Immediately an intense herbal, spicy, grassy aroma assaults your senses with subtle rye undertones. A clean fermentation evinces no fruit production nor phenols. This beer pours a deep amber color with a tall, lingering, ivory head that never truly dissipates. However, the high level of haze detracts from an otherwise good-looking beer.
The moderate orange, pepper and grassy hop flavor dominates over a low malt backbone consisting of caramel and rye. Decidedly bitter with a semi-dry finish that allows a bit of caramel and spicy rye to linger well after swallowing. This may be attributed to the medium-full body and only minor carbonation that allows the beta-glucans from rye malt to linger on the palate.
Bronx Brewery's Rye Ale is a well-made rye beer that emphasizes the herbal, spicy character of the malt using a similar hop profile.