Ballast Point described Reef Rye as an attempt to make an otherwise boring style interesting, and the recipe backs that up: nine different grains, 32% rye, two hop varieties and the brewery’s own yeast. Brown ale is not a style that usually gets that kind of attention, which is exactly why Reef Rye is worth a look.

The basics

• Brewery: Ballast Point Brewing Company (San Diego, CA)
• Style: Brown Ale (Rye Brown Ale)
• ABV: 6%
• IBU: 22

What to expect

Reef Rye pours a warm chestnut brown with a cream-colored head. The rye shows up as spicy, bready character over a caramel malt base, with a touch of nuttiness and a clean, slightly peppery finish. At 22 IBUs the hops stay in the background, letting the grain bill do the talking.

It is a medium-bodied, easy-drinking brown ale, more interesting than a standard brown thanks to the rye spice, but still firmly a session-friendly, malt-forward beer. Think toasted bread, light caramel and a dry, spicy edge rather than chocolate or roast. It works well with burgers, roasted meats and a cool evening.

Our rating

5.0/10

Rated by Sam (5). Sam lands squarely in the middle with Reef Rye, and that matches the beer: interesting on paper, ordinary in the glass. The rye idea is a good one, but the execution never quite lifts it above a decent brown ale. Worth trying if you like the style, not a beer we would chase down.

Sources: TapHunter Ballast Point beer listing, Reef Rye Brown Ale, 6% ABV, 22 IBU, https://www.taphunter.com/brewery/ballast-point-brewing-company/4024