Chazz Cat Rye
Iron Springs Pub & Brewery

 

 

 

 

Poured from the growler into a 16oz. mug.

Appearance: Amber-gold pour. Unfiltered beer, but still very bright. Small head disspitaed quickly, but a film stuck around. Not overly carbonated.

Smell: Citrus up front, but definite hop bitterness apparent. There's also a distinct floral aroma that is the rye itself. Akin to an IPA, but sweeter on the nose.

Taste: Floral bitterness right away. The hops and the rye are both bitter, but there's a pink grapefruit aspect to it. Bitter, but sweet ly balanced by the malt bill. Nutty on the end of the palate.

Mouthfeel: Medium. Buttery, and smooth. Mild carbonation doesn't sting with every sip.

Drinkability: If you like bitter beers, but are tired of the West Coast Imperial IPA, try this. While we have gone way to the extreme with the hop loads, this beer subs in a naturally bitter grain in lieu of some hops. The result is a great beer that is bitter, but still malty. The love child of an English Pale Ale and an American IPA.

Source/Serving: Draft

Smell: Packed with juicy fruits, earthiness and spiciness that reminiscent of freshly grated nutmeg.

Taste: Sharp grainyness, tartness, and a serious bite of grape skin bitterness capable of waking up any palette. High carbonation adds to the effect. A Musty, earthy brew overall. Middle is slightly mineral and acidic but is dominated by toasted malts and continued sharp bitterness. Citrus notes are hinted at throughout and come through as the beer warms. Finish is short, slightly tart and bready.

Notes: This is my first rye, but I appreciate the complexity of this brew. For me the bitterness is a little on the high side and out of balance however.

On tap at the brewpub. Poured into a pint glass. Comes in at 5.5%.

A-Pours a clear light amber color. It was an extremely full pour so the head size is small but it does a good job of covering the top of the beer.

S-Not a huge nose. I get some earthy hops, some light fruit, and some rye.

T-It has a lot of lager taste due to the use of Munich and Carapils malt. A little rye and some grapefruit hit midway through. The aftertaste is a tad spicy from the rye and there is also some earthiness that lingers. It has a little hope bite.

M-Medium bodied with good crisp carbonation.

D-A fairly refreshing lower abv choice.

This is a pretty good session beer from IS. It has some nice hop kick and the rye is a nice touch.

On tap at Iron Springs on 7/19/09.

A - Clear golden/orange body with lively carbonation, one-finger off-white foamy head that settled to a quarter inch of retention and left a bit of sticky lacing around the glass.

S - Fruity nose suggesting citrus and grapes with a hint of spice and some earthy hop notes. Sweet caramel and light bready, grainy malt character provides the aroma with a bit of sweetness.

T - Fruity initial flavor, although not sweet but rather hoppy with an inkling of citrus fruit and a slightly sweet grape presence in the middle. Very faint rye dryness in the backend. Finishes with some subtle sweet notes amidst an earthy hop bite and bready maltiness.

M - Light to medium body with a light syrupy texture and moderate carbonation. Slightly watery mouthfeel overall. Finishes with a touch of hops and dry, metallic bitterness on the palate.

D - I don't get a whole lot of rye character here, though there is some subtle spiciness and dryness present. This doesn't strike me as anything other than a slightly hoppy amber ale, but it's pretty tasty nonetheless.

On tap at the brewery. I really enjoyed this one.

Pours a surprisingly light gold and clear color, with a decent white head.

Aromas are of light rye spice, biscuit malts, brewed tea, and pine hops.

Taste is like the aromas. Light rye spiciness, and a brewed tea like character. Some sweet creamy malts, biscuits, and an overall toasted flavor. Finish is crisp, with a nice earthy hop finish.

Nice full feel, but not overly heavy. Feels nice in the mouth.

Drinkability is really good. Like I said, I really enjoyed this one. Very tasty, but not overly heavy, and with nice light carbonation and alcohol level. I'd drink this one all the time if it was available in my hometown.

Had on tap at the brewpub. I assume it is seasonal, but it could be year round. In any case, they rotate their taps. Pours golden with a good head and somewhat spotty lacing. Clear with no haziness. Slightly sweeet up front, like fruit loops. Gets grassier after that. Taste is similar, with some fruity sweetness up front and a more spicy, earthy bitterness on the finish. As it breathes it develps a nuttinesss and seems more floral as well. Mouthfeel is a little prickly, but good body. A little on the lighter side, but with good flavor. That, combined with low abv makes this one quite drinkable. Nice.