Comments on: He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. Beer Review

By: Melissa Komadina

Melissa Komadina — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:25:14 +0000

Hi guys-

This is Melissa from Shmaltz and I just wanted to second Zak on thanking y’all for the review. Rye is definitely hit or miss with some people and we certainly use a lot in this one. Our approach to our beers is aiming for unique flavor combinations rather than specific styles, so most of them end up being “not quite” a double IPA, for example, but having that essence. I always appreciate hearing how other people taste our beers and thanks again for taking the time to check them out!

Cheers,
Melissa

By: Johnny Brooke, Cigar Smoker

Johnny Brooke, Cigar Smoker — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:38:03 +0000

Thanks for the comments, Zak. We definitely enjoyed the beer, it just had a unique character to it that was hard to pick out.

By: Patrick aka the guy with the beard

Patrick aka the guy with the beard — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:12:05 +0000

Thanks for the great info Zak, its a good beer, with lots of great flavors.

Also nice trimming at the end Johnny lol.

By: Zak Davis

Zak Davis — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:05:19 +0000

Hi guys. This is Zak Davis from Shmaltz Brewing Company. Thanks for all the love, and thanks for picking up that bottle of Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. To answer a few questions, or clarify a few points:

This beer is a tribute to Lenny Bruce, the old standup comic and social critic.

At 10% alcohol, we use a ton of malts, which contributes to the heavy mouthfeel and the low carbonation. Shouldn’t be flat, but doesn’t sound like the bottle was bad, so may just be that high viscosity.

We’re using 20% rye malt, which contributes that earthiness and spiciness. In my head, that might be that 2/3 non-IPAness that you were getting. Most IPAs are super hoppy, and while this has a ton of bitterness, that rye contributes a very distinct characteristic, and those malts really add an unusual caramel sweetness. Some people (like myself) love the rye and some don’t (just like hops), sounds like maybe that’s what you were getting.

If you guys have any other questions about this beer or any others, please feel free to email me at zak(at)shmaltzbrewing.com. I’d be happy to answer any questions.

Thanks again for taking the time to review our beers. L’Chaim!! ~Zak