I've been meaning to write about one particular beer for a while now, and having been prompted by a few "what was your favourite Irish beer this year" comments around the various forums and blogs, I decided the time was right to decide on my own. In my mind there is only one clear winner.
Other people are mentioning Galway Bay Brewery's Of Foam and Fury as being their favourite. It's a great representation of the DIPA Style, lots of up front hops, balanced by some great caramel malty sweetness, and a quite decent 8.5% ABV.
I, however, prefer less hoppy, less in-your-face and more accessible libations. I also like to drink beers with lower ABV than 8.5%.
I had tried, and reviewed a different beer from the brewer. I had also tried and loved a similarly styled beer from a different brewer, so when I saw this beer I immediately thought it was going to be good.
I brought home a couple of bottles and had them while watching a movie, I also saw it on sale in a couple of pubs - by the bottle, and finally I had one recently just after myself and the Beer Mistress had put up our Xmas Tree.
Kinnegar Rustbucket Rye Ale.
This beer does not disappoint. Pouring a lovely rusty orange colour, it is immediately inviting and you can smell some lovely hop aromas, but you can also get the spicy rye in there too.
I really enjoy the flavours that appear with Rye, spicy, peppery, even a little hint of sweetness. All combining to tame the underlying hops and present a really drinkable, warming and also refreshing russet ale. Perfect for a late Autumn or early Winter evening.
The fact that it's 5.1% ABV means you can enjoy a few of these, which really is a major plus point, to be able to drink a few bottles of this extremely tasty beer is a very good thing.
About halfway through the glass, I picked it up and got a really lovely hit of caramel toffee in the aroma, it was surprising and very welcome. This malt character balances rather well with the fresh and spicy hops and rye, to give a fully complete beer drinking experience.
I want more brewers to use Rye in their creations, but for now Kinnegar continue to impress with their small but innovative range of brews.
Well done to the brewers, they have created a real gem here.
Bravo!
