Rye IPA, 7.7.7
Opening/Pouring/Aesthetics: Nice long pfft on opening. Poured vigorously, nice 1/2 inch head which faded after a minute or so, very small head remained. Clarity is good but not great -did not clear up as it warmed. Nice deep golden color.
Aroma: Good spicy aroma, nice and malty. I smell some alcohol as well. Hop aroma is faint but there. Good complex aroma.
Taste: Good malty, spicy, fruity taste. The rye in this is really nice, definitely adds complexity to the malt taste. Hop bitterness is well balanced, I was expecting more - but I shouldn't go off expectations. Finishes bitter, a little alcohol heat.
Accordance with Style: What style? Other than the rye, this would make a nice high-grav IPA. With the rye it makes a non-traditional great beer.
Overall Impression: Unfortunately, at 4 months old the hop aroma has no doubt faded, I would like more hop aroma, but maybe that's just personal preference. Other than that, and the slight presence of alcohol taste and aroma, this was a great beer. Very well balanced, great spicy complexity from the rye, body was really nice, and all in all very enjoyable. Looking forward to the rest.