Flying Dog Uno de Snake
A few days ago, Maryland’s Flying Dog announced a new variety pack that features beers they had been playing with in the tasting room for a while. Blenders features three beers that are, as you may have guessed, blends of some of the company’s products. All are IPA-based and feature the likes of Snake Dog, The Truth, St. Eadman, Raging Bitch, Numero Uno and Bloodline within their calculated combinations. First up for review, though, is Uno de Snake, a refreshing and lively blend of Numero Uno (20%) and Snake Dog IPA (80%).
Snake Dog’s citrus and pine may dominate the nose, but that mere 20% of Numero Uno’s lime and agave shine through wonderfully once the 6.6% ABV (52 IBU) blend hits the tongue. The concoction of flavors work well with one another nicely as grapefruit, lime peel, the agave’s melon-like flavor and pine wash briskly over the palate. The level of hop bitterness is just right, as well, never causing too much chaos, but adding just the right bite to the affair.
Blending beer is nothing new in the brewing world. Whether it be the traditional lambics of Belgium or the massive anniversary concoctions from Firestone Walker and the like, combinations like Uno de Snake will always be a part of the ecosystem. I’m just glad that Flying Dog nailed this one out of the gate. The lime and agave are at just the right levels for both beers to work in conjunction without fighting one another in the end. The beer isn’t quite crushable, but it’s smooth-drinking nature and refreshing character make it go down with dangerous ease.
This is a review of a promotional sample.