Bell's Smitten Golden Rye Ale Review

Name: Bell's Smitten Golden Rye Ale
Style: Rye Beer
ABV: 6%
IBUs: 45

Though there is currently a blizzard barreling towards us as I write this, it hasn't stopped breweries from releasing their spring seasonals in the least. Today I have Bell's spring seasonal: Smitten, a golden rye ale. It's been a while since I've had a rye beer. Come to think of it, it's been at least a year since I've even reviewed one.

Appearance - Moderately hazy yellow color with a high amount of visible carbonation. The head is fairly thin but it retains a thin filmy look throughout. The lacing left behind is also quite abundant & sticky.

Aroma - Pale malts and rye, backed up by some floral hops. I'm also getting some light Belgian yeast-like notes in here as well, though that could just be my senses playing tricks on me.

Taste - Rye & pale malts on the front of the palate, with some more pale maltiness and floral hops in the middle. The back end of the palate is where the rye comes back for a second go, though it's not nearly as strong here as it was in the beginning, along with some lighter pale malts and moderate Belgian-like yeasts . Aftertaste is mainly some light bitter hops and barley.

The rye gives this beer a nice & crisp kick to what is already a good tasting beer, which makes this all the more enjoyable. After having a ton of dark, malty beers this winter, having this beer makes me look forward to the upcoming spring season. Even though it's just the start of February, this is worth trying out should you come across it.

Bell's Smitten Golden Rye Ale - 8.5/10