Apex Predator Brewing (Bench Creek Brewing) Stephanie – Rye IPA at 5.5% ABV | 45 IBU (C$4.68 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 31-May-2021, acquired 2-Jul-2021, reviewed 11-Jul-2021)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale amber with two fat fingers (and growing) of rocky ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: spicy rye, bready caramel, citrus, hint of stone fruit. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration bitter spicy finish. (4/5)
The label calls this a Citra Rye Pale Ale, but I’d call it a RYE RYE RYE Citra Pale Ale – though that’s usually the case any time rye comes out to play. And actually, there’s ultimately a bit less rye than you might expect for a full-on Rye IPA, and the citrus notes eventually do claw their way back to some kind of balance. I was a bit uncertain when I saw that combination of rye and Citra hops, but it’s actually not bad. (And the name and artwork is Ally Sheedy’s role in Short Circuit, in case you were wondering and/or not an 80’s kid.) (15/20)
7.5/10 ryansbooze.com #ryansbooze
