Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale (2007-2009)
Poured a 12 ounce bottle with a clearly marked date on it of "8 197", meaning it was bottled in 2008 on the 197th day of the year (7/17/08). A: Excellent pour, with a great amount of head and a beautiful deep orange/red body. Good head retention throughout drinking it as well as excellent lacing on the glass. S: Piney citrus hop notes dominate this brew, specifically a bit of strawberry like scents with just enough caramel sweetness to keep the hop notes in check. Even after a bit of aging, the hop notes are so strong I almost feel like I am standing there smelling the flower as its being picked from the vine. T&M: Starts off with a touch of caramel sweetness that is quickly followed through with the assertive hops. The hops are mostly citrusy with some pine like and herbal tones in there as well. Fruity ester flavors meld very nicely with the citrus flavors and bitterness from the hops and ride on the tongue throughout the finish. A tart, puckering like ester flavor stays on the palate after the sip is complete, nice accompanied by a bitter kiss of the hops. Mouthfeel is light to medium for the style, and in my opinion, could use just a little more body considering the beer's ABV. However, by no means is it thin. D&Notes: This is a very good , fairly easy drinking IPA offering from SN. From what I remember, I like this better than the 2007 offer. This brew is proof that an IPA does not have to be over the top in terms of IBUs or ABV to be a great IPA. Essentially, this brew is the middle child between their flagship pale ale and the winter release, Celebration Ale. As with all SN beers, good balance, but definitely leans much more towards hops. This would be a great IPA to let a beginning craft beer drinker try, as it's not over the top in any way, and is a very good example of the style. Final note--If you are letting a new craft beer drinker try this, make sure you let it warm to the appropriate serving temperature, so all of this great beer's flavor's can be slowly appreciated.