This may be a “B” beer, but it gets an “A” from Beer Advocate. It also scored 100 on Rate Beer and that’s with almost 1500 reviews. This sucker is GOOD.

Hop Rod Rye is an IPA brewed with 18% rye malt, which gives it a slightly earthy and slightly spicy character. It’s amber in color with a smooth, sweet finish and a strong hop nose and an 8% ABV that’ll let you know it was there.

Bear Republic is smack dab in Sonoma, California, surrounded by wine country. That area is also filled with craft brewers like Lagunitas and Russian River so it has to be good to stand out. And stand out it does. Last year it was #43 of the Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies as listed by the Brewers Association.