Quick Beer Review: Terrapin Rye Pale Ale

The Terrapin Ryle Pale Ale would qualify as my first beer brewed in the state of Georgia. I kinda thought this beer would be from Maryland, given the fact that the terrapin is the mascot of the state university. Anyway, this was acquired in a trade and the label art is pretty cool with an old lookin' turtle strumming a banjo, as I guess they'd say. This one was gold-orange and a bit hazy, but probably cause I had it too cold. I tried to get a big head out of the pour, but as you can see I miserably failed, and I am 99% sure it was the glass' fault. The aroma is sweet malts. There is also the ever so slightest bit of tartness and a touch of earthiness as well, but it's mostly sweet. I was amazed the aroma was so similar to many DIPA's I've had, because in every other respect this beer is nowhere near a DIPA (and it's not suppose to be). So anyways, I was really taken aback by the smell because I was expecting more of a light malt and hoppy smell. They use 5 different hops and the Cascades really come out in the taste with a nice juicy citrus burst though the middle. There was still caramel in the beginning, and the finish was a bit dry and earthy (maybe from the English East Kent Golding & Fuggle hops they use?). Carbonation was high-medium and I think a little more Rye might have made this beer a bit more interesting. I finished it pretty fast though, if that says anything. 3.75 on BA.

From the Terrapin Brewing Company Website:
Malt: 2-row pale, Munich, Malted Rye, Bisuit Malt, Honey Malt.
Hops: Amarillo, Cascade, East Kent Goldings, Fuggle, Magnum.
IBU's: 45
O.G.: 13.5
ABV: 5.3%