Guinness Rye Pale Ale
Originally brewed as a gift for friends and families of the brewers, Guinness Rye Pale Ale is available for a short time in the U.S. as part of the company’s Brewer Project line of beers. This 5% ABV brew uses the same yeast as the brand’s famous stout, but that’s where the similarities end. Lightly peppery rye is utilized in the malt bill while Mosaic and Cascade hops combine nicely to offer an array of citrus fruit notes.
Rye Pale Ale is lightly rustic in character, but still drinks quite easily as the rye mingles gently with hints of orange and grapefruit before fading slowly to a lasting finish. The brew feels a medium bodied, but also a touch watery as it glides effortlessly across the tongue. While only measured at 18 IBU, there’s still a good amount of hop bitterness to tingle the senses before heading into that moreish finish.
Guinness’ take on the rye pale ale won’t overtake those examples that are favorites amongst beer drinkers, but it is a beer that serves as an opportunity to check out how other breweries are working with similar ingredients. This beer does have decent flavor and is well balanced. I’d prefer a touch more rye personally and a less watery feel on the tongue, but other than that, the samples of Rye Pale Ale that I received didn’t last too long in the fridge.
This is a review of a promotional sample.