Finding a new Sierra Nevada Brewing Company offering at my local beer cooler of choice makes me glad I still have a functioning liver. It’s a little bit like a present you didn’t know you were getting. It’s like finding an extra 20 in your coat pocket. It’s like getting a divorce without an alimony payment. It just about made me moist.

The fact that their new product is an India Pale Ale (IPA) (priced at $7.99) made it all the better. My beer tastes have always been more to the Pale Ale/IPA side of the bar, and having another to choose from is an inviting proposition.

The IPA gets its name from the ales that were made to be shipped to India and other far flung areas of the British Empire in the late 18th Century. A brewer came up with a recipe that could withstand the rigors of the voyage and the highly hopped high alcohol content ale was dubbed India Pale Ale and well received by colonists and the general public. The rest is history. [See The Good Beer Book, by Timothy Harper and Garret Oliver, pages 38-39 for more information on the origins of the IPA.]


[Sierra Nevada was founded in 1980 in Chico, California, and has a deserved reputation for the consistent quality of their brews. They currently offer 4 year round temptations with 3 seasonals, and 6 specialty offerings. Their Pale Ale remains their best seller and flagship beer. The IPA is a specialty offering and may not be offered year-round.]

Sierra Nevada describes their IPA as a “this lively ale represents a classic brewing style dating from the days of British colonial trade.” It is made with a “blend of English malts. Magnum hops are used for the early hop addition, with Goldings for finishing and dry hopping.” The alcohol by volume rating (ABV) is 6.9 percent which is well within the style parameters of 6.5 to 7.5 percent according to The Good Beer Book.

Sierra Nevada IPA pours to a golden amber wheat color with a full frothy head. There is a definite grassy floral note present with some carbonation. The immediate taste is a sharp, crisp shop of hops dryness with a tinge of sweetness to it from start to finish. It’s a lip smacker for sure. It has a very citrus like astringency to it, grapefruit is a prevalent sensation.

There is a tart dryness to the ale which lingers in the mouth, tongue, and at the back of the throat. There is a bit of an aftertaste; very sharp, very crisp, more dry than sweet.

This would not necessarily be a session ale choice, but it is certainly worthy of a pint pull or two. It has a bit of a kick and like most IPAs would serve as a bit of a winter warmer as well.

It is very likeable, very drinkable, goes well with conversation, and is one I am inclined to share with guests deemed worthy. It would go well with some pub food (fish and chips, chutney and Stilton sandwich, or some malt vinegar fries).

Sierra Nevada IPA is a nicely done version of the style, and will probably be a hit for lovers of their Pale Ale, which is a constant in beer fridges across the U.S. I will certainly make room for the IPA next to it in my fridge (four stars). I might even see a man about a boat.

Sources
www.sierranevada.com
Harper, Timothy, and Garret Oliver. The Good Beer Book New York: Berkley Books, 1997



Recommended: Yes