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BC Review's picture

Rye Pale Ale

Judges Rating: 
86
Aroma: 
19 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
36 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

For ten years, Terrapin Beer Company has been pushing the boundaries and challenging the concept of “acceptable” beer styles. Rye Pale Ale was introduced in April of 2002 and the company hasn’t looked back since. Brimming with spicy notes of rye meshed with delicate hop notes, Rye Pale Ale’s aroma fills the room the instant the beer is poured. Lee appreciated the light rye spiciness, calling it “subtle and refined,” and enjoyed its interplay with the light honeyish base malt aromas. But he thought the aroma was lacking in hops. A lack of hops also struck Tom, but he praised the subtle citrusy notes of tangerine peels and oranges. Both felt the hop aroma would benefit from a less restrained hand. A pale yellow brew that is highly effervescent, Rye Pale Ale is crystal clear and boasts a towering head of purest white foam. Rye is a key component in the flavor, with other malts, hops, and esters adding layers of complexity. Pete found the “light grainy malt and delicate rye spice” enjoyable and had high praise for the “quenching, dry finish reminiscent of a Gewurztraminer.” Tim deemed the beer “delicate, refreshing, and highly drinkable.” Beneath the rye and malt, Tim tracked down some spicy hop flavors, as well as glimmers of tart green apple. With summer on its way, Rye Pale Ale is good to go.