Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada is a classic microbrew staple and this is their premiere beer. Its the essential gateway into craft beer, and I could not speak more positively about our friends in Chico. They have found a niche and it is serving them well in the microbrew/craft beer cult. Their consistency is out of this world; probably due to their commitment to bottle conditioning. Appearance: Pours a good looking beer. I expect this from my pale ales. Golden amber with a good amount of head-- 1.5-2 inches that leaves great lacing down the side of the glass. Totally professional. Smell: Earthy, grainy, biscuit front infused with hoppy intensity in the nose. Definite esters. I even caught a grassy/leafy smell in the undertone. Taste: HOPS! Body is medium filled with citrusy tones-- near a bit salty yet still earthy. There is something behind the hops that gives it balance but I do not know what to call it. Total bitter finish matched with an earthy tone that brings it balance. Classic. Mouth: Dances in my mouth. Hops sticks to the palate and the nose. Even carbonation gives this beer is a strength of this brew. It brings out the bitterness of the hops and gives the hoppy stick to the palate a stronger effect. Brilliant. Overall: An American classic. Enough said. This is always be one of the go to beers for me. This is the poster child for American Pale Ales. The poster child may not always be the absolute best, but it is definitely the one that gives an accessible entry into the subtleties of craft beer appreciation.