its patented spiciness which works nicely with the sweet toffee and toasted bread flavors. Citrus hops are there once again and provide some contrast.

M: Medium in body with a moderate level of carbonation.

O: Easily one of the better beers I've had from Two Brothers. Nice flavor and fairly easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2011 23:00:17 | More by womencantsail

Thorpe429

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

G: Poured into a Two Brothers Heavy-Handed IPA pint glass.

A: Pours a very dark amber, almost to a mahogany-ish color. Good, almost double finger head with a lot of carbonation bubbles. Very dark and only slightly transparent in the glass. Lots of lacing.

S: Hops and rye. Beautiful. Slightly sweet. Very inviting.

T: The red rye flavor comes out immediately, and the hopes are definitely there, although not overpowering. Slightly sweet, and a tad bitter as it goes down.

M: Medium-bodied with slight carbonation. Just a touch of alcohol on the throat as it goes down.

D: Very drinkable. Each sip definitely leaves me wanting another. This brew would be a great early evening sipper in the summer as the sun goes down after a good barbecue.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2009 00:52:09 | More by Thorpe429

brentk56

North Carolina

4.33/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours a hazy amber color with a big ol' head that leaves strands of lacing behind

Smell: The rye complements the grapefruit in the aroma to produce a grainy, citrusy blend

Taste: After establishing the cane sugar backbone, the bitter flavors take over with a trifecty of pine, grapefruit and rye grain; after the swallow, the flavor mellows out with the cane sugar and grapefruit flavors coming into prominence

Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate carbonation

Drinkability: This beer has a nice hoppy bitterness but it is distinguished by the cane sugar as well as the rye flavors from the grain bill; the combination is unusual and really tasty

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2009 00:44:32 | More by brentk56

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.33/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I often think that rye beers are way to grain-ey and bite-ey, but when used in an IPA, I think that the grain hull bittering adds a strength and additional character to the hops. This beer is just that, a serious IPA already, but intensified in the bittering by the rye addition. Allowing a solid malty, toffee sweetness to excape the bittering initially and in the finish. Otherwise, the citrus, piney hops and strong bittering dominates the brew. Good beer, if only on those occations when a hop flavored beer just won't cut it.

Serving type: on-tap

08-09-2006 01:13:39 | More by BEERchitect

TMoney2591

Illinois

2.85/5  rDev -30.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served in a Dogfish Head shaped pint glass.

We got destroyed at Quizzo tonight, so hopefully this is enough to make me feel a bit better. It pours a clear ruby topped by a finger of glowing dirty white foam and exhibiting a decent amount of matter floating about within. The nose comprises orange peel, onion, toasted rye bread, black pepper, and dark toffee. The taste holds notes of soil, orange rind, light mandarin orange, potato skin, grass, and a touch of toffee. I winced a bit whilst drinking this. The body is a barely-light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a dry finish. Overall, I was not much of a fan of this at all, really. The flavors don't do anything all that great for me, and the smell comes kinda close to offensive. I can see how this could actually be a lot worse, but that doesn't make it very good.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2011 05:53:45 | More by TMoney2591

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22 oz bomber poured into a Belgian tulip glass.
Cast in a dark, plummy hue, transparent, when held to the light, but otherwise significantly hazy. A plump and stable serving of creamy froth sits atop.

Big, wicked sweetness jumps out from the start. Rye + Sugar = guess what? Deeply, darkly fruity, very similar to a barleywine. Cherries dunked in brandy.

Sleek and supple once on the palate, fairly thick and clinging. Fills the mouth and spreads this tasty blend of grain, fruit, and a dry sweetness. Terribly unique.

Despite it's initial girth, Cane and Ebel finds itself a sophisticated, yet relaxing ale, with many mysteries inside. You can strain your mind to consider all the questions, or you can throw back your cares, like me, and indulge in the essential existential nothingness of it all.


much thanks to Mr. HAtfield

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2006 02:56:42 | More by feloniousmonk

WesWes

New York

4.43/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The beer pours a ruby red color with a thick frothy offwhite head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is great. It has a smooth and creamy crystal malt and rye scent along with a wonderful hop aroma. It's bitter with a bit of rye spiciness. The taste is good. It has a very bitter hop flavor that blends nicely with the crystal and rye malts. It's incredibly smooth and light for a beer at 7%. Rye is the new trend in brewing and I couldn't be happier. It's spicey flavor lends itself well to hoppy beers. The mouthfeel is fine. It is a full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a highly drinkable beer. It's complex all the way through; a great beer!

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2007 23:51:58 | More by WesWes

drabmuh

Maryland

4.55/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Received as an extra in a BIF chain. Poured from a bottle into a standard pint glass.

