Hello, what's this? Sierra Nevada brewing a rye IPA for spring? Yes, I do believe we need to give this a try.
Beer Details: Ruthless Rye IPA from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Chico, CA (IPA brewed with rye, 6.6% ABV, 55 IBU)
Appearance: This lovely brew pours a crystal-clear copper color with a thick head of off-white foam. The foam bubbles down to a thin, but stubborn, film across the top of the glass.
Aroma: A warm blend of soft caramels, a spicy cup of tea, and sweet orange zest. Gee, sounds kind of like a tasty mid-day snack!
Taste: My first impression is of just-squeezed orange juice. It has that a same sense of bursting freshness with a nice balance off sweet and sour. Spicy flavors of warm cinnamon and clove mix with earthy notes of thyme and pepper. Warm caramel malts emerge in the middle of the sip, only to be met with a smack of bitterness in the finish.
Overall, this beer reads as brisk and bracing, but with an underside of warmth. Not unlike spring itself, one might say. It also has an intriguing creaminess that had me going back for sip after sip. Spring might not be here quite yet, but that just means more time to enjoy this beer.
Food Pairings: Try this one with Mexican food. A plate of spicy enchiladas or a big bean burrito would compliment the earthy and spicy flavors in the beer, and vice versa.
Have you tried this beer yet? What do you think?
Related: What's the Difference? Pale Ales, IPAs, and Double IPAs
(Image: Emma Christensen)
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Saw this on Sunday as we were stocking up for the Niner game but I wasn't sure if I'd like it. However, your description makes me think otherwise so may need to give it a try after all.
It's a beer from Sierra, haven't had a bad one yet!
Can't wait until I see it here on the east coast
Whoa, this might be an IPA I actually enjoy. Generally that's the only type of beer I will categorically stay away from, but I like rye flavor in beer and the IBU on this isn't too high for me.
I'm lucky enough to live in Chico, but I haven't tried this one yet. Saw it in the store yesterday (standard price for all Sierra Nevada's beers are $6.99 for a 6-pack here) but left it for next week's shopping trip. We are blessed with many a delicious taco truck here in Chico, so I will have to take your advice and pair it with my favorite shrimp nachos from my favorite truck. I really like the label, it's a bit of a departure from their usual graphics.
Love it, not as sweet as Bear Republic's Hop Rod Rye, which I also like quite a bit. Excellent showcase of Rye.
I also like to "pair" it with a nice glass of Bulleit Rye on the rocks ;)
Just tried this last week. A local bar just got it on tap and we had to try. We both loved it!
@Beestrofowler - I like your style!
I enjoyed it! Torpedo IPA is my favorite offering right now.
This one is totally my new favorite!!! I love it! I love the beautiful bottle and the taste is so wonderful, warm and spicy!!! LOVE IT