1001 Beers

Beer No: 57
Page No: 155
Category: Amber

Try as I might, I just can't seem to get caught up on my beer reviews.  It's tough to do one a day - especially when real life gets in the way.  But, it's still American Craft Beer Week, so I decided to revisit Bear Republic Brewing Company as their Racer 5 was one of the first beers reviewed in this long journey.  The Racer 5 IPA which I loved, but not as much as some other IPAs I regularly drink.  However, this Hop Rod Rye, being a Double IPA brewed with 20% rye malts blew me away.  The hops are definitely out in force with this DIPA, but the rye malts really seem to bring it back to ground and balance it perfectly.  1001 Beers notes that brewing with rye is especially difficult because it has no husk and can turn rock hard during mashing if not careful, but the folks up in Northern California at Bear Republic have it down.  This was a treat and there's truly a reason it's #21 on the list of top 50 Imperial/Double IPAs.  However, it being one spot ahead of Avery's The Maharaja is pretty crazy.  The Maharaja still stands as one of my all time favorites.  But with a rating of 4.2, the Hop Rod Rye is definitely not far behind.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Ale from Bear Republic Brewing Company

Aroma: 9/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 8/10
Palate: 4/5
Overall: 17/20

Rating: 4.2 / 5.0

Had from 22oz. bottle from BevMo. Pours dark brown/amber with good head and ample lacing. Aroma is heavy hops and rye bread with good citrus and caramel undertones. Flavor is heavily hopped with a nice balance of rye and barley malts. I wasn’t really expecting to like this one as much as I did. A wonderful IIPA with the rye malts really adding to the complexity. Finishes with a sweet, dry taste. Absolutely wonderful.