New England Rye

Posted by Jim on May 26th, 2012
2012
May 26

Harpoon Rich & Dan’s Rye IPA

4.43/5
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
The beer has a very clear consistency. It is the color of clean, shiny copper kettle. There is a lot of carboantion clinging to the sides of my glass. A very large head of off-white bubbles fills the top third of my glass—there is so much that I can’t pour all 12 ounces into this pint glass. Very good lacing is left behind.

The beer has a very nice aroma. I could smell big hops aromas as soon as I began pouring. On closer inspection, there is also a healthy dose of rye in the nose. The hops are both earthy, like a pile of crisp leaves, and citrus-like, recalling orange zest.

The beer’s flavor comes across as very balanaced, even though it is a hop forward beverage. The rye spices are tasted immediately. Soon, more traditional hop bitterness comes forward. The bitterness stays through the finish, although here it is more oily than it was earlier. The malt sweetness is also tasted here, but it isn’t too sweet. It’s like a watery malt syrup (without that viscous feeling).

This beer is slightly thicker than average for the style, but the carbonation, while a little intense, seems to be par for the course. My lips are left a little sticky. The mouthcoat is noticeable, but not too sticky.

This is a very good Rye IPA. I’m glad that Harpoon has decided to release it in 12 oz bottles. I imagine that it will find it’s way into my fridge somewhat regularly.