With flagship 420 Pale Ale, and branding references to the 420 lifestyle, it's never been difficult to figure out that the Atlanta brewing company has always been marijuana-friendly.
But with its successful 420 Strain brand of beers officially described as using "strain specific terpenes and proprietary hemp flavor to creating an olfactory experience that mimics the G13 cannabis strain," things are way out front now.
On Saturday, the SweetWater 23rd Anniversary Throwdown will feature music from Arrested Development, B-Real of Cypress Hill and Dumpstaphunk, plus "special anny-edition eats" and plenty of beer.
But it also will mark the debut of two new 420 Strain beers, limited edition Insane OG Mexican-Style Craft Lager, and year-round Trainwreck Hazy Double IPA.
In addition, look for a sneak peak of SweetWater’s new Hydroponic brand of hard seltzer — made with a terpene twist.
With all that going, on SweetWater Insane OG Mexican-Style Craft Lager is this week’s Beer Pick.
Beer Pick
SweetWater Insane OG Mexican-Style Craft Lager
SweetWater Brewing Co., Atlanta
Limited release on draft and in 12-ounce bottles, 12-ounce cans, and Stash Box and Tackle Box variety 12-packs.
Profile
This collaboration with Cypress Hill’s B-Real its a terpene take on the Dr. Greenthumb Insane OG strain in a Mexican-style lager. SweetWater head brewer Nick Nock put together the recipe, with Pilsner, Vienna, Rice, Carapils, and Midnight Wheat malts, and Saaz, Crystal, and El Dorado hops.
The result is a golden brown beer, with plenty of dank aromas and flavors, a lightly malty backbone, and a smooth, dry finish. At 5.6% alcohol, it’s certainly sessionable. But unless you really love ganja, it can be rather cloying on the palate after more than one.
Pair with
In keeping with the spirit of its Mexican lineage, pair Insane OG with munchies like chips and salsa, guacamole, queso dip, nachos, hot tamales, or hemp chili con carne. Of course, brownies are an idea, too.
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