Celebration Ale
According to the brewer, this is put out every November as a tribute to the owner's wife's birthday, or some such. The name Celebration seems to be getting around a lot (Miller's 2005 seasonal, etc.), so I'm guessing Sierra Nevada isn't too protective of it. Oh well. Pours a reddish brown color that lets through just a little light. The half-inch of head is off-white and creamy, leaving pretty lacing down the glass. Aroma of fresh, floral hops and a bit of astringency. Palate is well-balanced - mild, roasty malt accompanied by a good amount of tangy, bitter hops. Some fruitness and oak also present. Medium body holds the flavor well. Pretty tasty, and a nice shift from the usual offerings towards an old-world style.