Sierra Nevada really likes to brew hoppy beers - if you've ever had their Harvest or Celebration Ale I'm sure you have a pretty good idea what I'm talking about. Their 2008 Anniversary is no exception to this trend- it's billed as an American IPA, promises copious amounts of hops, and appears to fit their overall style of hopping the crap out of their beers. The only question is...how does it measure up?Appearance - A thick, fluffy two-finger head that dissipates slowly leaving lacing around the glass. Pours a beautiful cloudy copper/amber color with visible sediment, reinforcing the fact that it's an unfiltered beer.
Aroma - overwhelmingly hoppy with citrus undertones; the hops seem to carry a very fresh, floral smell with a hint of malts.
Mouthfeel - very well-carbonated and balanced perfectly with the beer itself. Medium-bodied and quite smooth, as well as easy to drink. A pleasant, bitter aftertaste lingers afterward.
Taste - Hops, hops and more hops. The hint of citrus is there, but the hops practically drown it out. Dry and bitter from start to finish, making for a great IPA. A slight, bready flavor is there as well.
Overall - Sierra Nevada has done it again! Their 2008 Anniversary Ale is excellent, and a great example of what an American IPA should taste like. The only complaint I have with it is that it was too hoppy-- the other flavors that are in this beer are masked because of its hoppiness. Otherwise, a terrific job by Sierra Nevada!
Grade: A-
Spot on Dylan! With it's strong earthy body, striking hoppy power and spicy aroma Anniversary Ale places as the heavier of the American IPAs Sierra Nevada produces. The small fleck of citrus present at the initial taste is quickly drowned in the overwhelming hops and this beer leaves a lingering bitterness on the palate. Much heavier than it's seasonal counterpart Summerfest, this brew could still benefit from a wedge of orange to cut the pungency of the hops with a tangy zest.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest avoiding foods containing garlic/onion or any other competitively strong flavors while enjoying this particular beer. Pair with light pastas, white fish or grilled meats to compliment the boldness of the beer while ensuring no contradictions in flavor.
Cheerio, Dylan! Excellent title!
ReplyDelete