Sierra Nevada is without a doubt the best quasi-macro brewery out there. This is what Sam Adams can never be, but BBC fanboys claim it is. They don't even come close. And if anyone from SN reads this (I know they won') dont take the quasi-macro thing the wrong way. You've maintained your quality hile increasing production. You haven't pandered to the mass market by dumbing down your beers, which BBC has done shamelessly, while promoting themselves as craft the whole time. I'm far more offended by ther commercials than anyting BMC ever put out. So I was glad to see this one finally hit my local store after I got back from vacation.
Pours like a big amber. Deep orangish amber color with a great light tan head that thins a bit but stays with decent carbonation. Great grassy hops smell, backed by solid bready malt. This is what an IPA is supposed to smell like, and in testament to the "extra" part, it actually smells pretty close to some barley wines.
Dang. This one grabs you. You can taste the bitterness even in the roof of your mouth. Perfect feel to it, substantial and smooth. After you adjust to it, the bitterness gives way to a sweet malt that gives it its body. Solid, grassy, excellent bitterness.
Eh, I don't like the name, but everything else about this beer is right where it should be. You know the other brewers are pissed that they put out an IIPA. I can't wait to see if they come out with an RIS. It'll be Code Brown for other brewers, as SN will make an even bigger dent in BMC and the micro market.
Good stuff.
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