Nelson by the Alpine Beer Company

Posted by Keith Wallace on Jul 5, 2012 in Beer Reviews | 0 comments

When a brewery goes out of its way to make a beer, it’s good to take notice.  When California’s Alpine Beer Company opted for New Zealand hops when great local ones are available, it’s curious. When they opt for Rye malts from Europe when American ones are plentiful, it’s even more puzzling. The end result is the Nelson, a Golden Rye IPA. Named after the Nelson Sauvin hop, this is an outstanding brew currently only available in California.

The balance of this beer is an uncommon one,  as it is between a traditional rye malt and the devilishly unique hop.  It is that Nelson hop that gives this brew a bewitching aroma, closer to a Thai pineapple curry than one would ever expect.  A sulfurous shallot,  thai basil, lemongrass, fresh oranges, and canned pineapple. The spiceyness of the rye comes through with a touch of black pepper and toasted cardamom along with a gentle framework of rich malt that ties it all together into a tight package. The brew finishes like it begins, crisp and clean.  Difficult to get a hold of, but worth seeking out.

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye

Posted by M.L. Wolfsohn on Apr 28, 2012 in Beer Reviews | 0 comments

Those effing 15th century farmers in Germany. They effed up the rye harvest a few years in a row, and forever changed the face of beer brewing. Since then, barley malt has been the dominant malt in beer.

Fortunately, that seems to be ending in the 21st Century, thanks to such bottles as Bear Republic’s Hop Rod Rye. American craft beers rarely embrace a single style, and this is no different. Hop Rod Rye is a rye beer brewed as if it was an  imperial IPA.

The spicy/sour of  the rye mash  marries perfectly with the floral/citrus of the cascade hops. In the mid-palate,  a rich cream and  caramel takes control, but the beer never becomes sweet or cloying:  the bitterness of rosemary and citrus oil reigns it in. In the finish, the hops take control, with notes of  flowers, resin, and grapefruit. Kudos, a trailblazing brew.