Bear Republic Brewing Company - Hop Rod Rye

Turbo-charged 

The best thing about this beer drinking hobby of mine? Well, besides the massive beer gut, it gives me a great way to improve almost any crappy day. Lousy Monday? Uncap a beer. Mailbox overflowing with bills? Uncap a beer. Mother-in law arriving for a surprise visit? Uncap a lot--A LOT--of beers.

Tonight's Monday beer is Bear Republic Brewing Company's Hop Rod Rye. It comes with an ABV of 8.0% and cool label graphics featuring flames and a hot rod. Awesome.

The beer poured into my pint glass a hazy, dark copper color with a thick, foamy, clumpy, tan head. That head came up to a full inch high and dissipated slowly. Lots to sudsy lacing was left behind.

Aroma was citrus and pine with a distinct spicy smell in the mix. Sweet caramel malt in the background. Subtle hints of honey and brown sugar.

Taste delivered a nice spicy rye zing with lots of pine and just a hint of citrus. A really tasty, sweet malt flavor rounded out the bitter hops bite. Just a bit of an alcohol taste to this brew, but nothing too harsh or boozy.

Medium to slightly full mouthfeel with good carbonation. A very creamy finish. Lots of flavor was left rolling around on the palate.

I love this beer. It's just damn fantastic in every respect and I can't find a flaw. I'm giving this tasty brew from NorCal a BeerGuyPDX rating of 4 crushed cans out of 4.