Blind Cat Beer Co.’s Co-Owner and Head Brewer Manny Salvatori Talks Future Dinosaurs
92 Rating - Exceptional
Story by:
Editorial Dept.
We spoke with Blind Cat Beer Co.’s Co-Owner and Head Brewer Manny Salvatori about Future Dinosaurs.
What inspired this beer in the first place?
The name is kind of an inside joke with close friends, which ultimately inspired the idea behind it.
We really just wanted a big hazy IPA with easy drinkability — one with some character that makes it stand out against other beers of the same style.
Who was most responsible for bringing it to life, and how did the idea evolve?
It was pretty collective. We’re a small team, so we’re always talking about ideas.
As for the evolution, there’s not a ton to it. We are fairly new, and this specific brewhouse was new to me. It was just trial and error brewing and dialing things in, from brewhouse techniques to the recipe. This took about six months.
How would you describe this beer to someone who has never had it before?
Future Dinosaurs is a super juicy 8% hazy imperial IPA that is dangerously drinkable. It does have body, some malt character without being overly sweet, some great texture, and some darker orange hues, which I don’t think is as common in hazy IPAs these days. There’s a very mellow bitterness, but overall it has a cool balance with a heavy dose of tropical and citrus-forward hops, plus a lactose-free creamy experience.
What was the hardest part of getting it right?
Honestly, it was just understanding what is happening on the hot side. Dialing in bitterness. Having different cans analyzed so I knew what was happening when, and going from there.
The first few hazy IPAs that we brewed here did very well, but they were just too bitter and not very balanced, in my opinion.
Was there a moment when you realized this beer had real staying power?
To be completely honest, the first time I tried it post-fermentation, I harvested the yeast and brewed it again immediately.
What is the ideal food pairing with this beer?
Personally, I would pair it with a spicy seafood or chicken dish that also includes pineapple. I think the hops and coconut character are extremely complementary to a dish like that.
Is there a memorable story about this beer that still makes you smile, cringe, or shake your head?
I think when Britt first tried it is the best moment for me. She does not typically drink IPAs, and my goal was to brew one that changes her mind. At one point, it became her go-to shift beer, and that rules! Zero power of persuasion…
I do shake my head when folks see the color for the first time and say it’s too dark for the style. Try a sip. I think you’ll be okay.
When is the best time and place for this beer?
In our taproom, right now!
Comments 0
No Readers' Pick yet.