Brewed with rye and Thai palm sugar. Beer is darker than I expected but it looks so inviting. It is dark brown and has a good head with staying power, yellowish or light brown head with small bubbles and moderate to low carbonation (medium to small bubbles).

The rye comes through very strong in the aroma. It smells so good. Not a lot of hop aroma or anything else. The rye malt dominates by a lot.

This beer is great. The rye malt comes through as the dominant flavor. There is a slight roast at the back end, there is no aftertaste to speak of. This is a great great beer. I would expect the adjunct sugar to dry it out or thin up the beer but it is full bodied, mouthfeel great, drinkability really high. If you like ryes go get this beer. Thanks Naugled. I love it.

Serving type: bottle

10-17-2009 01:00:25 | More by drabmuh

Mora2000

Texas

4/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a reddish color with an off-white head. The aroma is full of rye and pine, two qualities that I think go quite well together. The flavor is more of the same, with a lot of rye and pine and not too much else. Low to medium bitterness, with a medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. Fairly straightforward, but also very good.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2012 18:52:07 | More by Mora2000

zeff80

Missouri

4.22/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Poured out an amber to light brown hue with a foamy, cappucino-like, tan head that left behind sheets of lace.

S - It smelled of rye malt and a citrusy/grapefruit aroma. Hints of pine and pepper, too.

T - This is very malty with a nice sweet caramel flavor. A good hop presence ands some spice and grapefruit flavors.

M - It was crisp, sharp and smooth. A medium-bodied beer that is still easy to drink.

D - This is a very fine rye beer. Great malt and hop tastes.

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2008 20:08:54 | More by zeff80

metter98

New York

4.22/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: The beer poured hazy amber in color with very little head; lacy patterns of bubbles cover the surface. A light amount of carbonation is visible from the rising bubbles.
S: There is a moderate aroma of rye malts and brown sugar in the nose along with some notes of piney hops.
T: The taste has a moderate amount of bitterness from the piney hops but is not overpowering and nicely balanced by the mild sweetness in the underlying malts. Notes of brown sugar are also present, plus there are some hints of spices in the finish.
M: It feels medium- to heavy-bodied on the palate and very smooth and clean. There is some dryness in the finish.
D: The beer is surprisingly easy to drink and I would definitely try one of these again to sample the interesting mix of flavors. Any traces of alcohol are well hidden.

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2010 00:13:08 | More by metter98

MasterSki

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to d0b for tossing one of these into a trade. Bottle says best before 5/01/09, so I'm guessing this is pretty fresh.

A - Transparent reddish brown (like cherry wood finish). One finger of light tan head that dissipates quickly and leaves a nice lace pattern. Not much in the way of visible carbonation. Wish there was more foam and better retention.

S - Yum. Citrus-y hops and a hint of rye. Fresh tangerine & grapefruit over top of a solid caramel malt backbone. Nice balance here.

T - More bitter than I expected - particularly with both the strong hop profile and the touch of rye whiskey flavor. The strong sweetness found in the smell isn't as present here, just a little sweetness on the back end. I'm going to delve into the realm of subjective preference here, but I find this is too bitter to be considered well-balanced, but not bitter enough to meet my hop-bomb needs. Leaves a bitter aftertaste as well.

M - Could be a little less watery, but otherwise smooth and creamy. Leaves a sticky resin after swallowing.

D - Plus - the restraint in carbonation keeps it from being too bloaty. Minus - even though this called a Rye beer, it appears to be competing in a very crowded IPA field.
The smaller size actually makes it more drinkable than Hop Rod Rye.

Solid effort by Two Brothers.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2009 00:15:46 | More by MasterSki

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

3.93/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a US tumbler pint glass.

A: The beer is a deep reddish brown color with a large off-white head that fades very slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is of fruity citrus, bready rye malts and a good amount of hops.

T: The taste is bready and sweet with flavors of caramel, citrus, rye and some spice. There's a strong hops bitterness that provides some balance and rye malt character is very character. The after-taste is slightly sweet and slightly hoppy.

M: Smooth and very crisp, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is clean and dry.

D: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, good kick, good representation of style, there are better rye beers out there but this is still a good beer to drink for a while.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2009 04:05:25 | More by TheManiacalOne

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This beer poured out as a red color with a tan colored head. The head fades not leaving much lacing. The smell of the beer is a little hoppy, a little sweet and has some spice. The taste had some sugary sweetness, nothing overwhelming. Theres also some spicy rye and hop bitterness in the aftertaste. The mouthfeel is medium bodies and has a good carbonation. Overall this is a pretty good beer but I didn't think it was worthy of an A. Just my opinion though.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2011 03:46:15 | More by Knapp85

Halcyondays

California

3.43/5  rDev -16.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle,

A: Pours a reddish brown with small off-white head, lightly fizzy, good retention, leaving some lacing in a pint glass.

