Rye Hopper | French Broad Brewing Co.
Brewed by:
French Broad Brewing Co.
North Carolina, United States | website
Style: Rye Beer
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.90%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by ncvbc on 09-22-2008
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 135 | Ratings: 244
3.74/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
French Broad Rye Hopper has a thin, off-white head, a brilliant orange, bubbly, mostly opaque appearance with some noticeable sediment chunks roiling about and a bit of a lacing sheen left behind on the glass. The aroma is odd- sharp, intense, acidic citrus and even an almost turned orange juice smell. Hop resin, sweetness, pepper, and bread are also detected. Taste is unusual, too- sharp, sweet, acidic citrus, peppery rye, white bread, and a bitterness that grows as one drinks through the bomber bottle. Mouthfeel is medium, and French Broad Rye Hopper finishes dry and tart.
RJT
★ 587 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
French Broad Rye Hopper has a thin, off-white head, a brilliant orange, bubbly, mostly opaque appearance with some noticeable sediment chunks roiling about and a bit of a lacing sheen left behind on the glass. The aroma is odd- sharp, intense, acidic citrus and even an almost turned orange juice smell. Hop resin, sweetness, pepper, and bread are also detected. Taste is unusual, too- sharp, sweet, acidic citrus, peppery rye, white bread, and a bitterness that grows as one drinks through the bomber bottle. Mouthfeel is medium, and French Broad Rye Hopper finishes dry and tart.
RJT
★ 587 characters
3.84/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
When the mere bit of hops isn't enough.... enter: rye grain! The French Broad brewers execute a snappy and emboldened taste that each ingredient could not simply muster on their own.
Rye hopper kicks off with a glowing bronze color, just off of pale and eludes to to the rustic taste within. With American pale ale threads weaving the aromas and flavors together, its the taste of hops that stand tall above a steely caramel sweetness. Citrus and tropical fruit align on the front of the tongue in both dry and juicy portrayal.
Drying considerably over the middle, its the taste of true pumpernickel, equipped with peppery caraway, husk and its own earthy bite. The caramel fades and allows the hops to bloom- pink grapefruit, vibrant orange and tropical pineapple and mango all share the stage with that peppery rye character tethering through.
Its quick and bone dry finish is given a compelling creamy dryness that keeps the ale supported even in its fleeting moments. Hop bitterness seems exacerbated by the bite of rye grain, elevating both to utmost proportions. An aftertaste of dried citrus and peppercorn linger on.
★ 1,127 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
When the mere bit of hops isn't enough.... enter: rye grain! The French Broad brewers execute a snappy and emboldened taste that each ingredient could not simply muster on their own.
Rye hopper kicks off with a glowing bronze color, just off of pale and eludes to to the rustic taste within. With American pale ale threads weaving the aromas and flavors together, its the taste of hops that stand tall above a steely caramel sweetness. Citrus and tropical fruit align on the front of the tongue in both dry and juicy portrayal.
Drying considerably over the middle, its the taste of true pumpernickel, equipped with peppery caraway, husk and its own earthy bite. The caramel fades and allows the hops to bloom- pink grapefruit, vibrant orange and tropical pineapple and mango all share the stage with that peppery rye character tethering through.
Its quick and bone dry finish is given a compelling creamy dryness that keeps the ale supported even in its fleeting moments. Hop bitterness seems exacerbated by the bite of rye grain, elevating both to utmost proportions. An aftertaste of dried citrus and peppercorn linger on.
★ 1,127 characters
3.42/5 rDev -10.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Clean clear copper color, the head is very thin and fizzy. Rye malt nose, rye malt flavor this a properly called a Rye Ale. The feel is incredibly thin, almost watery. Nothing particularly remarkable about it but it certainly presents itself as what it is...a Rye Ale.
★ 268 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Clean clear copper color, the head is very thin and fizzy. Rye malt nose, rye malt flavor this a properly called a Rye Ale. The feel is incredibly thin, almost watery. Nothing particularly remarkable about it but it certainly presents itself as what it is...a Rye Ale.
