Wrenish Rye
The Virginia Beer Company

A mainstay at the brewery during my visits over the years, and it's just been swapped out for a refresh of the Year Round lineup. Pretty interesting blend of Rye Malt with a subtle hop bill. Spiciness from whole cone Simcoe and a sweetness from Jarrylo (a hop I'm not familiar with otherwise). Definitely a lot going on with this one! Hope it comes back to challenge the senses again.

 

 

I wish this beer had just slightly more malt flavor. I get hops up front with the rye flavor in the aftertaste. I like the rye flavor. A little more caramel sweetness from the malt would make this a really good beer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Served on tap in a sample glass.

Appearance: Amber with a thin off white head.

Smell: Citrus and bread notes.

Mouthfeel/Taste: Very smooth medium bodied. Taste of citrus, hops, and hint of bread like notes.

Overall: Excellent beer! I would have this one again.

 

 

A lovely example of what's possible in a red ale. Spicy rye, apple and peach esters, light caramel and toffee, with a spicy finish. I'd always enjoy a beer like this closer to 5% ABV, but I'd certainly order another. Quite drinkable, thoroughly tasty.

 

 

 

This is my favorite of the standard lineup.

Color is a turbid brown. Thin tan head recedes with a nice bit of lacing.

Nose and flavor are on the citrus side of hoppy with a nice bitter balance with the caramel malt notes. This is a really nice unusual beer. Easy drinking, nice well rounded flavor and something different to have in a standard lineup. Great for days with a bit of chill in the air.

Poured a cloudy brown body with two-finger head and lace ring down glass. Bitter, citric hops dominate the aroma with minimal malts. Taste is similar to the aroma as there is a scant caramel malt presence in this medium-bodied beer, just enough to add a little heft and balance to a bitter, earthy, citric hop dominated beer. Not a bad hop forward amber ale but not the best out there, either.