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Drink: Yards Brewing Rye IPA

In beer, as in whiskey, rye is on the rise. But the best versions, as with most trends centered on big personalities, capture that boisterous character in a delicate balance. In the case of rye's signature kick, too many I've tasted let the grain's edgy s

Yards Rye was first brewed as the Opening Tap beer for Philly Beer Week in 2012.
Yards Rye was first brewed as the Opening Tap beer for Philly Beer Week in 2012.Read more

In beer, as in whiskey, rye is on the rise. But the best versions, as with most trends centered on big personalities, capture that boisterous character in a delicate balance. In the case of rye's signature kick, too many I've tasted let the grain's edgy spice overwhelm. The new Rye IPA seasonal offering from Yards Brewing, however, is a nice exception. The amber brew has a vivid freshness from whole-flower clusters of herbal Chinook hops, followed by Centennial, Citra, Simco and Columbus hops that bring a citrusy, piney brightness to the IPA's bitterness. Brewed to a solid 6.2 percent alcohol, it's well-tuned with the vivid malted rye, which, whiskey aficionados know, has fruity notes of its own that linger with a dry creaminess and earthy tang that invites another sip. It should be widely available through March.

- Craig LaBan
Yards Rye IPA, $6 pint on cask and $5 draft, the Industry (1401 E. Moyamensing Ave.); $14.50 six-pack, Food & Friends (1933 Spruce St.); $40.95 case, Bella Vista Beer Dist. (755 S. 11th St.)