Ryeparian is an IPA variation with 6.1% ABV that North Country Brewing Co. out of Slippery Rock has deemed a “Rye-PA.” As with many NCBC beers, Ryeparian is purposely brewed to benefit the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, giving 5% of all proceeds to keep rivers and streams clean.
The color on this brew is gorgeous, it pours to an glowing amber that produces a lighter brown head that leaves a ton of lacing as it dissolves. The aroma is the slightly sweet caramel and copper smell of the rye profile, with only a touch of floral hops making their way through.
Despite its nose, Ryeparian definitely is a hop forward beer with its noble hop flavor coming through alongside some more floral and grassy notes. The finish is really where things change, instead of the bitterness some IPAs offer, this North Country offering ends with maltiness that is both sweet and roasty. The thinner mouthfeel of Ryeparian also makes easier drinking and prevents some of those heavier malt flavors from lingering too long in between sips.
It’s no surprise that the trendiest beer in the craft world is the IPA, but with breweries willing to make variants on the style like this Rye-PA there’s no reason to think that trend will be stopping. Variations and tweaks to major styles can keep things fresh and give fans new flavors to explore.
