Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Chico, CA
Available: nationwide
Eleven years ago, Sierra Nevada was the first American brewer to experiment with fresh hops, using only hops that had been harvested the same day. This year, the beer is bottled for the first time.
ABV: 6-6.5
ABW: 5
Color: copper
Bitterness: 60-65
Original gravity: 1066
Final gravity: 1016
Malts used: pale, caramel
Hops used: Centennial (bittering), Cascade and Centennial (finishing)
Bright copper color, like a harvest pumpkin when the moonlight strikes just right. Rocky head hangs on and on, leaving lovely volcanic-like fissures and lots of lace. Friendly herbaceous nose hints at the taste: malty with a goodly balance of hop flowers. Try it with heirloom turkey, forest mushroom risotto and filberts.
By bottling its Anniversary Ale and Harvest Ale for the first time and following so quickly with Celebration 2007, Sierra Nevada gives us a curriculum for Hops 301. The lesson in this glass focuses on hop oils, spicy and fresh, much like herbs picked from the garden and tossed directly into a pot. Citrusy, woody and a bit minty. Resinous and oily, adding a layer of flavor on top of bready, fruity malt, literally and completely coating the tongue.
Founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.
Editor at Realbeer.com, a professional journalist for 40 years and amateur brewer for 15, Hieronymus is the author of four beer books, including Brew Like a Monk.
