The Super Bowl is almost upon us and if you are looking for some great beer to put out for your part, check out the huge selection over at Snake River Brewing. This is one of the oldest breweries in Wyoming as they opened their doors in 1994, back before the craft beer scene really took off.
I was lucky to try out a couple of their IPAs and a lager. I found each brought something that beer lovers can enjoy whether for a big game like the Super Bowl or just relaxing at home with a fire.
Jenny Lake Lager is a standout as it is an amber colored Vienna style lager. Snake River created an authentic German lager yeast strain that insures a mild profile. The imported German malts give this lager a rich, caramel flavor which is balanced with the subtle use of continental hop varieties. When serving up pizza or red meats, this lager complements those foods great with its malt forward, slightly sweet profile.
The lager pours caramel with a 2 fingers deep tan head. You will smell some caramel, malt and nuttiness. Jenny Lake Lager is a smooth tasting Vienna with some superb hop presence that is neither biting nor distracting from the intended style. The thin head from pouring melts to almost nothing. The flavor is very fresh and it has a great body.
On a side note, Jenny Lake Lager was previously known as Snake River Lager but was rebranded in Spring 2015. One dollar per case for the next two years is being donated to the Inspiring Journeys campaign for Jenny Lake with Snake River’s partner, the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
Next up is Earned It IPA, which is their Vermon….er… New England style “Hazy” IPA. Snake River describes this beer as having been brewed with cryogenically frozen hops, sent to save the world from boredom. You will notice Citra, Mosiac, El Dorado and Loral hops coming together to make a citrusy and floral aroma. This IPA has a low bitterness and light malt body that will certainly make it very drinkable for any beer lover.
Earned It IPA pours a hazy orange yellow, billowy head of foam, which leaves lacing behind. Some other things to enjoy are the smells of pine and pineapple. The toasted malt delivers an excellent punch to this IPA. It is a solid IPA and one certainly to enjoy while tailgating for the Super Bowl.
Finally, I was lucky to try Pako’s IPA, which is named for Snake River’s mascot, Pako the dog. This golden ale is a full flavored, fully hop-evident IPA that will have the hopheads rejoicing. Snake River describes a pungent Simcoe/Columbus blend that produces both bitterness and an explosive hop aroma. You will notice great juicy citrus, mainly mango and grapefruit, hops, oily and sticky pine hops.
Pako’s IPA poured a very nice clear copper with a thick white head. The mouthfeel is very nice and this is a great IPA for casual IPA drinkers. Tons of citrus and a medium bitterness level finishes this one up. Pako’s IPA is perfect for a hot and muggy summer day after walking the dog.
Snake River prides themselves on having brewers with over 100 years of brewing experience so you know they like to bring great taste into their beers. In their 24 years of operation, Snake River has found success by bringing home 35 Great American Beer Festival Awards in various categories.
This brew pub found in Jackson Hole, Wyo., has also won small brewery of the year twice.
Overall, it was a great experience sharing beers from Snake River. Again, what did you think I got right and what do you think I said wrong? Let us know in the comments section.
Disclaimer: For purposes of this review, Snake River provided a sample of their beers.
Photo Credit: Snake River