GRAND RAPIDS, MI — It’s been 8 years since Black Rye was available.

In that time, Founders Brewing Co. has grown from a microbrewery on Monroe Ave. NW finally getting its financial house in order, to a heavyweight player in the craft beer market with its sights set firmly on national brand status.

Next year, Founders will resurrect Black Rye, a dry-hopped dark ale that was last available back in 2006. The beer, which the brewery described as having achieved a “cult following,” will be fitted into the seasonal release lineup for 2015.

“Because of how quickly the craft beer enthusiast community has grown, most people drinking craft beer and even Founders beer today have never tried Black Rye,” said Dave Engbers, co-founder and vice president of brand and education at Founders.

“Officially, this beer is a re-introduction. But for most, it’s a new Founders beer.”

Black Rye will be available in bottle or on draft January though March throughout the brewery’s 32 state distribution footprint. Founders is selling the beer in its regular size 12-ounce bottles at a suggested retail price of $10.99 per 4-pack.

Black Rye is brewed with a blend of German and American hops, double-row barley and heavily-kilned rye and wheat malts.

Founders’ other seasonal releases in 2015 will be Rubaeus, from April to September; and Breakfast Stout, from October to December. The brewery’s full 2015 availability calendar will be announced later this year.

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Garret Ellison covers business, government and breaking news for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at gellison@mlive.com or follow on Twitter & Instagram