COLD SPRING - Every spring, Third Street Brewhouse challenges their brewers with a unique ingredient and they battle each other to try and come up with the best IPA.  That's why they call it the Spotlight IPA, because it shines a light on their talented and creative brewing team and shows how flexible they can be with new ingredients.

This year's winning brew is a Rye IPA crafted by Jerry Dusich and Johan Sogge.  It boasts a 7.2% ABV rating and an IBU of 70.

Watch out, because this brew will sneak up on you.  I've never been crazy about IPAs, but lately I've been trying them more and liking them more.  I found the Rye IPA to be very smooth and drinkable despite it's high IBU rating.

 

According to the website here's what you should be tasting:

 

True to character, this year's Spotlight IPA has a strong hop presence.  Brewed with a blend of classic American hops, it has a pleasant citrus flavor and aroma complemented by a crisp, distinct rye quality that finishes the beer with a hint of spice.

Like I said before, be careful not to slam too many of these bad boys.  After only two pints I had one hell of a hangover the following day.  Not sure what causes that, because "Cool Beans" which had an ABV rating of 10% didn't make me feel that way at all.  I must be the combination of IBU and ABV.  I'll get back to you on that.

 

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