Sierra Nevada - Pale Ale

Tonight I am reviewing a brew that is likely the second most famous craft beer in the U.S. market today.  This distinction will depend on what coast you live on.  If you are from the West, its the most famous beer.  Otherwise, on the East coast, Sam Adams Boston Lager takes the cake.  In either case, we are going to partake in a beer that paved the way for many others to follow in its brew steps.

Sierra Nevada is a brewery that is known for its clean, refreshing and extraordinarily consistent brew process.  Every batch of beer they produce is just like the previous batch.  They take great pride in their beer and their popularity across the nation backs up their reputation.  They are one of the few breweries that you can find across the country INCLUDING Hawaii and Alaska.  A distribution reach like Sierra Nevada's is one that most other breweries cannot boast about.

I love this enhanced feature on my camera. It really makes the beer pop!

SN's Pale ale is a great example of the style.  In fact, it is the primary example of an American Pale Ale.  Since its listed first under the commercial examples section found within the link that means you cannot find a better beer to exemplify the characteristics you are expected to find within an American Pale Ale.

This nicely green labeled beer has a clear amber body and bright white head.  Strings of carbonation can be seen rising from the base of my tumbler.  Not the best glass to use for an aromatic beer such as this one but it works.  Piney, resiny and citrusy with a touch of caramel malt blend nicely together to form a welcoming aroma.  The flavor is much like aroma with it being a bit more malt forward than my initial impressions.  Citrus makes a bolder appearance as well alongside a noticeably pleasant level of carbonation to bring out the hoppy tones and crisp finish.  No alcohol, no bite, all enjoyable.

Overall - I dont think there is much doubt as to where I am going with this wrap-up.  Sierra Nevada's example of an American Pale Ale is second to none.  If you are not a hop head but are looking to make the leap into the lupulin scene then I advise that this be the place to start.  Its not so overbearingly hoppy that you feel as though your tongue is being burned off by hop acid.  This pale ale is a pleasant experience that will keep you coming back for more.