Zeno's Oaked Rye Ale
Otto's Pub and Brewery

 

A - Served with a copper tinted body that had a bit of cloudiness to it...the head was white and stood one finger tall...it was creamy and never faded away...decent lacing was left

S - Initial aroma is comprised of citrus hops with a few bitter pine hops...once the beer has a chance to warm up the oak really comes out...the white oak mixes really well the hops to create a pleasant aroma

T - Just like the nose, the hops come into play first...there is a blast of juicy, sweet hops that start things off...the oak shines in the middle, only after it's had a chance to warm up...there is more of a malt backbone that comes through as well...it adds some body to the beer and if you search hard enough there is just a hint of spice...the oak has a freshness to it that plays well with all the other characters...there are some piney hops in the finish that leave a slight bitterness

M - Medium bodied...smooth and creamy, fresh oak, some bitterness

O - I went to Zeno's to try their Rye Beer, so I was super excited to see this version...what a winner...not sure of the ABV but I could have had two or three...the oak needs a bit before it really shines through...but it pairs well with everything present in the beer

Had on tap at Zeno’s pub in a pint glass

Appearance –Just like the bottled version, a deep red color. A lightly off white head was present upon serving which faded giving away to some lacing and a thin persistent layer of foam.

Smell – The oak out ways all, with a nice barrel aged aroma. Some hoppiness of citrus and pine are mixed throughout. A faint malty sweet aroma is also there but it is quite subtle in comparison to the nice oak aroma.

Taste – Sweet caramel and a bit of breadiness meet the tongue. Hoppy tastes then start working their way to the tongue . Mainly of citrus and a bit of pine. While quite evident in the aroma, the oaky barrel-bourbon flavor is not too strong and really doesn’t show itself till the end of the taste profile, rounding it out very nicely and leaving a very pleasant taste on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – Served with a moderate level of carbonation and a creaminess of moderate thickness and complexity. Very drinkable and great for the style.
Overall – While I very much enjoyed the bottle red rye , the oakiness just adds one more wonderful level and makes it even more enjoyable. If you are in State College, PA, go to Zeno’s and try this beer. I think you will like it!!

 

Transparent amber with a fading white head.

Floral citrus hop aroma at first fading into some earthy woody notes with a big malt backbone. Touches upon sweetness.

Solid hop flavor, mostly citrus peel, mixed with sweet nutty malts and pine with a lingering bitterness

Nice body to this rye ale. Could drink a few of these.

Very nice spin on the original Zeno's Rye!