S: Solid smell of some sweet and smoky brown malt, pineapple, very floral hops.

T: Definitely sweet at the forefront, I got a lot of caramel malt and brown sugar. Hops are give a dry citrus and some tropical flavour. Only problem was an annoying coppery metallic aftertaste that dropped the score down from a solid 4. Ends with that along with some bitter dry hops and rye spice.

M: Light carbonation, fairly light body, resiny, some residual sugar character for sure, metallic.

D: A nice rye beer from a brewery I have never tried before, but Founder's Red and Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye are in another category all together in comparison.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2008 04:46:20 | More by Halcyondays

emerge077

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Recently released in 4-packs, sampled from a 12 oz. bottle.

Deep mahogany that glints red under stronger light. Spotty lace that coats the glass. Head retention is good, foam sticks around for a good half hour.

Earthy and bready rye in the nose, some indication of hops as well.

It feels more substantial than when I last had a pint on draft. Medium bodied with some leafy hop bitterness in the background.
Caramel, rye bread, with a nice bittering hop throughout.

Very nice and sessionable, possibly 2 Brothers most popular brew.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2008 02:17:16 | More by emerge077

akorsak

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A pint served on-tap at the Brass Rail Deli.

A: The rye ale is a full, dark amber brown color, completely opaque. A finger of head has left small-sized patches of lace around the mouth of the glass.

S: The nose is a combination of citrusy hops and spicy dark rye bread. Peppery aromas cut into the rye, bringing out their sweetness.

T: Delicious. The rye is full, concentrated and chewy, leaving a bready taste in the mouth. The malts are met by vibrant hops, citrusy with grapefruit and orange peel leading the way. Caramel malts mix with the bready rye, creating a rich malt base that is capable of supporting the weighty hop profile. Hell, it could support a an entire extra addition of hops.

M: The rye and bold hops make this a real ale to savor. The flavor is full and intense from first sip to last; one of the best beers that the Brass Rail has had on.

D: Hop Stoopid kicked just before I arrived but you know what? This kicks Hop Stoopid in the pants 9 times out of 10. I love rye and I love hops and this beer provides both in tall order.

Serving type: on-tap

07-03-2009 20:44:29 | More by akorsak

tempest

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A single from Abe's

A dark red with an off-tan head, poor retention and little lacing. The aroma is very herbal with that rye spice. The flavor immediately reminds me of Red's Rye from Founder's, for obvious reasons. It's a big, but not too harsh citrus tang. As satisfying as any good IPA or hopped red ale, but with that wonderful rye twist to make it stand out. Worth a try. Quite tasty.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2008 23:57:47 | More by tempest

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appears slightly hazed deep copper amber with a large off white cream head leaves even lacing around. Aroma has sweet roasted caramel aspects with flowing herbal and mild citrus notes along with a spicy rye kick. Flavor is great I have no clue what Thai palm sugar tastes like but this beer is so unique with the combination of spicy rye, herbal and citrus hop tones, and caramel roastiness. Strong flow of hop oils carrying the bitterness to the edge. Mouthfeel is sticky with hop resins evenly carbonated very smooth, glides going down medium bodied. Drinkability is nice an all around very complex drinking beer that I hope to see again soon.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2007 16:43:22 | More by WVbeergeek

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a clear ruby hued brown with a thick creme head. Nose is nice. Definite grass clippings there with some piney citrus. It's a nice full nose that isn't blasting away at my nostrils. I like it. Flavor is smooth. Nice thick grainy level. Bright citric tones. This is an awfully hoppy rye, but it's nice. Smooth liquid feel and a full carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2008 22:34:53 | More by RblWthACoz

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Clear, reddish, light brown liquor. A blend of large and small bubbles in the head--dies quickly. Good lace on the side of the glass.

Nice blend of malt and hop in the aroma. The hop smells fresh, but is subtle to allow the dryness of the malt to come through.

Dry brew on initial taste. The hop takes over after that. Nice long aftertaste. Good body with relatively low carbonation. Not creamy.

A very nice, dry brew. At 7% abv, this is a deceptively strong beer for the flavor profile.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2007 19:22:57 | More by smcolw

Wasatch

Utah

4.38/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks goes out to BAz Vancer and NucularGeorge

Pours a nice clean/clear dark golden color, nice carbonation, nice little fizzy off-white head, nice islands and sticky lacing afterwards. The nose is sweet malty, slightly hoppy, and some caramel. The taste is slightly sweet, malty, with a nice touch of hops, and caramel. The finish is slightly dry and bitter. Medium body. Very drinkable, this is my first Two Brothers brew and glad I've gotten a chance to try it out.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2007 00:21:15 | More by Wasatch