United Nations of Beer

Harvest Hop Rye

by Chris Perrin
(Beer Delegate, MO, USA)

For those who find themselves north of the river in Kansas City, Missouri should head to scenic downtown Parkville and stop at the Power Plant Brewery. Built in the historic Park College power plant, this brewery has been turning out quality beer since 1998.

They have five regular beers and a large selection of seasonals, including one of the finest rye beers around: the Harvest Hop Rye.

Many beer drinkers have not tasted a rye beer, but anyone given the chance should. Rye grains add an indescribable richness of flavor not present in most beers brewed without it. The inclusion of their spicy, deep flavor turns simple beers into extraordinary brews.

When I took my first sip of the Power Plant's Harvest Hop Rye, I immediately knew that I was drinking a well-crafted rye beer. The simple malted grains added a nutty, peppery aftertaste to the beer which formed a fantastic one-two combination with the flavor of hops. That description does not do the drink justice because it hard to explain how rye just makes beer taste better. The rye in the Harvest Hop Rye took an average hoppy beer and made it gourmet, like a master chef taking a simple piece of chicken and turning it into a luxurious dinner.

There is perhaps one drawback to the depth of the rye flavor. It takes the Harvest Hop Rye out of the realm of the light, refreshing beer and moves it closer to a darker ale. Several of the people I was with when I had the Harvest Hop did comment that they liked the beer, but ordered something a little mellower. This will not be a problem to some beer drinkers, but it is a caveat to someone who needs to pair a light beer with their dinner, or needs to wind down an evening with something a little less strong.

For those who do not live in Kansas City and do not have access to the Power Plant, I highly recommend making travel plans. At least they should call around their city to find a brewery that makes rye beers. They are excellent beers that any beer lover should try.