Review of Founder’s Red Rye P.A.
Categories: American Beer, Founder's Reviews, IPA, beer reviews
Written By: beer_scientist
I know that I alienate some people by saying that I’m not a big Founder’s fan. I’ve had a couple of their brews that were just not interesting. However, I do still need to try their Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Having said what I just did, I want to post a little more positive review of their Red Rye P.A. The thing that is most unexpected about the fact that I like this beer is that I also usually don’t go for many IPAs. So, the beer had two possible strikes, but you never know about a beer unless you try it.
The Pour-Red Rye P.A. had a nice reddish-orange body that was very active in the glass. Because of the active body, there was a tall and steady, foam-white head on the beer. It looked pretty clean in the glass.
The Sniff-Being an IPA, this beer had plenty of of citrusy hop aroma on the nose. I noted that a powdery yeast aroma was present, along with some nice malt tones. The malt tones were a nice caramel and roasty touch. Alcohol was also fairly prominent on the nose.
The Taste-When I sipped the beer, there was slight saltiness that came through. Of course, the most prominent quality in the mouth was the very hoppy impression. However, there were some nice roasted caramel malts that popped through very nicely. From the middle of the sip forward, a smoky quality peaked through the beer. Ultimately, it ended in a dry, hoppy finish.
Overall, the beer was way more balanced than a lot of IPAs that I’ve had. I don’t mind the hops, but there has to be a nice, solid malty backbone to an IPA for me to enjoy it. This beer accomplished what I consider to be a balanced approach to an IPA.
Mike’s Rating
Overall Satisfaction: 
Among other IPAs: 
April 17th, 2009 at 3:57 am
Awhile back I had the Founders Reds Rye, is that the same thing, or is this Reds Rye PA a different brew? Sounds like and interesting beer.
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April 17th, 2009 at 7:44 am
I noticed no mention of any rye taste to it. Was it just not there? Founder’s is one of a handful of breweries that I hear a lot about but they don’t distribute down here so I can’t get my hands on anything from them.
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April 17th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I’m not Sure Scott. They might make a regular Red Rye Ale, but it’s probably the same thing. They make a black rye, too.
MIke, I just didn’t put much about it. It had some rye qualities (spice, I guess), but I wasn’t wowed by the amount. I just assume that it goes without saying that it had some Rye taste to it, but I shouldn’t take that for granted. You making that statement is a good reminder to mention stuff like that.
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April 17th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Scott, take a close look at the bottle, did it have the P.A part on it? Maybe they are different. It could be that they normally make a Red Rye and they made a special addition. Of course, their site only lists a Red Rye.
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April 17th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Not too familiar with Founder’s, except I’ve heard about their Breakfast Stout. I’ll have to try that sometime. But back to topic (sort of), I’ve been intending to make a Rye P.A. at some point, and here I was thinking my idea was rather innovative. Looks like it’s already been done, but no bother, I will eventually still brew it.
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April 17th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Don’t think there was a Rye PA on the label. Just Red’s Rye with some creepy old dude on the label.
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April 17th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Tex, yours will be unique, I’m sure. Creating is the innovation.
Scott, I’m pretty sure it’s the same one.
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April 18th, 2009 at 4:09 am
I agree with your hop summation. I enjoy hops only if they are balanced out by a strong malt content. That’s the problem I encountered with rogue’s santa’s secret reserve!
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