Pyramid Re-releases an Old Fave: Broken Rake

The other day, Seattlest heard that Pyramid Breweries was releasing Broken Rake again, after a several-year absence. We loved this fall seasonal when it still existed—its rich malt, deep amber color and higher-than-average ABV truly satisfied. So these press-release details stirred mixed feelings:

Broken Rake added a new kick to its already celebrated recipe with the inclusion of Cascade hops. This gives the mahogany colored ale a more full-bodied and balanced flavor, while still maintaining its signature malty, sweet finish, making it the perfect accompaniment for a crisp fall afternoon.

"This ale is the perfect excuse to 'break the rake'," said Tom Bleigh, Northwest head brewer for Pyramid Breweries. "It's crafted with autumn in mind, much like an Oktoberfest-style Marzen with hops reflecting a more Northwest character."

Look for Broken Rake Seasonal Amber Ale in stores and on tap at your favorite watering hole as the leaves begin to change this August and continuing into harvest season through September.

Why would Pyramid mess with an already very good thing? And why tell us they changed the recipe? We beer drinkers wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference between the new version and the one we’d had in 2003. We’ve got fewer functioning brain cells now, after all.

But we still wanted to try it, of course. So it was a nice surprise to find Broken Rake at Safeway Tuesday night. (We assume that means it’s now pouring at the Alehouse, too.)

How’s it taste? Much like the old Broken Rake, probably, but with an added, lingering hop tone. A touch more fizz, a little less alcohol. (Ye olde Rake weighed in at 6.4% ABV, the new at 6.1%.) It’s still a robust sipper—sweet and heavy, not something you’ll want to chug. Halfway through the first bottle, you might start to feel bloated, as if you’re drinking maple syrup. A second one won’t reverse the effect, but it’s worth a shot.