After these many weeks, the Mystery Beer can now finally be revealed - A.J.'s Pale Rye Ale. This beer was brewed specially for my good friend, Tony (A.J.) Lerma, who lives in Detroit and visits us here in Austin just a few times a year. I met Tony years ago as he is the father of my close friend and colleague, Chad Lerma (now of Oktoberfest2008 fame). We all share a passion for beer and get together to imbibe each time he visits. Thankfully, he has been a big fan of my homebrews as well.
On his last visit, he happened to mention that he was currently really into Rye ales and asked if I had ever brewed one. I am also a fan of Rye and no, I had never brewed a Rye beer before. So, I set out to ensure that on this next visit Tony would indeed have a Rye beer worthy of a man of his stature. I referenced what little information there is available on Rye beers but in the end went with a recipe all my own. The result, I think, was well worth the effort. Not for the faint of heart, this beer is big and bold but yet still smooth enough to be consumed as a session ale. Even I was surprised by how well it turned out.
It was brewed with Maris Otter Pale Ale, Rye Malt, Crystal Malt, Crystal Rye Malt (good luck finding this one, if you need a source, drop me a message), Amber Malt, Torrified Wheat and a touch of Acidulated Malt to adjust the mash pH. I used U.S. Challenger hops for bittering and Belgian Organic Admiral whole hops for flavor and aroma. The aroma of the Rye in this beer screams of its spicy, bold flavor. The label emblazons Rubens' famous painting of the Duke of Lerma along with the Lerma family crest.
Tony, Chad and I got together this week and tried it out. This beer is not for everyone but we sure enjoyed it. It seemed to sit well with our usual stimulating conversation, the obligatory Tom Morton references and a bit of Elbow and Seasick Steve to close out the night. A great time, as always.
Again, here's to you, Tony! Thanks for all the great times and all the ones to come!
Cheers!
Neil
