Many a late night did I spend at Barney's after all the bars in Wellington had closed dancing (if spastically flailing around counts as dancing...) away to 80s hits from the likes of Bon Jovi, Dead or Alive and Dexy's Midnight Runners. Although there was actually only one song from Dexy's Midnight Runners. Come on Eileen, in all its denimy glory. I was therefore intrigued to see that Tuatara had released its own Tu Rye Aye a Midnight Rye Ale.
Leaving aside how you can have a dark pale ale (is it dark or is it pale?) the beer itself throws it's colour in the dark ring looking like a porter or stout, even with a frothy head. The taste is more difficult to pin down. It is fruity while at the same time being dark with a slight creaminess and then a hint of its West Coast hops to finish. It is an interesting tasting brew. I enjoyed it but think I need to have another before I really get it.
Also as well as being bottled in the cool Tuatara tail bottle the label feels like denim. It may be a gimmick but little tricks like that are how you attract people when there is so much choice out there these days.
