Terrapin Rye Pale Ale and The Vortex

Last week on my way to Daytona, I made a quick pit stop for a night in Atlanta.  I was staying in Midtown so I ducked into The Vortex Bar and Grill for lunch on the 4th.  I went to undergrad in Atlanta and was a frequent visitor for both the burgers and the beer.  In fact, the tap and bottle selection probably helped launch my quest to try new and unique beers that some may say is now a borderline obsession.  While there last week, I decided to limit myself to US crafts that aren't available where I live.  One immediately jumped out and I quickly ordered up a 20 oz Imperial pint of Terrapin Rye Pale Ale.  I have heard of the beer many times, but for some reason I cannot pinpoint what I read that had me so excited to try it.  I know the guys over at Monday Night Brewery have mentioned it before, but I do not think they praised it to a cult like level.  Hey...I had never tried it, so that's enough reason to get me pumped!

A little history on the beer that I discovered on Terrapin's website now that I am home...the Rye Pale Ale was first released in 2002 and 6 months after its release won the American Pale Ale Gold medal at the GABF.  Not bad and reminiscent of Sam Adams when they first launched.  I was also surprised to discover the number of different malts and hops used to produce the beer:

• Malt: 2-row pale, Munich, Malted Rye, Biscuit Malt, Honey Malt
• Hops: Amarillo, Cascade, East Kent Goldings, Fuggle, Magnum
• IBU's: 45
• O.G.: 13.5
• ABV: 5.3%

I did not take detailed tasting notes while at the Vortex, but decided instead to test my shorthand and memory.  Probably not the best idea considering the weekend that followed but here goes!

• Appearance: Copper to caramel color, lasting tan head
• Aroma: Some malt sweetness noticeable, citrus and grapefruit aromas
• Taste: Lightly toasted malt and biscuit/bread flavors, Slightly spicy and biting on the tongue, A dryness from the use of the rye comes through, Not over powering with bitterness, pine and herbal hop flavors

The verdict?  Definitely worthy of another pint.  Very drinkable yet still somewhat complex and nuanced.  A good choice to start the holiday weekend!

Comments

[Jonathan]

Good review. I am also surprised to see the variety of and number of malts and hops in the Rye Pale Ale. Sorry if we didn't do it justice... Though, for what it's worth, I definitely think the Rye Pale Ale is the best Georgia micro I've had. Which makes it the best Georgian BEER I've had!