Friday, May 17, 2013

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale




Sierra Nevada is one of the earliest breweries to emerge in the American craft brew movement in the early 80’s.    There were many start-up breweries back in the day that failed.  Sierra Nevada not only succeeded it thrived.  Sierra Nevada sold 950 barrels of beer the first year.  They are now brewing close to 1 Million barrels a year.  That’s a lot of beer!

Pale Ale was the first beer brewed by Sierra Nevada.  It is brewed year round and is currently the second best selling craft beer in the United States (second only to Samuel Adams Boston Lager).

Pale Ale (5.60% ABV) pours a rich amber that builds a bright white thick head.

The aroma is a combination of citrus and pine with a toasty malt lingering in the background.

The first thing I taste is a hit of caramel malt followed by the bittering hops.  Lots of citrus and pine flavor and some bready yeast.  Lots of flavor that is nicely balanced.  The finish is pleasantly bitter.

The mouthfeel is light and crisp; nice bubbly carbonation.  This pale ale is a good refreshing beer.  Very drinkable.  An excellent example of the style.

Overall: very good

No comments: