Widmer Brothers O’Ryely IPA
I reviewed a bottle of Widmer Brothers Nelson Imperial IPA a couple of months ago and thoroughly enjoyed that beer. So when I received this sample of their O’Ryely IPA, it had some big shoes to compete with. Not only does the beer’s clever name keep it on par with the bigger IPA, but so does the great flavor profile.
As you may have guessed, based on it’s name, this IPA has a healthy dose of rye added to it during the brewing process — which, besides the alcohol content, is the one big thing that separates it from the Nelson (both use New Zealand’s Nelson Sauvin hops). And with all rye IPAs that I come across I can’t help but compare them to my favorite example of the style, Bear Republic’s Hop Rod Rye. Widmer Brothers take on the genre may not turn out to be my favorite, but it’s still a pretty damn good beer.
Appearance
O’Ryely pours deep amber in color with a full stack of off-white foam that continued to grow vertically in a massive column long after the pour was complete.
Aroma
This beer packs a healthy wallop of pine resin, grapefruit and subtly spicy rye. A light caramel and biscuity malt help support the aroma with a nice balance.
Taste
Bready malt, caramel and spicy rye arrive first and are immediately engulfed in a welcoming blend of grapefruit and pine. Wafts of grain and orange peel come and go throughout the drinking process. The brew has a lasting finish that’s fairly dry and holds a moderate amount of hop bitterness. This is a very smooth drinking brew with only the lightest hint of alcohol late in the finish.
Overall
I’d say that this beer was just as flavorful as it’s non-rye bigger brother, Nelson. It’s deceptively drinkable and has a great flavor and balance. If I can find this one on the shelves in the next couple of weeks, it’s certainly going to be filling up some decent shelf space — even if it’s not going to be the my new favorite rye IPA.
Rating: 4/5
This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.
