Big Hoss on a Bike

OK so I promised not to buy any more brews until I finished the 54 brews I got at home.

My promise though does not apply to beer purchased while eating out. And with the magic of the iPad I’m reporting live from the bike races in downtown Augusta? We squeezed into Rooster’s Beak and luckily landed an outside table so we can eat, drink and watch the races.

I started with a Highland Brewing Razor Wit which is pretty good wheat beer. It was on draft. I might have to get a bottle …… Well when I finish the 54 brews at home.

We just got seated and I now have a Great Divide Hoss. I thought the label said “red lager” but after trying it i realized it said “rye lager”.

I was scratching my noggin to remember if I had ever tried a rye brew before. The only rye I can remember is the Reuben I had earlier today at lunch and some Jimmy Russell Rye.

Nice smooth mouthfeel. It was crisp at the start when it was cold out of the bar fridge but as it warms up it’s rather smooth. Kind of a sharp malt taste.

The label says “Hoss is based on the Marzen Lagers of Germany. Rich, layered malt notes, with hints of cherry and dark fruits, dominate, while the unique addition of rye imparts a slightly earthy, spicy character. Hoss finishes crisp and dry, and its brilliant red-orange color is a toast to the sunsets that make the perfect backdrop for this beer.”

Don’t have a glass so I can’t comment on the color. Earthy? Yes. Cherry? Yeah, a flavor that was escaping me. Basically I agree with the label except the finish isn’t quite that crisp or super dry. And now that the bottle has warmed up the finish is very “rye” not dry.

Not my every day beer but a nice brew for a special occasion.

Okay so while I was typing a cyclist just crashed. Later.