Throughout my discovery of American Pale Ales I have tasted many that compare themselves to the ones that are considered "classic" Americans, or the hallmark of American ales. The one I hear the most is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Since it was always getting good overall reviews among beer advocates, I knew I needed to try it.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was the first beer brewed by Ken Grossman in Chico, California, who named the company after his favorite hiking grounds. They have been brewing it since 1979 and although they make other award winning brews, such as hefe-weizen, porter, stout, IPA and fantastic seasonals, the Pale Ale remains the most popular. Plus it is easily recognizable in its familiar green packaging.
I have to admit it is the best of this category that I have tasted.
When first poured into a tulip glass from the 12 oz bottle, it has a darker amber color with a small amount of lacing and head that dissipates fairly quickly . I instantly catch a smell of fruit, but there's no mistaking the malt.
The bitterness comes out first, and is at the front but the sweetness come to meet it and it finishes well with a strong malty following.
This Pale Ale is what I was hoping for, in that the bitterness hits you first but it smoothed out towards the end and balanced out the sweetness. I feel a little dryness at the end too.
I don't know what could have been a better description of an American Pale Ale, than the Sierra Nevada. I have to admit that it was what everyone had said it was going to be.
Let's add a CBC review: give it a 5 for an excellent West Coast Pale Ale.
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