One of the newest (and neatest) fads in the craft brewing business these days is that of collaboration. Specifically, this happens when two or more craft brewers get together to cooperatively produce a special beer. This is done in the knowledge that really, craft brewers don't compete against each other; instead, they vie for an increasing piece of that vast majority of the beer market that goes to the megabrewers.

And so, they can safely join forces for mutual benefit, without worry of any detriment to either of the involved parties. Russian River Brewing and Avery Brewing, for example, both producing beers of the same name, decided to collaborate instead of litigate, hence the moniker for Collaboration Not Litigation Ale .

More recently, some of the guys from Colorado's Left Hand Brewing Company met up with a few counterparts from Georgia's Terrapin Brewery, and decided to get together to create a few special beers of their own. As legend would have it, the idea came about at midnight, and so they decided to name their combined one time beers the "Midnight Project".

Perfect for the season of Halloween at which their first offering, Terra-Rye'zd Black Lager, was released. Neither Terrapin nor Left Hand is a stranger to special bottlings or premium brews produced above and beyond their normal range. So, I was expecting great things from this particular brew. And I was not at all disappointed.

Terra-Rye'zd Black Rye Lager pours to a dark brownish black color with a thick and creamy tan head formation and a delightfully spicy rye bread nose. A thick layer of Brussels lace clings to the side of my glass and follows the liquid all the way down to the bottom of the glass.

I must admit I was very intrigued by the nose on this beer. I've sampled many a rye beer in the past, but none have offered up as much of that hallowed grain's character in the aroma as Terra-Rye'zd does. So, I eagerly sipped at the brew with such gusto that a thick layer of creamy froth was left on my lips afterward.

The body was the first thing I noticed, firm and rich with a full hearty texture. As a base, this is kind of a kicked up German-styled Schwarzbier (or black lager). Those beers usually run around 5% alcohol by volume, and Terra-Rye'zd is a little stronger than that at 6.6%. But it shares notes of dry coffee and chocolate, and maybe even a hint of licorice with that style.

But the real fun here is the rye and the wonderfully grainy spice notes it adds. Terra-Rye'zd screams spicy, bready, fresh rye flavor, from the moment you first sip it up until the last remnant of the aftertaste fades from your taste buds. To be sure, there's some grassy hop aroma and bitterness in the finish, too, but the rye is the star here from start to finish.

I absolutely love this beer. It's kind of sad that it's a one-off deal, because I'd love to be able to get it on a regular basis. Is it pricey? At $7.99 for a 22-ounce bottle, maybe. But really, that's not a lot to pay for a truly special beer like this one. Distribution is very limited, so if you happen to see it, buy it. You'll be glad you did

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.