Mybeerbuzz.com Highlights Summit Unchained Series 21 Us & Them Thread 1 & Thread 2

I’ll admit that when the new packaging for Summit’s latest Unchained Series release crossed my desk, I knew we were in for something exciting.  Then when the full details arrived from Summit Brewing, I knew they had come up with something really unique.

Summit’s Unchained Series has consistently highlighted some classic beer styles and some unique combinations of flavors, and as they hit their 21st release in the series, I’m excited to say they have put a really intriguing concept into play.

Unchained Series # 21 is named Us & Them and as they say, it is a “Two Thread Brewing Experience”…and since both “threads” are an IPA, I knew these beers were for me.

Brewer Gabe Smoley has “deconstructed” the mash of Summit’s Sága IPA to create two different beers.  Us & Them 1st Thread is an American IPA and Us & Them 2nd Thread is a Session IPA.  If that’s not enough fun, both beers will be packaged with three of each in six packs so you can try both…and decide if you’re with Us or Them.

Thread 1 pours a really interesting (in a good way) yellow-orange color with a bright and intense nose.  I recognize Saga IPA in the flavors for sure, but the piney hoppy character of this beer is much more prominent.  Thread 1 leans toward a more resinous west-coast style IPA (90 IBU) with a nice balance and clean drinkable finish.  Thread 1 hits 7.2%-AbV so there was also a subtle but noticeable boozy quality in the finish (again in a good way).

Thread 2 pours a lighter golden color, but with no less intense hops in the aromas.  I found the aromas and flavors were leaning a little more to the orange/citrus side of the hop-fence, thanks in part to the CItra dry-hopping versus the Raku dry hopping in Thread 1.  Thread 2 seemed to have more depth and complexity to it with a nice clean and dry finish.  At 4%-AbV and 55 IBU, we found Thread 2 very drinkable and very sessionable.

Us & Them presents a case where the sum of the parts is more than the individual beers.  This is not just sampling two beers but more like taking part in an interesting sampling (and brewing) experience.  You can’t help but get a great sense for the features and qualities of each beer, and I only wish that I had an actual standard Saga IPA to round out the exploration experience.

Summit will be holding some events beginning 2/20 for the release of these beers before the mixed six-packs of 12oz bottles and kegs hit the streets.  Be sure to get out there and try Summit Unchained Series # 21 Us & Them Thread 1 & Thread 2 for yourself, and as always, be sure to let us know what YOU think.