BJCP 21B · IPA
Rye IPA
An IPA with rye, which adds a spicy touch and a dry, crisp finish. American hops up front, restrained malt and firm bitterness.
Rye IPA by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 5.5 – 8.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 50 – 75 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 6 – 14 SRM12–28 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.056 – 1.075on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.014on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Rye IPA is like
An American IPA where the rye adds a spicy edge and a dry, crisp feel on the palate. The hops are still the first thing you notice, and the rye comes through without dominating.
Appearance
Gold to coppery amber, clear to slightly hazy. White to ivory head, creamy and persistent.
Aroma
Moderate to high hops, typically American, with a light spicy or earthy note from the rye over clean malt.
Flavor
Medium to high hop flavor and medium-high to high bitterness. The rye adds gentle spiciness and reinforces the dryness, and the finish is dry and slightly sharp.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body, medium to high carbonation and a slightly fuller, oily texture from the rye.
Where Rye IPA comes from
It was born in American craft brewing in the 2000s, when brewers started adding rye to their IPAs for a spicier, drier profile.
Ingredients
Pale malt with roughly 15–20% rye malt and little caramel malt. American hops and a clean American ale yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Rye IPA at home
Rye has no husk and makes a sticky mash: add rice hulls to keep the lauter from getting stuck. Mash at 64–66 °C (147–151 °F) and ferment at 18–20 °C (64–68 °F). Don't overdo the rye, since it can give an earthy flavor and an overly thick mouthfeel.
Food pairing
Goes with cured meats, pastrami or spicy Mexican dishes.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- Founders Red's Rye IPA
- Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Rye IPA?
Between 5.5% and 8.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Rye IPA?
It has 50 to 75 IBUs, a very high bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Rye IPA?
Gold to copper: 6 to 14 SRM (12 to 28 EBC).
What food pairs well with Rye IPA?
Goes with cured meats, pastrami or spicy Mexican dishes.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try American IPA and Roggenbier.
If you like Rye IPA, try these
Classification and statistics: official Rye IPA guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.