Brewery: 4 Hands Brewing Co. (St. Louis, Missouri)
Style: Rye IPA
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: ~60
4 Hands Brewing Co. has built a reputation for creative and well made beers that push flavor boundaries while maintaining drinkability. Their Divided Sky Rye IPA is a great example of this approach, incorporating spicy rye malt into a hop-forward IPA for a distinctive and flavorful experience.
Appearance
Poured into a glass, Divided Sky presents a hazy, golden-amber hue with a frothy, off-white head that lingers nicely. The beer’s appearance is inviting, with a slight chill haze that hints at its unfiltered nature.
Aroma
The nose is a vibrant mix of citrus and pine, with grapefruit and tangerine taking the lead. The rye malt adds a subtle spiciness, complementing the hop-forward profile without overpowering it. There’s a faint hint of caramel sweetness in the background, balancing the aromatic hops.
Taste
On the palate, Divided Sky delivers a harmonious blend of flavors. The rye malt introduces a peppery, earthy spice that intertwines with the bright, citrusy hop notes. Grapefruit and lemon zest dominate the hop profile, while a touch of pine adds depth. The malt backbone provides a mild caramel sweetness, but the beer remains dry and crisp, making it highly drinkable. The finish is moderately bitter, with the rye spice lingering pleasantly on the tongue.
Mouthfeel
This IPA has a medium body with a smooth, slightly creamy texture. The carbonation is moderate, enhancing the beer’s refreshing quality. The rye malt contributes a subtle graininess that adds to the overall complexity.
Ratings
- Appearance – 4.2/5
- Aroma – 4/5
- Taste – 4.2/5
- Mouthfeel – 4/5
- Overall – 4.1/5
Divided Sky, which is named after a Phish song, is an excellent take on the rye IPA style, offering a balanced interplay between citrusy hops, spicy rye, and caramel malt sweetness. It’s flavorful but approachable, making it a great choice for both hop heads and those looking for a beer with more malt complexity. While it may not be as aggressively hoppy as some West Coast IPAs, the rye component adds an intriguing twist that makes it a worthy pick.
If you’ve tried 4 Hands’ Divided Sky, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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