Sweetwater LowRYEder IPA
I’m a big fan of a little rye being thrown into my IPA. Bear Republic’s Hop Rod Rye is my favorite beer that utilizes the grain to great effectiveness, creating a beer with just the right levels to attain a masterfully balanced drinking experience. There have been a few beers of the ilk that have come close to matching it’s flavorful depths, but none that have gotten quite there.
Until now.
Atlanta’s SweetWater Brewing Company recently announced the arrival of a new annual release to their regular line of beers. That beer is a rye IPA called LowRYEder. And it’s a beer that, if it were to ever become available in Virginia, would easily overtake Bear Republic’s product as my go-to rye IPA. The 6.2% ABV brew is well balanced, clean and full flavored.
Appearance
LowRYEder pours a clear medium amber with minimal carbonation activity within its depths. The rocky, off-white cap of foam that capped the beer fell smoothly to a thin collar and sticky lacing.
Aroma
The nose on this beer is wonderfully balanced and inviting. Tropical citrus, subtle pine, spicy rye, caramel, a soft bready character and light grains all come together nicely.
Taste
Just like the aroma, the flavors of this beer work wonderfully together. Spicy rye bread arrives first with a side of tropical citrus, orange, and light pine. The beer transitions smoothly through a light malt sweetness and subtle caramel to a lingering finish that carries a touch of hop bitterness that tingles the tongue for a while. The softer mouthfeel and medium body gives the beer a very drinkable nature despite it’s elevated alcohol content.
Overall
Like I said, if this beer were readily available in my home state, it would surely overtake Hop Rod Rye as my choice for Rye IPA. Or at least be cause for many (many, many, many) side-by-side taste tests. LowRYEder is a well balanced and easy drinking brew that has just the right amount of hop bitterness, rye and malt sweetness to make for one of the better beers I’ve had this year.
Rating: 4.5/5
This is a review of a promotional sample received from the brewery.
