Terrapin Beer Company- Rye Pale Ale: Tortoise or the hare?

Rye Pale Ale is another beer that I owe Jason thanks for. Writing for the website has been a freaking blast, and the thing I have enjoyed the most is getting to drink beers I would not normally be able to get my hands on. This brew form Athens, GA is one of many that I would never be able to review without my brew crew. Hats off to Jason! I would say more kind words about him but the lucky fuck scored a Dark Lord Days ticket and I’m still a little salty.

Terrapin has a pretty beer in this dark, little bottle. Rye Pale Ale is a cloudy rusted orange visage with a swirled haze. The head was thick and creamy like a lazy summer cloud. Where Rye Pale Ale really gets you is its scent. Its aroma is, mesmerizing, tantalizing and hypnotizing. Think sweet malts, roasted rye, whipped cream, and earthy toffee. If this beer was a perfume I would make Christina bathe in it.  

I was hoping that Terrapin Rye Pale Ale was going to pack a little more rye bite. It is actually quite smooth and mellow. The rye and hops gives a nice crisp bite on a beer that is pretty creamy and silky. It is not the greatest beer of all time but it definitely goes down dangerously quick. This might be the planet’s greatest session beer for a hot summer day filled with golf and softball. It won’t crush your quest for a sharp rye slap, but it will unapologetically mellow you out and help achieve maximum “dudeness.” Follow the banjo playing turtle; he wants to take you to your happy place…  

ABV 5.5%

Consumed: Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack

Terrapin Beer Company - Rye Pale Ale: The Forgotten Treasure

While away in Denver at GABF I had the opportunity to taste more than my share of wonderful American Craft Beers. We spent three days sampling beer from more booths than I can count and traveling to breweries such as Trinity, Wynkoop, Breckenridge, Great Divide, Left Hand, & 3 different Oskar Blues Locations. I was afforded the chance to corrupt my liver and tickle my tongue with countless beers spanning the full range of styles.  With all of these delectable beers gracing my palate I was still humbled by what I had sitting in my chill box at home. I almost forgot about a bottle I had of Rye Pale Ale from Terrapin Beer Company out of Athens, Georgia, but I am so glad that I didn’t.

Rye Pale Ale is an American Pale Ale brewed with Rye.  Its head rises above the honey colored beer by about an inch.  The carbonation moderate to low, but it’s fitting for the style.  It smells like a breakfast table of warm biscuits and grapefruit.  There isn’t a strong bitter bite, but the flavor of the hops comes through pleasantly. The spiciness of the rye comes through in the flavor as well as some of the grapefruit.

Rye Pale Ale is extremely drinkable, yet totally full of flavor. I think that is the combination that makes for the best in Pale Ales.  This beer is sheer perfection in its approach and delivery of flavor and aroma.  I could drink this beer at any time of the day or night and in any season.  If you haven’t yet tried it you should do yourself a favor and rectify that situation. This would for sure be my new go-to beer if only I could get it readily in Illinois. It’s so cool when you find something so great that you didn’t even remember you had!

ABV: 5.5%

Consumed: Mother Earth Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Case