Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on May 22, 2020.
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The wheels of change seem to move slowly in Pennsylvania, at least where alcohol is concerned. But recent changes to our state's liquor laws have led to some rather amazing developments like the availability of wine in grocery stores and beer in select gas stations.
Local convenience store chain Sheetz was part of the initiative to change these laws, and to celebrate they are partnering with Pennsylvania-based breweries for a special collaboration beer series to sell exclusively at their stores!
The latest beer release for spring 2020 is entitled Project Hop Dog which is a collaboration with Croydon, PA-based Neshaminy Creek Brewing. Sheetz reached out to us to see if we wanted to try the beer in advance of its release on May 21st, and naturally we were interested in sharing more!
This article was sponsored by our friends at Sheetz. All opinions are our own.
Sheetz and Neshaminy Creek Team Up for Project Hop Dog
Project Hop Dog is billed as Sheetz's “craziest collaboration yet” as it is a dry-hopped IPA brewed with Sheetz hot dogs that is distributed to 128 stores across Pennsylvania.
First, we know what you're thinking. A beer brewed with hot dogs? Yes, it sounds like a crazy idea but one that was done intentionally to “engender smiles, laughter and conversation- something we could all use more of right now” per Ryan Sheetz, AVP of Brand at Sheetz. As a beer that is meant to be talked about as much as it is enjoyed in a glass, this one checks that box solidly.
But to us, there is another point here that is just as impressive, and that is that our local craft beer industry is growing at a fast enough pace to stock 128 Sheetz stores with a limited release- especially at the price point of just $7.99 per four-pack (that's less than half the price of some four-pack IPAs you will find around the state)! If this is any indication of where our state's beer scene is going, sign us up.
But what is the beer like? We got our hands on a pack prior to its release and share more on it below!
Facts and Tasting Notes for Project Hop Dog
The collaboration beer between Sheetz and Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. has the following characteristics:
- Style: Dry Hopped IPA
- Hops: Nugget and Centennial
- Brewed with: Sheetz hot dogs (ceremonially)
- ABV: 5.5%
- IBU: 60
- Retail Price: $7.99 per four-pack
First and foremost, the big question we had with this beer when we received it was the obvious one- does it taste like hot dogs?
The answer is, surprisingly, no– it was not intended to taste like hot dogs. Sheetz and Neshaminy Creek are the first to admit that the intent of this beer is to be a delicious IPA that pairs with hot dogs (a Sheetz specialty), warm weather, and any other summer-related food and activities you want to enjoy. So while brewing the mash with hot dogs may be a bit for highlighting the collaboration, we have to admit we appreciate the branding all the same.
Beyond this, the beer drinks like a west coast IPA with a moderate bitterness from the hops with citrus and pine notes that isn't overwhelming to our New England IPA-leaning taste buds. This one offers a flavor profile that, perhaps not coincidentally, goes really well with meats (like hot dogs)! Couple this with the relatively lower 5.5% ABV and you have a session IPA that is fairly easy drinking for a sunny late-spring day.
So if you are looking for a beer that is as much of a conversation piece as it is an easy-drinking beer, you may want to look out for Project Hop Dog at a Sheetz near you during your next visit!
To find participating Sheetz locations carrying Project Hop Dog, click here. This beer is available for a limited time while supplies last. Must be 21 or older to purchase Project Hop Dog- please drink responsibly. This article was sponsored by Sheetz. All opinions from sampling Project Hop Dog are our own.