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.

Beer No: 41/1001
Page No: 183
Category: Amber

A couple of weeks ago, Paste posted this article on the 30 Best Beer Bars in America, and based on the two that I visited up in San Francisco over my visits there, the list is pretty spot on.  I also have a friend who has been to the Oakland bar and can vouch for it's awesomeness as well.  So if you're looking for a good beer bar in your part of the country, check this list.  It's pretty legit.  Plus, it's got the Brick Store Pub in Decatur, GA on it, so you know it's on task.  I recently completed a 6,000 mile road trip across the U.S. with the Brick Store being my ultimate Eastern destination.  It was a great experience (despite having to wait an hour to drink beer due to antiquated Georgia laws).  Back in 2009, they also posted the 25 best Breweries of the Decade - all of which I'm sure are in the book of 1001 Beers.

It's tough not to compare this Avery Maharaja to the Imperial IPA I had just yesterday, the Beer Valley Reefer Madness.  But even without yesterday's beer as a comparison point, it's quite obvious that this is the cream of the crop of Imperial IPAs (or Double IPAs). As I am writing this post, I am unfortunately out of Maharaja.  All I want right now is another.  So I'm definitely heading down to BevMo in Costa Mesa tomorrow to pick up 10 more that I have on order (6 for me, 4 for a friend).  I have one Sierra Nevada Pale in the fridge that will have to do, but I just want another Maharaja right now.  It is absolutely delightful.  It's just so well balanced - heavy in hops as an IIPA should be, but also nice malts - resulting in a beautiful amber brownish-red color and the perfect amount of carbonation and lacing.

To put it simply, this is in the top 3 in terms of beer I've ever tasted (and rated).  It's technically in the #4 spot on my list, but right up there in the top 3, I have a mead rating, which I don't really classify as a beer.  Better than Stone's Ruination, better than AleSmith's IPA, this Imperial IPA is just heaven in a bottle.  And, to be clear, I'm refering to Batch 11, brewed March, 2010.  If you can find this in your local store, buy them out.  You won't be disappointed.  I can't find it in my three local stores, but luckily I can drive about 20 minutes to get some more.  Hopefully the ones I buy tomorrow will last me for a while.  I'm sure 6 will supplement my daily beer intake just fine over the next few months.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Avery The Maharaja Imperial India Pale Ale from Avery Brewing Company

Aroma: 8/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 10/10
Palate: 4/5
Overall: 18/20

Rating: 4.4 / 5.0

Had from bottle from BevMo. Batch 11, brewed March, 2010. Pours reddish brown with little head, awesome lacing, and tan film that sticks around to the end. It’s tough not to compare this to the Leafer Madness IIPA I had yesterday, so be prepared...the Avery is a bit darker as more malts seem to be used and it is perfectly carbonated. The flavors all blend together perfectly. Taste of floral, citrus, pine, grapefruit, great malt undertones, and amazing hop finish - smooth, not dry or astringent. The best IIPA or IPA I’ve sampled - definitely best in category.