Carlsberg Semper Ardens Winter Rye
Carlsberg Danmark A/S

Appearance: rusty brown, a tad hazy, bubbly layer of off-white noisy foam that flattens to a thin cap (though that could be the sub-par glassware I'm forced to use at the moment) , strands of lace

Aroma: rye-bready maltiness, faint caramel, touch of banana, fresh-baked "rugbrød", alcohol, waft of Cascade hops

Flavor: initial malty sweetness rounded out by the spiciness of the rye, grainy, light piny hop flavor, toast, licorice, finishes quite dry with a lingering rye flavor and subdued hop bitterness

Mouthfeel: medium full body, vapid carbonation, a bit "dry", quite warming

Other comments: I always jump at the chance of trying a rye beer and I'm generally quite interested to taste beers the beers that the "big boys" brew for the connessieur market. So, a winter rye beer from the Danish giant was a must. This doesn't disappoint, I'm relieved to say. Nice pronounced rye flavor/aroma and a good beer otherwise. Well worth it, especially if you like rye. Looking forward to trying the others in the Semper Ardens series.