Mickey Finns Fifth O‘Rye Ale

Sampled at AleFest Chicago. Poured a clear amber/orange with an average off white head, and sticky lacing. The aroma presented some caramel malt and some spicy dryness courtesy of the rye and hops. The flavor added to these a touch of sweetness. Medium bodied, some peppery dryness in the finish, and very sessionable.

Cask at NotLA. Dry hop aroma; not my favorite. Dark copper body with an off-white head and some lace. Has flavor. Has the rye thing going on. Some off flavors. not bad, but not good. A little cloying.

Deep copper in color under a tan skin. Diacetyl shows some offense in the aroma, yet floralized hopping saves the day with an additional dash of pepper. Smooth, full and dry. Rye bitterness is prominent in the flavor, yet sweet malts truly strive to compete and balance. Highly enjoyable... I must be a pirate! (Yar!)

<font size=-4>On cask at <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/events-detail.asp?eventID=4959> Night of the Living Ales III, Goose Island Wrigleyville 03/03/07</font>

One of my favorites at NotLA III. It’s a clear amber drink with a modest head that has a peppery, hoppy, spicy aroma atop a caramel base. The flavor has a sweet malty backbone that well supports peppery spices and an earthy bitterness. A satisfying sessionable ale to be sure.

<font size=-4><a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/events-detail.asp?eventID=4959>Night of the Living Ales III, Goose Island - Wrigleyville, Chicago, IL, 3/3/2007.<font size=-1>

I like rye beers and this is a good example. Clear red color with a small head. The spicy rye compliments the hops in aroma and taste, giving this a mellow boost. A very tasty beer.

On tap at Mickey Finn’s brewpub, Libertyville, IL. Clear red amber having a small diminishing head. No discernable carbonation. Nice spicy malt aroma. Medium bodied that starts with light sweet malt, spice and caramel flavors. Finishes dry with light nutty malt aftertaste. Went very well with my fish and chips. A very good drinkable session beer.

Cask (Night of the Living Ales!): hazy copper – resiny effervescence within the aroma along with whole hop flowers and sweet pollen. Fresh grass in a long mountain valley comes to mind as I sip this smooth, clean brew that has a sweet floral quality and at times perfumey complexity balanced with a crisp hop flavour and bits of rock candy. The grain is more of an afterthought, but does add some depth to the finish and in the end satisfies.

Cask at Night of the Living Ales. Slightly hazy golden body with a fluffy, white head. Moderately hoppy nose of light citrus and a bit of pine character as well. The malt is subtle and smooth, providing a base for the moderate hops. The body is moderate, but refreshing and enjoyable. The flavor has a nice crisp hop bitterness balanced by sweet, grainy malt. The rye adds some additional heft and a bit of spicy character as well. A tasty beer reminiscent of Terrapin Rye Pale Ale.