Review of Arcadia Ales Sky High Rye Pale Ale

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Review of Arcadia Ales Sky High Rye Pale Ale

20 Jun

For today’s craft beer review I thought I would try another brew from the Arcadia Brewing Company situated in Battle Creek, Michigan. It’s called the Sky High Rye Pale Ale.

I have only recently discovered Arcadia Ales brews and so far… I’m enjoying them. All of the styles that I’ve tried are solid and proper, so I’m expecting the same from this one.

Here’s a nice description about this brew from the website, arcadiaales.com.

In honor of our adventurous friends at Sky Dive Inc. in Hastings, Michigan, we crafted a truly adventurous brew in Sky High Rye. A West Coast-style Pale Ale with rye malt, Sky High Rye boasts a massive floral aroma of resinous hops. The hops contribute flavor notes of lemons, peaches, and pine needles, combined with the sweet, malty flavors of toffee and bread. Rye adds a pleasant peppery, spicy note like a fresh slice of pumpernickel bread. Very well-rounded and very drinkable, Sky High Rye will surely inspire adventure in all who taste it.

Let’s raise a glass.

This drink came in a 12 oz. bottle and had an ABV of 6.0%.

It poured a hazy, yellow/orange color with bright yellow highlights glistening at the bottom. The crown was nice and white with good size and a soapy texture. The retention was fair, yet it had limited lacing. It did settle to a soapy film that lasted for the duration after I gave it several aggressive swirls.

The aroma handed out nice shots of grapefruit citrus and pine. I found it to be somewhat floral with touches of grain, rye bread and cracker. As I took bigger whiffs, I detected light hints of lemon and mango. This thing was well balanced and smelled pretty good to tell the truth.

The taste was full of crisp, clean, snappy grapefruit citrus. It was “hopped up” nicely. Plenty of bitterness. Some light lemon splashes mixed well with the spicy rye and bread-y characteristics. It even developed an earthy undertone to give it some “round” qualities. It was even and complex enough for extensive contemplation.

The mouthfeel was a solid medium. Dry, crisp and smooth. I found it to be most refreshing and thirst quenching. Some savor was left behind, however not as much as I was hoping. It left a little bit of a deep warmth for a parting shot after heading down the throat.

I thought this beer was pretty good. Easily drinkable with enough character and hoppiness to warrant a try for even the most experienced “hop head.” It’s not over the top, although it has enough “punch” and “bite” to grab your attention. It added a nice twist to the Pale Ale style. I liked it. Give it a shot if you see it. I don’t think that you will be disappointed.

Have any of you guys had any of the beers produced by Arcadia Ales? What did you think of them?

As always, thanks for reading. I appreciate it.

Score: 3.85 out of 5
Grade: B+

4 Comments

Posted by Beer Apprentice on June 20, 2011 in Arcadia Ales, Country: USA

4 responses to “Review of Arcadia Ales Sky High Rye Pale Ale”

lunafaer

August 13, 2011 at 7:39 pm

trying this beer today! we're from tampa, and don't get this brewery's offerings. we picked up a bottle of the sky high rye, and it's fantastic! very subtle and well balanced beer. i'll definitely order a pint when i see it.

i enjoyed your review!

Reply
lunafaer

August 13, 2011 at 7:39 pm

trying this beer today! we're from tampa, and don't get this brewery's offerings. we picked up a bottle of the sky high rye, and it's fantastic! very subtle and well balanced beer. i'll definitely order a pint when i see it.

i enjoyed your review!

Reply
shrews824

August 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm

Lunafaer,

Thanks for reading and the comment!!! I appreciate it. I thoroughly enjoyed this beer. One that I will pick up again for sure. Check back from time to time for more reviews.

Cheers,
Scott (shrews824)

Reply
shrews824

August 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm

Lunafaer,

Thanks for reading and the comment!!! I appreciate it. I thoroughly enjoyed this beer. One that I will pick up again for sure. Check back from time to time for more reviews.

Cheers,
Scott (shrews824)

Reply