Terrapin has always been something of a mixed bag for me. I’ve only had two or three of their brews but was always a little surprised about how unhoppy the Big Hoppy Monster was. It was a great beer but you shouldn’t name a malt forward beer “Big Hoppy Monster.” That being said I’m not usually a fan of the workhorse of American craft brewing, the humble pale ale. I find Dale’s Pale Ale to be too malty and rich for everyday consumption, and have been disappointed by many of the lighter bodied variety. It’s only recently that I’ve found a couple that I enjoy. Southern Tier’s Phin and Matt’s Extraordinary Ale and Two Brother’s Bitter End both having a light refreshing body, low IBUs and a relatively massive floral hop quality. They are basic summaries of what I find to be best in American brewing. I have now found another pale ale that I can really enjoy but for totally different reasons.
Rye might be my favorite grain. In a beer it imparts a little bit of enhanced bitterness and a great chewy body. It can also turn a very basic pale ale into something that can continue to hold your attention through a session. It pours a pale amber, with light carbonation. Just a bit of citrus hops on the nose. Mild bitterness with that somewhat rough texture of rye to roll over your tongue. Great beer to relax with whenever.
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