★ 268 characters
3.78/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
A: Light brown, lots of fine bubbles distributed evenly throughout the brew, light haze, 2 fingers of light beige head, lava stone like lacing.
S: Citrus, hops, toasted malts.
T: Citrus, white grapefruit, big white grapefruit bitter notes from the middle of the sip well into the long lingering aftertaste. Orange citrus quality, very light sweetness, mostly a dry beer.
M: Medium resinous, thick body, medium carbonation, dry bitter finish.
O: Love rye beers, and I love this one. Drank in Canton, June 21st, 2014. Great look and taste. Got this on sale at Ingles today.
★ 575 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
A: Light brown, lots of fine bubbles distributed evenly throughout the brew, light haze, 2 fingers of light beige head, lava stone like lacing.
S: Citrus, hops, toasted malts.
T: Citrus, white grapefruit, big white grapefruit bitter notes from the middle of the sip well into the long lingering aftertaste. Orange citrus quality, very light sweetness, mostly a dry beer.
M: Medium resinous, thick body, medium carbonation, dry bitter finish.
O: Love rye beers, and I love this one. Drank in Canton, June 21st, 2014. Great look and taste. Got this on sale at Ingles today.
★ 575 characters
3.73/5 rDev -2.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a bomber into a shaker pint, the beer is a slightly hazed, amber-highlighted copper coloring with a frothy, foamy, off-white head and a ton of carbonation action throughout the body. Aromas of hops first and foremost, with a resinous blast, moss and pine, and some subtle tropical fruit, all on a roasted and slightly bitter, grain backbone. Flavors are more of the bitter and pungent rye forward, with a bitterness around the edges from the hops, resinous notes, and citrus highlights. Smooth, light bodied, with a crisp endfeel. The aftertaste has a bit more of the citrus notes coming to the palate, with the bitter grains still providing a solid foundation. The finish has a grainy and citrus linger. Not bad overall, very balanced, and the light body keeps it refreshing.
★ 788 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a bomber into a shaker pint, the beer is a slightly hazed, amber-highlighted copper coloring with a frothy, foamy, off-white head and a ton of carbonation action throughout the body. Aromas of hops first and foremost, with a resinous blast, moss and pine, and some subtle tropical fruit, all on a roasted and slightly bitter, grain backbone. Flavors are more of the bitter and pungent rye forward, with a bitterness around the edges from the hops, resinous notes, and citrus highlights. Smooth, light bodied, with a crisp endfeel. The aftertaste has a bit more of the citrus notes coming to the palate, with the bitter grains still providing a solid foundation. The finish has a grainy and citrus linger. Not bad overall, very balanced, and the light body keeps it refreshing.
★ 788 characters
4/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Picked up this 22oz while in TN over Christmas.
Pours with a creamy, off-white head... not something I would've expected. Body is a very cloudy, dirty-amber. Lots of lacing. Big points on all appearance levels, esp for the style and being under 6%.
Aromas are full of bitter rye, with some sweet candy alcohol to balance. Some butter leaf lettuce, touch of pumpernickel, and a finish of soap.
Flavor is very hop-forward. The mouthfeel is creamy, and relatively light/thin compared to most rye-focused beers. Flavors have lots of floral and herbal (tobacco) qualities, along with a white pepper bite. Great dose of rye malt.
I've been on a rye love affair for the past few months, with both beer and whiskey, so maybe my review is overinflated, but if you enjoy rye and all that it brings, give this one a try... very affordable, too.
★ 849 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Picked up this 22oz while in TN over Christmas.
Pours with a creamy, off-white head... not something I would've expected. Body is a very cloudy, dirty-amber. Lots of lacing. Big points on all appearance levels, esp for the style and being under 6%.
Aromas are full of bitter rye, with some sweet candy alcohol to balance. Some butter leaf lettuce, touch of pumpernickel, and a finish of soap.
