MI Beer Spotlight: Founders Red’s Rye

May 27, 2008

Beer: Founders Red’s Rye 

Brewery: Founders in Grand Rapids, MI                                                         

Style: I.P.A.*

*On the label Red’s Rye is called a Red Ale and on Beer Advocate it is considered a Rye Beer. The IBUs and ABV make this beer an American IPA. Rumor has it that it will soon be marketed as an IPA or a “RyePA”. Also, it was in the NIPAC tournament (a march madness style tournament for IPAs) and reached the Elite Eight before bowing out to Bell’s Two Hearted.

Beer Advocate Rating: A-

ABV: 6.4%   IBUs: 68

Serving Temperature: 42 degrees

Food pairing: At the beer dinner that was put on by Founders and Big Bear Lodge, they served this beer with a salad of grilled romaine hearts, balsamic vinegar, kalamata olives and goat cheese. The pairing was absolutely incredible and from now on, I’m grilling all my salads. It sounds easier to blacken some fish or chicken and throw that on a salad with a vinaigrette. Think of things you accent with citrus or pepper and this beer should go well with that dish. 

Appearance: Red’s Rye has a copper color with an off-white head. As I hold it up to the light, I see it has a slight haziness. There is some head retention and lace develops after the first sip.

Aroma:You can smell those citrusy hops. I also get a slight hint of pepper.

Taste and Mouthfeel:One again the citrus flavor hits you right away. Once you let it float on your tongue you can feel the sweet malt hitting the tip of your tongue. On my last sip I could sense a peppery taste and as I swallowed it the hop bitterness took over. The mouthfeel is crisp and clean doesn’t leave your mouth cottony or oily like some IPAs do.

Overall Impression: This is another beer I absolutely love. It is a beer that you can enjoy a few of without diminishing returns. It’s citrus hoppiness with a undercurrent of pepper and sweet maltiness makes it an easy drinking but a complex tasting beer. Rye adds to this beer and sets it apart from a lot of other IPAs. 

I highly recommend this beer. Best of all it is easy to find in most of your better beer stores. It is available year-round.  

Posted in Beer Review, Beer and Food, Michgan products