Laughing Dog Brewing
Ponderay, ID
Available: CT, DC, DE, IL, KS, KY, MA, MD, MN, MO, NC, NJ, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA
Sneaky Pete is a blend of five hop types: Simcoe, Glacier, Centennial, Vanguard and Hallertauer, with Simcoe playing the dominant role at 30 percent. In addition, three separate malts were used: honey, rye and Munich. Finished with wild clover honey.
ABV: 10
ABW: 8
Bitterness: 89
Original gravity: n/a
We’re climbing the ladder to 10.3% for this copper-colored strong interpretation of the style. The aroma has a massive assault of rich citrus fruits – blood oranges to the fore – balanced by a big peppery hop note and an underpinning of rich grain that’s reminiscent of newly-mown barley fields. The massive fruit attack dominates the palate but spicy hops and chewy malt add to the delights. The finish has some candy sweetness but the balance of hops and tart fruit avoid any cloying character. A big beer that leaves a deep imprint on the tastebuds.
This beer is a bit dark to be called “pale” anything; it’s amber, trending darker. An aggressive pour barely raises a head. The hop aroma is grassy, herbal and pungent. The bitterness, moderate but tongue-coating, meets the caramel acidity of the malts right up front. There is a flurry of fruit halfway in, but the beer drops away from there into a fuzzy finish. A glow of alcohol warms the chest. Showing neither massive hops nor rich malts, the beer seems somehow incomplete, but a pork burrito with black beans will finish the picture.
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