Flavor is very hop-forward. The mouthfeel is creamy, and relatively light/thin compared to most rye-focused beers. Flavors have lots of floral and herbal (tobacco) qualities, along with a white pepper bite. Great dose of rye malt.
I've been on a rye love affair for the past few months, with both beer and whiskey, so maybe my review is overinflated, but if you enjoy rye and all that it brings, give this one a try... very affordable, too.
★ 849 characters
3.76/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A new brewery for me. Looks good off the pour. It’s kind of a mild rye. Nothing overly abrasive or way out there. Easy drinking and smooth enough. Nice level of spice from rye. Minimal hop abrasive tones. Like I said: easy drinkin’. This could be an every day ale. I wouldn’t mind some more punch out of it, but it’s pretty good as it is.
★ 346 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A new brewery for me. Looks good off the pour. It’s kind of a mild rye. Nothing overly abrasive or way out there. Easy drinking and smooth enough. Nice level of spice from rye. Minimal hop abrasive tones. Like I said: easy drinkin’. This could be an every day ale. I wouldn’t mind some more punch out of it, but it’s pretty good as it is.
★ 346 characters
3.66/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Pours amber brown with red around the edges and a small soapy head. Aroma is heavy on the spice, with a dash of dish soap smell, sweet caramel and toffee, and a tinge of pine. Flavor very much highlights the rye, spicey black pepper, some pine bite, bit of dark dry fruit with serious dry finish. Has some qualities of a dubbel but without much sweetness. Light to medium mouthfeel that finishes dry. Very true to the rye here, and does not go all IPA on you like a lot of "rye" pales do. I respect that.
★ 504 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Pours amber brown with red around the edges and a small soapy head. Aroma is heavy on the spice, with a dash of dish soap smell, sweet caramel and toffee, and a tinge of pine. Flavor very much highlights the rye, spicey black pepper, some pine bite, bit of dark dry fruit with serious dry finish. Has some qualities of a dubbel but without much sweetness. Light to medium mouthfeel that finishes dry. Very true to the rye here, and does not go all IPA on you like a lot of "rye" pales do. I respect that.
★ 504 characters
3.59/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark copper body supporting just over an inch of bone white foam that recedes relatively quickly leaving some thin rings of lacing.Aroma consists predominantly of herbal spiciness,brown bread,dirt weed and mild pine.Flavor profile contains strong tea leaf hoppiness,dull citrus,blonde tobacco,aspirin and sourdough.Mouthfeel is light/medium with a rough,edged hop bitterness and an almost tinny malt finish.Lightly resinous.Overall,a mediocre hoppy rye beer in my opinion.
★ 480 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark copper body supporting just over an inch of bone white foam that recedes relatively quickly leaving some thin rings of lacing.Aroma consists predominantly of herbal spiciness,brown bread,dirt weed and mild pine.Flavor profile contains strong tea leaf hoppiness,dull citrus,blonde tobacco,aspirin and sourdough.Mouthfeel is light/medium with a rough,edged hop bitterness and an almost tinny malt finish.Lightly resinous.Overall,a mediocre hoppy rye beer in my opinion.
★ 480 characters
4.06/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a Dogfish Spiegelau glass.
A- Pours a dark copper color with a 1/2 inch tan head that retains well before it slithers down to a thick ring around the edge of the glass and a mostly full sheet of surface foam. Resilient lacing leaves a full sheet behind on the glass.
S- Crisp and a bit citrusy with a slight malt sweetness.
T- The rye balances out the hop bite precisely making for a drink that's just as malty and spicy as it is grassy and fruity. Lingering bitterness.
M- Oily and a bit sharp from the hops. Medium carbonation and a body that's on the full side.
O- Nothing too complex but it is effective in its execution. Drinkable, enjoyable and flavorful. Isn't that all that matters?
★ 709 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a Dogfish Spiegelau glass.
A- Pours a dark copper color with a 1/2 inch tan head that retains well before it slithers down to a thick ring around the edge of the glass and a mostly full sheet of surface foam. Resilient lacing leaves a full sheet behind on the glass.
