Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
I've finally gotten around to reviewing a real cult classic, the ubiquitous (within craft brew circles) SNPA! A personal favorite! Pours into a pint glass a crystal-clear color just a tint paler than copper, with a moderate one-finger head (though this was my fault) which shrinks fairly quickly into a simple lacy cap and just a bit of lacing. It really isn't everything, but SNPA is really one good-looking beer. The nose carries notes of grapefruits and lemons along with flowery hop aromas and malted grains. A fairly simple nose, but with all of the right notes in balance. It tastes of spices and grapefruit. A little alcohol and grain sweetness are very well-balanced by the gently bitter and slightly grassy hops. Nothing too extreme in the taste, but a delicious balance. The mouthfeel is just on the light side of a perfect medium-body. Certainly heavier than light beers and the typical macro-lagers, but besides that comparison is a refreshingly easy-drinking brew. It has a slightly grainy feel in the mouth which is complemented by appropriate levels of carbonation. If someone asked me to describe the drinkability, I would say it depends on your comfort level with a little hop bitterness. SNPA is not heavy on the hops by any means, but I've noticed that it can sometimes be unpleasant to a newly-converted BMC drinker. Anyway, if you have an idea of what hops actually taste like, this is a prime example of drinkability defined, in my opinion.