Flying Dog Mint Julep Ale Review

Name: Flying Dog Mint Julep Ale
Style: Blonde Ale
ABV: 6%
IBUs: N/A

Well, it seems like out of nowhere, Flying Dog Brewing has returned to Minnesota after a 2 1/2 year absence. Me personally, I'm quite excited simply because of the artwork, all of which is done by Ralph Steadman, who is one of my favorite artists. He also worked with renowned writer Hunter S. Thompson, who I also consider to be my all-time favorite writer.

For the time being, let's talk about the beer. Since their return, they've brought with more of their offerings than before, which comes in the form of their Brewhouse Rarities series. The beer which we're looking at in that series is their Mint Julep Pale Ale, which is a Blonde Ale made with Mint Julep.

Appearance - Mildly hazy yellow color with a high amount of visible carbonation. The head is quite thick but rather fizzy, which ultimately settles to a thin film that retains throughout.

Aroma - Getting some pale malts & floral hops followed by some mild grassy notes and just a touch of mint.

Taste - Pale malts & barley upfront with some very light floral hoppiness. Towards the middle is where the mint makes itself known in a very prominent way and lingers throughout while maintaining it's strength. The back end of the palate is more pale malts but is overshadowed by the mint, which stays in the aftertaste throughout.

Well I like the fact there's mint in here but with a blonde ale, it just doesn't mesh well with the style. Had this been done with say a porter or a stout, I think my opinion would be vastly different. As for this beer, it's not offensive but at the same time, I'm not digging it.

Flying Dog Mint Julep Ale - 5/10