Roggenbier is a traditional German style rye beer that contains very large portions of rye.

Until the 16th century, beer made from rye was very common. However, in 1516 the Bavarian Purity Law was proclaimed by Dukes Wilhelm IV and Ludwig X. This law stated that beer could only be made from water, malted barley and hops. Rye was relegated for use in baking bread. Why, you might ask?

Rye ales declined in the Middle Ages in large part because the absolute rulers of the day decided that certain grains, such as rye and wheat, ought to be reserved for making solid, rather than liquid bread. Especially in years with a poor harvest, the lords reasoned that the people might be foolish enough to prefer imbibing and starving to eating and abstaining.

This logic was also one of the hidden motives behind the now much-hailed Bavarian Beer Purity Law of 1516, which legislated the exclusive use of barley in beer-making. Barley was chosen not just because it was deemed better suited for beer-making, but also because it was deemed ill-suited for bread-making. In the traditional feudal system of social stratification, therefore, rye was eventually restricted to being a dependable bread grain, and barley a dependable beer grain for the unwashed masses, while the more elegant wheat became the luxury bread grain and beer grain mostly for the high and mighty.

It wasn't until 1988 that Bavarian breweries berought back the tradition and began making Roggenbiers again.

Expect a pronounced spiciness and tart-like rye character, malty flavor and clean, dry hop finish in Barley's Roggen Cascade.

It's light in color with mild fruitiness. Spicy and slightly tart with a dry finish, some effervescence and a slightly opaque appearance.

Prost!

Barley's Roggen Cascade

Style Guidelines: Roggenbier

Rotation Schedule: a couple of times a year when the mood strikes us

Food Pairings: Pulled pork; with our Thursday Smoked Corned Beef sandwich special; Mildred's sauerkraut balls

Body: light to medium--effervescent

Color: Hazy straw

Grain: British pale, American rye, Munich and Victoryl

Bittering Hops: Pacific Northwest Cascade

Finishing Hops: Pacific Northwest Cascade

Original Gravity: 1.052

IBUs (estimate):16.42

Alcohol By Volume: 5.4%

First Tapped: January 18, 2012

Barley's Smokehouse & Brewpub Ale House No. 2xx 1130 Dublin Road Columbus OH 43215