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Rev James Rye

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A dark, dry and distinctive rye beer with full flavour and a bitter finish, in which glimpses of citrus and spice show up unexpectedly. It is one of four ales, with Original, Gold and Pale, named after Reverend James Buckley, who took over the Llanelli Brewery in 1824 from his father-in-law. The line joined the Brains range in 1997. The strength is 4.3 % ABV.

ABV
4.3%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
deep amber20
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
spicycitrusydark fruit
spicy
citrusy
dark fruit
malty
clean
roasted
Aroma
The nose presents a complex interplay of spiced rye grain and subtle dark fruit notes.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Rev James Rye

◎ Appearance

Deep amber to chestnut brown in the glass, with good clarity and a modest tan head that builds easily. The carbonation is moderate and produces steady, fine bubbles. Lacing clings lightly to the glass as the beer settles.

deep amber-brownclearmoderate carbonationfine bubbles

◌ Aroma

The nose presents a complex interplay of spiced rye grain and subtle dark fruit notes. Noble hop character emerges as herbal and slightly peppery, while hints of citrus peel add brightness and intrigue beneath the malty base.

spiced ryeherbal hopsdark fruit undertonescitrus peel

◐ Taste

Dry and full-bodied on entry, with the characteristic peppery bite of rye grain dominating the mid-palate. Dark malt sweetness and roasted notes provide ballast, while citrus notes flicker at the edges. The bitterness builds steadily and finishes assertive.

dry, peppery ryefull bodyroasted maltcitrus snap

◑ Finish

The finish is crisp and lingering, leaving a pleasant dry bitterness and subtle spice on the tongue. Clean and refreshing despite its depth.

dry, bitter finishspice lingers
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
78
Taste
79
Appearance
76
Finish
77
Serve at 10–13°C

Serve at 10–13°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Rev James Rye

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About Rye Beer

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Rye Beer?

Rye Beer is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Rye Beer

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same dry, bitter, spicy character as Rev James Rye will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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