Head to Head: Terrapin Rye² vs. Founders Red’s Rye
Welcome to another Head to Head challenge. Today we have two Beers brewed with Rye. Both are from America. The first is the Terrapin Rye² from Georgia. The second is the Founders Reds Rye from Michigan.
This tasting was done blind but is not to style. Why you ask? Well these beers are all different styles but they share one major characteristic, they all are brewed with rye. So lets see which is the best beer and what if anything the rye contributes.
Price: Winner – Unsure
Rye² – $2.99 (12 0z bottle)
Red’s – ?? (this was brought to me from a friend in Ohio)
Appearance: Winner – Red’s
Rye² – This has a nice amber color topped with a reasonable but long lasting off-white head which leaves a good lace on the glass.
Red’s – The beer pours a very attractive orange-red color. The head is large, frothy and off-white head. The head leaves a nice lace as it recedes.
Aroma: Winner – Red’s
Rye² - This has lots of sweetness and some alcohol in the aroma. There is a bit of dark rye bread also.
Red’s – The aroma is loaded with hops. Some notes of resin and a touch of allspice also make an appearance. There is a bit of rye in the aroma but less than the other beer.
Taste: Winner – Red’s
Rye² - This is very sweet almost sickly sweet.
Red’s – this starts moderately bitter. It does have a bit of rye and sweetness but there is little doubt that the hops dominate although they never overpower.
Body/Finish: Winner – Red’s
Rye² - A light bodied beer that with a candy like finish.
Red’s – The beer has a medium body with a long dry finish with lots of good hop bitterness.
Overall: Winner – Red’s
Pretty clear winner of the two. I guess if you really like sweet beers you might prefer the Rye² but otherwise I would definitely say go for the Founders Red’s Rye. I do not think it is weak in any area. In fact I cannot think of a better red ale. I also think the rye adds just enough character to justify the name.
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