The good people at Good People have decided to name this Hazy Snake. I can appreciate that comical and simplistic name. What's funnier is that this is part of a Snake Handler series, even though I have never seen any of the other entries of the series, and is referred to on the back as an "Eccentric Southern Ale." This is an acceptable little jab at Southern style that can be done when you're brewery is based in Alabama. I very briefly thought that it might be possible that they were based in Colorado, and that would be unseemly.
First sip is relatively smooth for the amount of bitterness that comes at the backend. It's not overwhelming with bitterness, but in a beverage that has this much bitterness within, it normally doesn't hide it so well. I'm not sure what grains they're using, if they are grains at all, to tamp down the bitterness, but they are doing an excellent job of it. The sweetness that is generously apportioned in the sip balances this beer out incredibly well for a simple sip. The mango rind, star fruit, and papaya are all mixed together in some kind of smoothie that I am really digging in a sip. I wonder if it will be just as good in a full swig.
Tip-in is light carbonation sizzle with tropical fruits at the ready and a sweetness creeping in. The middle starts with the carbonation shooting to the top of the mouth while fruits are joined by oats in the smooth center with sweetness all around. The finish is a very different aspect of the beer with bitterness and tartness replacing the sweetness as all the fruit meat turns dry.
Bottom Line: A very enjoyable beverage.
4.0/5
