Founders Black Rye

Brewed by Founders Brewing Company
Style: Specialty Grain
Grand Rapids, Michigan USA

Bottle. Pours a deep & cloudy dark brown with no head. Nose is complex ...lotsa roasted maltiness with choco-coffee notes, definitely some vanilla detected, definitely a burnt quality. Flavor is big....lotsa coffee, toffee malts, blend well with a nice hop bitterness that is more pervasive as I drink. Smooth mouthfeel, medium bodied, nice dry bitter finish.

The hops did suprise me in this. Wasn’t what I was expecting, based on the pitch black appearance and chocolate aroma. This was very good; dry finish, yet smooth and creamy as well.

Deep brown with red streaks and a thick, frothy tan head. Cool, hoppy aroma of pine and light grapefruit, burnt malt, chocolate, caramel, rye bread and a bit of licorice. The body is thick, full and creamy. The carbonation is subtle, but sufficient for the beer and the rye adds a smooth texture to the body. The flavor is quite a shock at first. The aroma lends itself to a hoppy bitterness, but the roasted bitterness up front takes one by surprise. Once recovering, a moderate sweetness comes across the tongue. Despite this, the layered bitterness of the hops join the roasted malt to make it really interesting. Things keep confusing the senses, but each change is pleasant and welcome. A tasty beer that is quite different and totally good.

Hops, rye, and roasted coffee aroma. Dark brown. Rich coffee and the rye in the is very good. Not overpowering but gives a good taste alond with the rest of the flavors. Medium in the body and the aftertaste is malty.

Dark brown, puffy and creamy tan head. You can tell by the aroma it is dry hopped... full of burnt citrusy hops that accompany roasted caramel, stale bread, and coffee. Surprising amount of hops in flavor too... more citrusy / grapefruit rind, roasted sweet coffee malts. Indeed, quite like nutty rye bread in the finish. Well balanced and delicious. Seems simple, yet well put together. Founders makes brewing seem easy.

Very dark brown and a little hazy with no head. Complex aroma of roasted malt with chocolate, coffee, vanilla, licorice, dark caramel, maybe a little bourbon and tar. Big body with a clean but lingering spicy, fruity, hoppy and dry finish. Flavor of cocoa, anise, coffee, toffee, a little mint, and hops. Exceptionally well balanced and well made ale.

12 oz bottle. Deep clear black with ruby brilliance under the light and a lasting taupe head...big acidic carroway and sour breadiness in the aroma...rye present, dominant even on the tongue, just a tiny bit of sweetness to compliment the strong sour dryness, bit of port wine late...at first taste its reminiscent of a schwarzbier, but for the vinous quality and sourness. I feel that I haven’t gotten it all, but alas I need another bottle..

Black with a light brown head that fades fast. Noticed some floaties as well. Aroma is sweet, toasty, chocolate, and caramel. The toasted chocolate notes were rather savory. Very malty body with the hops coming through in the finish. Flavor is chocolate, toasted bread, nuttiness, a hint of vanilla, and floral/grassy hops. Creamy texture that coats the mouth and leaves a film. The finish was SLIGHTLY dry. Left lacing all the way down the glass.