Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale (2007-2009)
Poured from 12oz bottle into 12oz mug. Rich orange-brown color, like a well-stained pine. PLenty of fluffy head, with commendable lacing. Looks a lot heartier than it actually is. Mild nose, can pick up some citrus and some bready malts. Hops are prevalent, but not immediately. Flavor fades to a acidic hop-maltiness and lingers. It's not a bad flavor, bit it is a bit coarse considering how long it hangs about. Moderate mouthfeel, a bit thing for the intense flavors Fairly drinkable. The lingering hops do get to be a bit much, and the malts aren't really matching them. Nothing offensive here, a little off the mark for my personal IPA flavor profiles, but quite nice for a brew that is as easy to find as Sierra Nevada. I may have Imperial/Double/Triple IPA over-load so this beer hits a sweet spot.