What's your experience with rye beers?

I really like rye beer. One that stands out for me was Sixpoint Righteous Rye, and Righteous rye barrel aged- Unfortunately these beer were retired-

 

Most I've liked. Monocacy Riot Rye, Union Rye Baby, I've only had 1 roggenbier (small batch from Barley and Hops years ago), and I gave it a perfect 5 score. Lots that I enjoy. Very few I've disliked. Some of the rye IPAs can get a touch harsh/bitter so its a delicate balance.

 

Isn't this kind of an odd category because it can be an IPA, Pale Ale or Stout (and perhaps other styles) as long as it contains rye?

 

Rye beers, just like rye whiskey, are hugely underrated

 

I greatly prefer the mash bill of bourbon to be in that 13 % range, when it gets into 27% imo it gets a bit rough. I might try a Templeton or a High West, but the 51% rye scares me off a bit. Certainly not those kinds of issues with beer, the rye influence is very subtle. I used to buy Hop Rod Rye multiples back in the day, that was a great beer.

 

I haven't had many... one was classified as both a double IPA and a rye ale, so that's probably a poor sample size. If they're anything like rye whiskey, I'll be on the lookout.

Anyone know the distribution of Thurn Und Taxis?

 

They've been making a comeback, especially with the whole craft cocktail scene. I'd love to try some examples from Maryland, as well as Europe (Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein)

 

Have you ever tried Bulleit Rye? Mash bill is 95% rye / 5% barley. I like the “spicyness” character it has. Pretty easy to find and not too expensive.

As far as bourbon goes, Maker’s is my go-to.

 

No never tried Bulleit Rye, I have had Makers Mark though it’s a very solid whiskey, and I buy it from time to time too. My everyday bourbon right now is Wild Turkey 101, and when I’m spendy I like Russels Reserve 110 proof, it’s close to barrel strength, maybe $50-$55, or Knob Creek small batch single barrel 120 proof. Makers is 18% Rye, Knob Creek 13% I think. For a change up try Old Grand Dad 114, its a 27% Rye, not bad on price too.

It would be exciting if the rye influenced the beer like it influences the whiskey.

 

No more odd than using wheat.

 

I live rye! Rye in beer, rye in whiskey!

 

Great Lakes used to make Rye of the Tiger. Wish they’d bring it back in bottles.

Edit: they may still make it as a brew pub only.

 

Lux by Bissell Brothers is a Rye New England Pale Ale. It is one of my favorite beers. I try to get it whenever possible.

 

Yikes, that makes for the best mule that I have ever had.

 

Seems like you've answered your own question. They aren't as available as they once were. Some brewers liked to use rye in IPAs, but with the marketplace taste shift in the wake of the NEIPA, brewers are leaning towards wheat and oats instead.

 

You are a very fine descriptor of beer. And I do really like rye as a grain.

 

One small kink in this theory, rye works as well in a NEIPA as it does anywhere else:



In my memory, Rye IPAs were kind of a thing for a few years (because every IPA variant is a thing for a few years), but it's not like there's been a longstanding tradition of rye beers in American craft brewing. I think it's always been kind of fringy because people don't like to work with it, it's effect is fairly subtle, and it's not something your customers are really demanding.

 

Hard to find many around my parts, but I do grab a Cumbre Red Ryeot once in a while. Cheers.