Founders Reds Rye

Huge thanks to BBB63 for this one. Pours hazy ruby/copper with medium off-white head. Aroma of huge resiny hops, some malt, some grapefruit and honeydew. Tastes very hoppy, very fruity. Tons of fruit taste including grapefruit, honeydew, even strawberries and canteloupe. Very complex aroma and flavor. I thought this was either a red ale or an Impy IPA. Super smooth, highly hoppy and fruity palate. As a hophead, I love this one, and it would be great in any style category. This is my 3rd Founders beer, and the 3rd that has earned perfection. Does God brew for Founder’s?

When I had this beer for the first time I gave it a solid 4 ratings, but I remember saying to myself....I think I am going to change that number with my next bottle. Well the next day I bought my second and third bottles and MAN!!! what a beer....Dark orange, definitely rooted in a English bitter....my new favorite beer to have with a sandwich...rich and dry, very tasty, full flavored but very drinkable...a great session beer. Drink it daily and smile, because you are giving yourself a little taste of luxury.

I don’t usually buy multi-packs of craft beer...usually I buy single-serve bottles, or I buy at stores where I can mix-and-match my own six-packs. That said, I’m on my third six pack of Red Rye in the past few months. I had the good fortune to attend GABF this year, and spent a lot of time unsuccessfully searching for rye beers that are its equal (Hebew Rye PA is also very good). Great Lakes Nosferatu is also reminiscent of this beer, but I like Red Rye better. Appearance is a deep-red with attractive white lacing. Aroma is pleasant hop odor with a significant prediction on the citrus flavors to come. Flavor is great - hop heavy, citrusy, the rye delivers big-boy malt flavor, yet Red Rye is well-balanced. I have a hard time finding fault with this beer (it is even a good value for craft beer); I will be drinking this for as long as they’re making it. I can’t think of a beer I’d recommend more highly.

Nice ruby red/copper pour with a frothy off white head. Aroma of caramel, floral, sweet spice. Mouthfeel is nicely full with sweets and malts hitting first with some floral hops in the middle and dry finish. Re-Rate: Sweet malts and hops are a perfect balance in aroma and flavor. Sweet malty goodness in the mouthfeel with a great floral hop in the end with the still dry finish!!

RateBeer Rating, Style and Glass: 97, specialty grain, pilsener or shaker ABV, Volume & Calories: 6.8% in 12 fl oz. estimated at 170 C Purchased at: circle liquors Super Saver, Pennington, NJ for $2.50 Aroma: siren like, sugary, pine, cascade hops, grapefruit. 10 out of 10. Visuals: clear, deep brilliant, red, off white head, persistent, beautiful, strong lace. 5 out of 5. Taste: rye bread, pumpernickel, caraway seed, strong, bitter, hops, powerful, expertly crafted. 10 out of 10. Palate: crisp, exciting, dry, sandy, long bitter finish. 5 out of 5. Overall: Simply amazing - the mix of rye and hops is one of my favorites. I’d have it again in a split second. An instant favorite. Beautifully crafted. 20 out of 20.