Bell's Smitten Golden Rye Ale

This is a 6.0% ABV American Pale Ale brewed with rye from Bell's Brewing Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan. There are a lot of beers coming out taking lighter styles and putting in some rye to kick them up a notch. Many of the ones I have tried have been quite good.

The beer pours a cloudy dark orange and amber in color. There is a tall inch of white to off-white foamy head. The aroma is hoppy, with light pine and citrus, tea with lemon, and an earthy, spicy toasted rye note. The taste is toasted rye bread, tea with lemon, light pine, grapefruit rind, and citrus with a bitter and astringent grapefruit finish. It drinks light to medium bodied, but full of flavor, with a bitter finish, and an aftertaste of toasted rye and grapefruit. You definitely want to try this.

2017:  The beer pours a hazy honey and amber in color. There is a thick, almost creamy, head of off-white. The aroma is toasted grain, floral, lightly fruity. The taste follows the aromas, rich toasted grain, floral, with a spice of rye and light fruit. The finish is fairly bitter. The beer drinks very creamy and smooth.