Rye beer may be an ale or lager, and is generally based on a classic beer style with the addition of Rye malt making up 20 percent or more of the grain bill. Craft brewers most frequently add Rye malt to American Pale Ale, American India Pale Ale (IPA) and Brown Ale. The degree of rye spiciness in the aromas and flavor of a rye ale or lager varies across examples, but will always add a signature kick to the beer’s overall character. Some beers brewed with rye may be classified under their base beer style due to the overriding flavor profile.
Characteristics: Complex, spicy, light- to medium-bodied
ABV range: Varies by base beer IBU: Varies by base beer
Popular Rye beer brands: Laughing Dog Rocket Dog Rye IPA, Founders Red’s Rye P.A., Blue Point RastafaRye Ale, Terrapin Rye Pale Ale, The Bruery Rugbrød, Tommy Knocker Hop Strike, Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA
Serving Temperature: Cool, 46-54°
Cheese Pairing Ideas: Asiago, mild Blue cheese, mild Cheddar, Coulommiers, Chèvre, aged or smoked Gouda
Food Pairing Ideas: Genoa salami, pastrami, spicy cuisine including jerk chicken, Mexican, East Asian and Indian foods