S- Crisp and a bit citrusy with a slight malt sweetness.
T- The rye balances out the hop bite precisely making for a drink that's just as malty and spicy as it is grassy and fruity. Lingering bitterness.
M- Oily and a bit sharp from the hops. Medium carbonation and a body that's on the full side.
O- Nothing too complex but it is effective in its execution. Drinkable, enjoyable and flavorful. Isn't that all that matters?
★ 709 characters
3.74/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark amber color, with an off white head, left plenty spongy lace. Aroma was floral with the hops, some citrus, spicy rye, caramel sweetness. Tastes of citrus, sweet nuttiness, spicy, fruity rye notes, hints of pine. Bitterness is medium. Body is medium, low to medium carbonation. Drinkability is good, easy to quaff.
Nice ipa, not world class, but enjoyable.
★ 369 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a dark amber color, with an off white head, left plenty spongy lace. Aroma was floral with the hops, some citrus, spicy rye, caramel sweetness. Tastes of citrus, sweet nuttiness, spicy, fruity rye notes, hints of pine. Bitterness is medium. Body is medium, low to medium carbonation. Drinkability is good, easy to quaff.
Nice ipa, not world class, but enjoyable.
★ 369 characters
3.74/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
A: poured from a 22 oz bottle into a pint glass, dark amber brownish with a short tan light head that dissipates leaving little lacing, clear
S: spicey pepper from the rye, pine hops
T: nice rye presence without being overpowering, peppery and bready with a crisp hop finish, bitter pine resin at the end
M: thinner with lower carbonation
O: rye is present but not outlandish, balanced well with the hops but neither flavor is powerful
★ 439 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
A: poured from a 22 oz bottle into a pint glass, dark amber brownish with a short tan light head that dissipates leaving little lacing, clear
S: spicey pepper from the rye, pine hops
T: nice rye presence without being overpowering, peppery and bready with a crisp hop finish, bitter pine resin at the end
M: thinner with lower carbonation
O: rye is present but not outlandish, balanced well with the hops but neither flavor is powerful
★ 439 characters
4.42/5 rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours bright copper with good dose of slightly off-white head. Great lacing left behind. Smell is lots of fresh, crisp rye bread and citrus hops. Taste brings more of the same, with spicy rye notes, citrus hops, a bit of caramel sweetness, and a subtle earthy taste. Perfect balance between malt and hops. Mouthfeel is slightly above medium, and exceedingly drinkable.
This is the gold standard of rye beers for me. Only Founders Red's Rye and the Lenny Bruce beer from He'Brew showcase rye as well as Rye Hopper does. Pair this with some great music at the French Broad tasting room and you have a perfect combo.
★ 614 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours bright copper with good dose of slightly off-white head. Great lacing left behind. Smell is lots of fresh, crisp rye bread and citrus hops. Taste brings more of the same, with spicy rye notes, citrus hops, a bit of caramel sweetness, and a subtle earthy taste. Perfect balance between malt and hops. Mouthfeel is slightly above medium, and exceedingly drinkable.
This is the gold standard of rye beers for me. Only Founders Red's Rye and the Lenny Bruce beer from He'Brew showcase rye as well as Rye Hopper does. Pair this with some great music at the French Broad tasting room and you have a perfect combo.
★ 614 characters
3.95/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
a - poured a one finger thick off-white head into a snifter that left great lacing throughout. the body was a clear and bright amber color.
s - citrus, sweet malts, rye.
t - piney and citrusy hops with a bit of spice.
m - crisp and medium.
o - solid rye beer with a lot of hop punch.
★ 283 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
a - poured a one finger thick off-white head into a snifter that left great lacing throughout. the body was a clear and bright amber color.
s - citrus, sweet malts, rye.
t - piney and citrusy hops with a bit of spice.
m - crisp and medium.
o - solid rye beer with a lot of hop punch.
