Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest Fresh Hop Ale
Wow - what a pour. Deep amber, thick off white head. Rocky. The head sits there for a good five minutes, developing a cratered effect. Fruity nose with spiciness of hallertau mittelfruh hops. Entry is a hop attack, unique flavors - knocks out he idea of low bitter hallertau! Maybe that is in there for the aroma - but this comes on strong (as expected) with a lip smaking bitterness and hop flavor. A perfect malt backbone for this style - enough to let the hops shine without turning it in to a hop soup. A hint of cinnamon, pepper, and orange peel. This really grows on me - at first I longed for Harvest Ale, but the flavors and complexity opened up nicely as this had a chance to breath. Wow, big, fresh, lip smacking hops! Well done, fresh hop ale in the late spring - Thanks SN and Kiwis everywhere!