Rye't for the Wrong Reasons

Typically, rye beers are known to be sharp and spicy. "Stonefly Rye Ale" is both...sort of. It could use some time at the gym as all the edges are soft and round. But soft is alright, right? Despite its shortcomings, it is still sharper and spicier than its wheat beer roots.

The aromas run the gamut from citrus to red fruits to apples, blurring into each other, leaving little more than a general fruitiness. The flavor has noticeable sweetness of wheat and malt, but it's kept in check by the dryness of rye. The clean finish leaves just a subtle black pepper type spice.

With little personality, low ABV (4.6%) and IBUs (28), most beer geeks will find "Stonefly" boring.

There is some hope, though. It has a slight astringency from tannins. Couple that with the dominant aromas and it becomes a gateway beer for wine drinkers. On a hot day, pair "Stonefly" with salmon nicoise salad when the higher alcohol of pinot noir would be too much. The beer will disappear behind the bold salad, but it will refresh your palate for each new bite.