Modern Times Phenom Rye Stout Imperial Stout

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Phenom Rye pours pitch black with a dense mocha crown, releasing aromas of dark chocolate, toasted rye bread, and bourbon warmth. The palate unfolds layers of roasted malt and molasses, threaded with spicy rye character that lifts the richness. Vanilla and caramel emerge from the oak, joined by hints of coconut and a gentle boozy heat that signals its imperial stature. The finish lingers with charred barrel, espresso bitterness, and a peppery rye snap, making this a contemplative sipper built for slow evenings and quiet appreciation.

Food Pairing

Pair with a seared ribeye crusted in cracked black pepper, where the rye spice and bourbon depth amplify the beef’s char. For dessert, try a flourless dark chocolate torte with sea salt and toasted pecans, letting the stout’s vanilla, molasses, and roast intertwine with bittersweet cocoa.

About Modern Times Beer

Modern Times Beer was founded in 2013 in San Diego, California, establishing itself as a distinctive voice in American craft brewing. The brewery built its reputation on a progressive philosophy that intertwines quality beer production with worker ownership and environmental consciousness, having transitioned to an employee-owned cooperative model. Modern Times became particularly renowned for their hop-forward West Coast IPAs and an exceptional portfolio of coffee-infused stouts, reflecting San Diego’s vibrant craft beer culture while pushing creative boundaries. Their brewing approach balances technical precision with experimental fermentation, producing both classic styles and innovative interpretations that garnered a devoted following. The brewery expanded beyond its original Point Loma location to include additional facilities and tasting rooms, though it faced significant challenges in recent years. Known for their distinctive retro-futuristic branding and literary references, Modern Times cultivated a unique identity in the crowded craft beer landscape. Their commitment to quality ingredients and creative recipe development, particularly in darker beer styles and hop-forward offerings, established them as an influential producer in the American craft beer movement.