Centennial Rye Ale
Black Bridge Brewery

They just brought back the Rye Ale and it checks out. Not my normal go to but still enjoy.

Black Bridge Rye Ale has the perfect appearance for a Saskatchewan beer - its sunny complexion and cloud-like head are reminiscent of the province's golden grain fields and the seemingly endless sky above them. Its soft haze suggests a lot of said grain went into this recipe, originally released for the centenary anniversary of the brewery's hometown, Swift Current.

The aroma is fragrant as fresh-bread and, frankly, smells a little like it too. That yeasty scent may indicate a less than fresh sample (there's no 'best before' or 'brewed on' date on the can) but, regardless, it's pleasant and oddly comforting, like coming home to a warm kitchen. A little of the Centennial dry-hopping is evidenced by an underlying leafy scent.

Rye is a notoriously nutty, spicy, chewy grain yet the flavour and mouthfeel on this one is soft, fluffy and bready - it tastes more like it was brewed with wheat. The palate also features nuances of dried citrus peel, slightly overripe orchard fruit and, of course, a crack of zesty spice. It's an easy profile to get behind!

The brewery is proud to state that they'd never compromise the quality of their beer for profits. Normally I sweep a statement like that under the garb of marketing, but the proof is in the pudding (or, more accurately in this case, the ingredients list). The barley, rye and hops that went into this are all clean, hardy and pronounced. Top notch condition.

Black Bridge Rye Ale is a little unconventional for a rye beer, but in a good way. This very wholesome, nourishing yet light and gulpable version was clearly designed with hard working farmers in mind - this is exactly the kind of satiating, 'happy mood' beers I want after a long, hard, sweaty day's work - and it's finally put Saskatchewan craft beer on the board for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can: Poured a clear amber color ale with a relatively large foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of spicy malt notes with citrus hoppy notes is quite pleasant. Taste is also a nice mix between some dry caramel malt with a spicy zest with strong citrusy hops and light bitterness. Body is about average with good carbonation. Very well balance beer with nice flavours profile.

 

Though I grew up in Alberta, I was born in Saskatchewan. My family has deep roots in Saskatchewan, so I have an extra soft spot for anything that comes from the "motherland". This beer is a wonderful example of the "good" that can emerge from this place. It is clear, bright, and smells like wide open prairies. The dry hopping complements the subtle peppery flavor I love so much in a beer. Do yourself a favour - find this beer and support brewery that needs to continue brewing.

 

Sample at the brewery. Fresh hop flavour and aroma. Well put together beer, lacking in rye character.

 

 

 

355ml can. A rye ale, seasoned with Centennial hops, and made to commemorate Swift Current's 100 year anniversary - I see what they did there.

This beer pours a clear, bright medium golden yellow hue, with three fingers of puffy, lazily foamy, and mildly bubbly off-white head, which leaves some decent limestone face lace around the glass as it evenly subsides.

It smells of gritty, grainy pale malt, a certain spicy, somewhat peppery rye character, slightly acrid generic citrus rind, muted pine needles, and a soft, indistinct orchard drupe fruitiness. The taste is biscuity, crackery pale and rye malt, not particularly spicy - more of an ethereal white pepper dustiness than anything - lemon and underripe orange citrus esters, a coy earthy pine forest astringency, and a middling flinty stoniness.

The carbonation is active enough to provide support and a playful tingle at the same time, the body medium-light in weight, and plainly smooth, the hops and spice not really interfering, but taking the sheen off, nonetheless. It finishes on a drying kick, the rye malt and green hops carrying us out with a fresh tune.

An interesting and drinkable rye ale, the dry-hopping with Centennial giving more than just a banner title name to this effort. Congrats to the city and to the new brewing concern - keep sending us the good stuff made from Saskatchewan's finest, and we'll keep the lines of communication open.