Being that it’s 2015, I just realized that I’ve been reviewing beers in one form or another for over 20 years now, really since 1994 when I got my first computer. I started with mini-reviews on the Prodigy internet service beer bulletin boards then progressed to usenet. Really, I had been taking notes on paper even before that, but the point of all this is after all these years you would think I might run out of things to say about beer (and maybe I have; every now and then I find myself rehashing).
Then, though, I come upon a beer like Baxter Brewing Hayride Autumn Ale, something really different from the rest of the pack, and I can see how things are always changing in the beer world. Hayride Autumn Ale is one of those beers using malts that emulate German Marzen beers as a base but built on an ale instead of a lager. Hayride takes that a step further, though, with the addition of rye malt and spices like a pumpkin beer (though not the same ones).
From the can label:
As days get shorter and sleeves get longer, so arrives Hayride Autumn Alea rye ale brewed with New Zealand Pacifica and Pacific Jade hops, then aged on ginger, peppercorns, orange peel, and American oak. So usher in the crisp Autumn air by throwing on your favorite flannel and tossing back a hayride. Cheers!
Baxter Brewing Hayride Autumn Ale has an alcohol content of 6.6% by volume and was running $9.99 a six-pack when I was in Rhode Island this fall.
Baxter Brewing Hayride Autumn Ale pours to a rich reddish color with a great foamy head and a big spicy nose of rye and ginger. A thick layer of Brussels Lace forms on the sides of the glass and follows the liquid all the way to the bottom of the glass. Taking a sip, the beer has thick chewy malt up front with caramel and toasted nuts then spicy rye toast, pungent ginger, woody oak notes, spicy peppercorns and tangy bitter citrus peel. The beer finishes dry with an aggressive hop bite.
The key here is that nothing dominates, and everything works together in perfect harmony. The end product is a delicious and decidedly different fall beer that you’re sure to enjoy-I know I did.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft