Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale (2007-2009)
Oh, how I wanted to love this beer... 12 oz bottle poured into a St. Feuillien snifter. A: Lovely color, but the head disappeared quickly. Looks like a good, solid American IPA. S: Hoppy, but not overpowering. Maybe a little metallic on the nose. Unremarkable for the style. T: Again, a metallic undertone prevails--one that I don't care for. The overall taste is consistent with the style, I guess, but mildly disappointing. There's something about the taste of this that seems vaguely off--and I am a sucker for just about any decently brewed IPA, so I am disappointed by this one. M: Feels thin, but the lingering aftertaste is potent. I kind of like that. More of an alcohol bite than I would have expected for the ABV level. D: I can drink this with vigor, but I won't choose it over better examples of the style. Good in a pinch, but not a world beater. I love the brand, but this is not a world-class American IPA. Compared to best choices in this category, this one falls a little short.