Õllekunsti OÜ (Põhjala Brewery) Põhjala Rukkirääk Rye Beer at 5.9% ABV | 20 IBU (C$5.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 330 ml, best before 13-Aug-2017, acquired 18-Nov-2017, reviewed 21-Nov-2017)
Appearance: clear amber-brown with a thin beige head diminishing rapidly to a thin persistent cap, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: dark fruit, caramel, rye bread, liquorice, hint of smoke. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter, mild spice. (8/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate-soft carbonation, off-dry medium duration mildly spicy finish. (4/5)
“Rukkirääk”? Seriously? Is IKEA naming beers now? (It’s the Estonian name for the bird on the label, the Corncrake.) Yeah, I like this, possibly because it’s not completely unlike their Baltic Porter. Not a lot of hop character, of course, but there’s a little spiciness from the rye on both the nose and the tongue, that goes a way towards filling that role. The body tends slightly full and almost creamy, with softer carbonation and an off-dry spicy finish. A very old-fashioned feeling beer, but well done. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
