Snake Dog IPA: Who let the hops out?
Written: May 31 '01 (Updated Jun 23 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Pretty typical IPA, good summer thirst quencher
Cons: Not quite enough character or hops
The Bottom Line: Respectable but not overly-impressive IPA. Enjoyable, just didn't quite carry enough character or hops. Worth a try at least for IPA fans but don't rush out and buy it.
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| andaryl's Full Review: Snake Dog IPA |
Flying Dog started out as a brewpub in Aspen, Colorado, one of the first in the Rocky Mountain region. They have since outgrown this facility, and relocated in downtown Denver.
Label Art
The most striking thing about this brewery is the unique art design that goes on the labels. The designs in general are pretty amusing but at the same time a little devilish, so much so there was a recent attempt at forcing the company to change them. Fortunately this did not pass and the designs will remain the same. In the case of Snake Dog, the picture is something of a hybrid between a dog and an inebriated snake.
The Premise
Snake Dog Ale is an IPA, a style that is growing increasingly popular in the American microbrew industry. It’s brewed with imported English Maris Otter pale malt and Golding hops, and has a alcohol content of 4.6% (by weight). “It snakes down the throat like a faithful friend” are the words printed on the bottle. It’s interesting to see the word snake here used for an IPA as I remember Anderson Valley’s version stating “bites like a kicky bluetail”, which translates as a rattlesnake looking for a fight.
The Proof
The pour is not too impressive on this one with a pretty thin layer of foam. The body is amber with a little haziness, while there is a good sign of carbonation. The nose is not too dominant, with some malt and chocolate, as well as a flowery hoppiness. The mix on the palate is very interesting, you get the fizziness at the front followed by a very smooth middle, which almost reminds me of Samuel Smith’s ales, followed by a dryness in the finish. Initially sweet and raisin-like at the front, it does turn to a subtle mellow chocolaty middle, and finishes slightly bitter with a citric grapefruit bite. The chocolate and bitterness make for a satisfying aftertaste.
The Verdict
With a nice light mouthfeel this is an easy drinking ale and will work very well in the warm summer months. It’s pretty typical of what you’d expect to find in an American IPA. I have to admit to being personally a little disappointed, wanting a little more character and a touch more bite in the finish. This is not a hop sensation, but IPA fans should at least give it a try, and I would recommend it. Unfortunately, it will also be easy to forget about, especially with thousands of other beers to try. I loved their Old Scratch Lager, but this one, while respectable, didn’t quite make a big enough impression.
Availability
Jensen’s has a good selection of Flying Dog’s at a very reasonable $1.29. I picked up 5 different ones.
Recommended:
Yes
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andaryl
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Member: Andrew Smith
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