As someone who appreciates most of what Sierra Nevada has offered to me in the past it is tough for me to not be biased for this one. It has all the characteristics of the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: it has a pine aroma and an unmistakable citrus hop flavor. But what is a little different is the darker reddish brown color and the flavors, which are more bold. It does have a higher alcohol content than the Pale Ale, which greatly increases the flavor. Plus it also enhances the fruitiness that pokes its head out from time to time.The Celebration is for the season, but also to celebrate the freshly harvested "whole cone hops". There is some discussion among brewers concerning hop storage and the effects of time and the environment on the whole cone hops, as opposed to the pelletized hop product that the great majority of other brewers use. Maybe a California brewer who uses them fresh off the vine can manipulate them better. It seems that SN has been able to successfully do this, so more power to them, I say.
As far as being a Winter Beer, it is successful, in that it is a more refined and higher alcohol version of another beer they make. It is, without a doubt, a Sierra Nevada IPA. But just to remind you of the season the label has a snow covered log cabin and poinsettias all around.
I had tried last year's version of this brew, but it didn't take to me as nicely as the 2011 did. Maybe my IPA tastes have changed a little. Also, I have tried to remain in the season of the beer a lot more this year ( I have practically shut down all my Weiss and Kolsch beer drinking since early fall).
CBC Rating: 5. This, again, is thanks to its being a winter welcoming IPA and for SN to continue to do what they do really well: use the wet and dry hops to their advantage.Poured into an Imperial Pint Glass from the bottle given to me by Stevo. ABV: 6.8%.
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