Try?
Extra! Extra! Read all about it folks. Bell’s has a new beer released this month (February, 2013) called Bell’s Smitten Golden Rye Ale. Except that, well, the beer might not be so new after all. Oh for sure, it’s new under this name anyway, but here’s what Bell’s says about it on their website:
Drawn from one of our oldest recipes, Smitten Ale began as part of a series of rye beers at our Eccentric Café. The combination of sharp citrus & resinous flavors from the hops with the earthy, rustic overtones of the rye malt contribution yield an interesting take on the American Pale Ale.
So, this seems to be a new release of an established rye ale, Bell’s Golden Rye Ale. No complaints here, though-I love rye beers. Smitten Ale, then, was a welcome addition to the Bell’s lineup, and I was happy to see it on tap at my local Taco Mac. This appears to be a seasonal beer, at least it is listed under seasonals on the company website.
Smitten Ale is sold on tap and in bottles. It has an alcohol content of 6% by volume and I paid $6 for a draft mug. I was expecting something along the lines of a Terrapin Rye Pale Ale but what I got was certainly less hoppy, though tasty all the same and, I think, better presents the rye component.
My mug of Bell’s Smitten Golden Rye Ale arrived a bright golden color with a light wispy head formation. Soft bready malt and hints of pepper were apparent in the nose. Taking a sip I got gentle toasted malt in the palate, very robust spicy rye, and balancing peppery hop bitterness to finish it off.
This is a light bodied beer to be sure, but crisp and refreshing and really a perfect beer for spring. I found it delicious and dangerously drinkable, with lots of spicy rye permeating, though I didn’t really get the citrusy hops Bells talks about.
Not the best Rye Pale Ale I’ve ever tasted, but a nice effort all the same, and I think I will definitely look to pick up a six-pack if it isn’t too pricey. I could see sipping this beer on a warm spring evening in the coming months, and heartily enjoying it.
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