★ 283 characters
3.57/5 rDev -7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Color is a dark shade of amber, nearly brown. Head is average, but a nice amount of lacing is left on the glass. The smell is herbal, floral, and malty, and pleasing to the nose. The taste is malt-forward - nutty and bready - with rye also playing a big role, adding spiciness and a tingle on the tongue. Hop flavors are in the background, and are mainly floral. I think it would benefit from more citrus hop flavors to provide better balance. It's a decent rye, but not a memorable one.
★ 487 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Color is a dark shade of amber, nearly brown. Head is average, but a nice amount of lacing is left on the glass. The smell is herbal, floral, and malty, and pleasing to the nose. The taste is malt-forward - nutty and bready - with rye also playing a big role, adding spiciness and a tingle on the tongue. Hop flavors are in the background, and are mainly floral. I think it would benefit from more citrus hop flavors to provide better balance. It's a decent rye, but not a memorable one.
★ 487 characters
3.15/5 rDev -18%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A - A deep copper, with some head and lace retention.
S - Amber and rye. Slight tabacco
T - Sweet, malty, maybe a little touch of bourbon? Definitely has some alcohol up front at the finish, which is surprising for an under 6% brew
M - Full bodied, lots of carbonation
O - An average rye beer.
★ 298 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A - A deep copper, with some head and lace retention.
S - Amber and rye. Slight tabacco
T - Sweet, malty, maybe a little touch of bourbon? Definitely has some alcohol up front at the finish, which is surprising for an under 6% brew
M - Full bodied, lots of carbonation
O - An average rye beer.
★ 298 characters
3.58/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A - pours a woody mahogany amber color. There is a sparkly character from the steady stream of tight champagne like bubbles though virtually no head just a film of white bubbles. Though it leaves thick lacing against the glass with every sip.
S - nose is simple yet pleasant. Strong malt character with noticeable earthy rye. Theres also notes of tree nuts and toast. Bright aromas of candied orange peel round out the nose.
T - lots of nutty flavors and multigrain toast up front. The center is rich with malt flavors of toffee playing off of bright citric hop notes. Finish is quick and dry.
M - medium bodied with a creamy, smooth texture. High carbonation with tight scrubbing bubbles.
O - a very enjoyable ale. Balanced and flavorful. Great for a cool evening.
★ 770 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A - pours a woody mahogany amber color. There is a sparkly character from the steady stream of tight champagne like bubbles though virtually no head just a film of white bubbles. Though it leaves thick lacing against the glass with every sip.
S - nose is simple yet pleasant. Strong malt character with noticeable earthy rye. Theres also notes of tree nuts and toast. Bright aromas of candied orange peel round out the nose.
T - lots of nutty flavors and multigrain toast up front. The center is rich with malt flavors of toffee playing off of bright citric hop notes. Finish is quick and dry.
M - medium bodied with a creamy, smooth texture. High carbonation with tight scrubbing bubbles.
O - a very enjoyable ale. Balanced and flavorful. Great for a cool evening.
★ 770 characters
3.7/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Bomber with no freshness dating that pours a clear, dark amber body with a one-finger light tan head. A small amount of lacing.
The aroma is akin to an APA with some grassy/piney hop notes and a little bready malt. I got a strong scent of the rye upon the first pour, but it faded very quickly.
The flavor follows the aroma closely with a touch more of the malt flavor present than in the aroma. I also get more of the rye flavor in the taste. Fairly well blended overall.
Light texture in the mouthfeel and relatively drinkable overall. Not a show-stopper, but a decent offerning.
★ 584 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Bomber with no freshness dating that pours a clear, dark amber body with a one-finger light tan head. A small amount of lacing.
The aroma is akin to an APA with some grassy/piney hop notes and a little bready malt. I got a strong scent of the rye upon the first pour, but it faded very quickly.
The flavor follows the aroma closely with a touch more of the malt flavor present than in the aroma. I also get more of the rye flavor in the taste. Fairly well blended overall.
Light texture in the mouthfeel and relatively drinkable overall. Not a show-stopper, but a decent offerning.
★ 584 characters
3.18/5 rDev -17.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Served this 22 oz. brown bottle in a Sierra Nevada hops glass. No date. The body was amber and clear. The nearly white head left a healthy amount of lace in the glass.
The smell was of hard candy. Sour, leafy, spicy, and sweet. Dark bread, rye.
The taste was sweet and grainy first and then grassy bitterness. The bitterness lingered, ebbs and then returns in waves. There is some modest spiciness here as well as apples and other fruitiness. I would rather it not have as much breadiness, but more earthy happiness. No bad, but not one I would seek out again.
The mouthfeel was thinner than expected with a medium to thin body. Modest, but adequate carbonation.
★ 667 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Served this 22 oz. brown bottle in a Sierra Nevada hops glass. No date. The body was amber and clear. The nearly white head left a healthy amount of lace in the glass.
The smell was of hard candy. Sour, leafy, spicy, and sweet. Dark bread, rye.
The taste was sweet and grainy first and then grassy bitterness. The bitterness lingered, ebbs and then returns in waves. There is some modest spiciness here as well as apples and other fruitiness. I would rather it not have as much breadiness, but more earthy happiness. No bad, but not one I would seek out again.
The mouthfeel was thinner than expected with a medium to thin body. Modest, but adequate carbonation.
★ 667 characters
3.23/5 rDev -15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
There is a mere hint of a head above a hazed, ruddy-amber beer with an orange glow when held to the light. Slight rings of lace are deposited on the tulip glass.
Light pine sap aroma with very subtle orange. Altogether there is little going on.
The flavor is almost entirely dominated by grapefruit with high bitterness and a long, dry finish. Each sip includes a bitter bite that lingers.
A full body with soft texture and light carbonation. This one is very dry from the beginning through the end with light alcohol.
This is a decent beer, but should be consumed with a meal.
★ 581 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
There is a mere hint of a head above a hazed, ruddy-amber beer with an orange glow when held to the light. Slight rings of lace are deposited on the tulip glass.
Light pine sap aroma with very subtle orange. Altogether there is little going on.
The flavor is almost entirely dominated by grapefruit with high bitterness and a long, dry finish. Each sip includes a bitter bite that lingers.
A full body with soft texture and light carbonation. This one is very dry from the beginning through the end with light alcohol.
This is a decent beer, but should be consumed with a meal.
★ 581 characters
4.4/5 rDev +14.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured a lively dark copper with a finger and a half head. Retained its light amberish head very well. Appears to be very carbonated.
The Aroma was sweet, malty, carmely greatness.
I interpreted the flavor as starting off with hints of carmel and malt, and then finishing with a citrusy hoppy bitterness.
The mouthfeel was heavy and highly carbonated.
Overall the rye hopper was a beer very different from what I'm used to and pleasantly surprising. The bitter sweet flavor was a winner for me.
★ 495 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured a lively dark copper with a finger and a half head. Retained its light amberish head very well. Appears to be very carbonated.
The Aroma was sweet, malty, carmely greatness.
I interpreted the flavor as starting off with hints of carmel and malt, and then finishing with a citrusy hoppy bitterness.
The mouthfeel was heavy and highly carbonated.
Overall the rye hopper was a beer very different from what I'm used to and pleasantly surprising. The bitter sweet flavor was a winner for me.
★ 495 characters
3.79/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottles courtesy of JCB. Thanks again!
Pours a hazy dark copper, almost chestnut brown color with a two finger frothy white head that very slowly settles into a lasting ring. Large chunks of soapy lacing left behind.
Subtle rye presenc in the aroma with some sweet malt, caramel and hazelnut. This is countered by a slightly earthy, floral hop presence with faint pine.
Medium bodied with a nice bitter hop presence up front that is countered by a sweet, slightly roasted malt backbone. Hints of caramel, rye, toast and dark fruit. Slight creamy texture with a dry finish. Hoppier and more complex than expected. Well balanced and easyto drink. A pleasant surprise from a brewery that I was unfamiliar with.
