Galaxy Rye IPA is the beer that has been on tap at Helix Brewing since opening day in 2015, and it is still the one regulars point to first. Our notes listed it as a single-hop Galaxy IPA at 6.7% ABV and 55 IBU, but the verified beer is different: it is a rye IPA at 6.4% ABV and 70 IBU, brewed with rye malt and hopped at more than 3 pounds per barrel with Warrior, Cascade, Centennial, Citra, and Australian Galaxy. Untappd drinkers rate it 3.75 out of 5 across 1,041 ratings, the most of any Helix beer.

The basics

• Brewery: Helix Brewing Co. (La Mesa, CA)
• Style: Rye IPA
• ABV: 6.4%
• IBU: 70

What to expect

Galaxy Rye IPA pours a clear amber-gold with a white head. The rye malt gives it a dry, spicy edge that sets it apart from a straight IPA, with a light peppery note running under the hops. The hop character is passionfruit first, which the brewery calls out directly, backed by grapefruit and a touch of pine from the five-hop blend. Bitterness is firm at 70 IBU but clean, and the finish is dry and crisp rather than sticky. It is a beer that rewards a slow sip: the spice and the fruit take turns, and neither one overpowers the other.

Our rating

8.0/10

Rated by Alex (8). Alex gave this one an 8, and we think the score is right. Galaxy Rye IPA is the most distinctive beer in the Helix core lineup, and the rye is the reason: it gives a familiar hop profile a spicy backbone that most San Diego IPAs do not have. Eleven years on the tap list is a long time for any beer, and this one has earned it. If you visit Helix, start here.