Rye-based IPA Brewing Guide by Better Brewing Bureau
In the world of craft beer, IPAs (India Pale Ales) continue to captivate beer enthusiasts with their bold and bitter taste. One such IPA that has been making waves in the greater Portland, ME area is the "Rye of the Beholder."
Brewed by Bret Barker, a homebrewer since 2009 and a member of the Mashing Maineiacs, the "Rye of the Beholder" IPA is a testament to Bret's passion for sessionable beers, including Pale Ales, Session IPAs, Dark Milds, Belgian Wits, and more.
The history of IPAs can be traced back to 19th-century England, where they were initially crafted to supply beer to troops stationed in India. Today, IPAs come in various styles and flavors, from traditional English IPAs to modern American ones.
The "Rye of the Beholder" IPA, with its unique name, is no exception. It boasts a batch size of 5 gal, an Original Gravity (OG) of 1.058, a Final Gravity (FG) of 1.011, an International Bitterness Units (IBU) of 64, an Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of 6.2%, and an efficiency of 70%. The beer is brewed with a mash temp of 152 oF and boiled for 60 minutes.
The yeast used in the recipe is Omega OYL-091 Hornindal Kveik, a strain known for its high-temperature tolerance and ester production, contributing to the beer's distinctive flavour profile. The hop ingredients include Cascade, Centennial, and Mosaic hops, adding a hoppy bitterness and aromas, which might include citrus, pine, or floral notes.
A spicy, slightly peppery note from the rye malt is also a characteristic of this unique IPA. The base malt profile, influenced by adjuncts like flaked corn or Vienna malt, provides a colour and mouthfeel, although specific details on these ingredients are not available.
Pairing an IPA like the "Rye of the Beholder" with food is best done with bold dishes that can withstand its hop-forward taste. Spicy cuisine, rich savory dishes, or seafood make ideal partners.
For those seeking a less intense IPA experience, Session IPAs, with their lower ABV, emphasize the hop aroma and flavor without the intense bitterness often associated with IPAs. On the other hand, Double IPAs, or Imperial IPAs, have higher amounts of hops, malt, and alcohol, making them the strongest among IPAs.
While the exact characteristics and flavors of the "Rye of the Beholder" IPA remain somewhat speculative without direct details from Bret Barker, it is clear that this homebrewed delight offers a unique twist on the classic IPA. For thorough details on this beer, checking brewer-specific sources such as Bret Barker’s brewing logs, blogs, or beer recipe databases where homebrew recipes are shared is recommended.
[1] It's worth noting that while the specific grain ingredients for the "Rye of the Beholder" IPA are not explicitly mentioned, the recipe includes 2 Row Base Malt, Vienna Malt, Rye Malt, Caramel 120, and Acidulated Malt.
In the realm of smart-home devices, one could envision a futuristic scenario where the aroma from a smart coffee maker can be remotely synced with Bret Barker's "Rye of the Beholder" IPA, providing an immersive beer-tasting experience.
As technology advances, virtual brewing workshops and courses, led by experts like Bret Barker, could allow enthusiasts to learn the intricacies of crafting gadget-assisted, uniquely flavored beer recipes at home, such as the "Rye of the Beholder" IPA.