★ 712 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottles courtesy of JCB. Thanks again!
Pours a hazy dark copper, almost chestnut brown color with a two finger frothy white head that very slowly settles into a lasting ring. Large chunks of soapy lacing left behind.
Subtle rye presenc in the aroma with some sweet malt, caramel and hazelnut. This is countered by a slightly earthy, floral hop presence with faint pine.
Medium bodied with a nice bitter hop presence up front that is countered by a sweet, slightly roasted malt backbone. Hints of caramel, rye, toast and dark fruit. Slight creamy texture with a dry finish. Hoppier and more complex than expected. Well balanced and easyto drink. A pleasant surprise from a brewery that I was unfamiliar with.
★ 712 characters
3.88/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: A dark amber pour with a good off-white head. Lacing is great and so is the retention.
S: Pretty subtle but nice. Citrus and grapefruit along with some bread from the malt. There is just a hint of rye in the nose, getting strsonger as it warms up. I would have rated it higher if it had been a little stronger smelling.
T: Smooth and bready up front, turning into a touch of rye in the middle. Hops hit hard at the end with a a strong earthy/grapefruit bitterness that lasts well into the aftertaste. If I had to compare it to something, it tastes like a slightly hoppier EPA with some rye added.
M: Fairly drying aftertaste, not much else to mention.
O: A well balanced beer with a good combination of bready malt, rye and bitter hops. I just wish the rye were a little stronger as I am a fan of the style.
★ 814 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: A dark amber pour with a good off-white head. Lacing is great and so is the retention.
S: Pretty subtle but nice. Citrus and grapefruit along with some bread from the malt. There is just a hint of rye in the nose, getting strsonger as it warms up. I would have rated it higher if it had been a little stronger smelling.
T: Smooth and bready up front, turning into a touch of rye in the middle. Hops hit hard at the end with a a strong earthy/grapefruit bitterness that lasts well into the aftertaste. If I had to compare it to something, it tastes like a slightly hoppier EPA with some rye added.
M: Fairly drying aftertaste, not much else to mention.
O: A well balanced beer with a good combination of bready malt, rye and bitter hops. I just wish the rye were a little stronger as I am a fan of the style.
★ 814 characters
4.15/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Shared 22oz bomber shared with 2 friends. Served in large wine glass.
A: Pours with a very attractive copper brown color; sparkling clear with barely visible fine carbonation. A small white head reduced to a ring that left little lacing behind.
S: There's rye in the nose, and plenty of sweet malt, but the hops come through first and foremost, making this pleasantly citrusy.
T: This is a rye pale ale with a strong malt base and enough rye to significantly modify the flavor. There's plenty of hops in the flavor, like a typical Amer. PA, and the hops are the main contributor to the fine and lasting finish.
M: very good carbonation level; medium body
D: A good bomber to share; plenty of flavor but not extreme.
★ 721 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Shared 22oz bomber shared with 2 friends. Served in large wine glass.
A: Pours with a very attractive copper brown color; sparkling clear with barely visible fine carbonation. A small white head reduced to a ring that left little lacing behind.
S: There's rye in the nose, and plenty of sweet malt, but the hops come through first and foremost, making this pleasantly citrusy.
T: This is a rye pale ale with a strong malt base and enough rye to significantly modify the flavor. There's plenty of hops in the flavor, like a typical Amer. PA, and the hops are the main contributor to the fine and lasting finish.
M: very good carbonation level; medium body
D: A good bomber to share; plenty of flavor but not extreme.
★ 721 characters
Rye Hopper from French Broad Brewing Co.
3.84
out of 5
based on 244 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
22 oz bottle, no date
dark amber in color, slightly hazy. nice off-white layer of head. good lacing. earthy aroma, a bit of hop flavor. taste has a slight spicy bite, balanced by some malt sweetness. medium bodied, mouthfeel is a little sticky
★ 250 characters