Android Beer List, Ratings & Reviews

Sierra Nevada Estate Homegrown Wet Hop Ale American India Pa

(5.0 stars)

Appearance: Unsurprisingly given Sierra Nevada’s pedigree for great looking beers, Estate pours an impressive dark gold/amber color with a massive three-and-a-half fingers of creamy, rocky, bone-white head. The head leaves swaths of gorgeous lacing on the glass as it sluggishly travels to settle in on the beer like the first snowfall on just-frozen ground. The beverage is just slightly hazy, bordering on crystal clear. There is evident carbonation, but it does not stream crazily off the bottom of the glass as in some beers. This beer looks incredible.

Aroma: Immediately the first thing you get is a punch of hops. Both floral and citrus aromas from the hops; very inviting. There is a level of freshness coming from the hops that isn't quite present in all IPAs, in this case I believe it is coming from the use of wet hops. Though the hops are prominent no IPA is complete without a maltiness to balance it out. Underneath the hops are aromas of caramel and pale malt sweetness. Very well balanced.

Taste: Once again the hops are the star player. I dont get as much citrus coming through, but I still get the floral notes with a hint of pine. I think the malt is a background player on the flavor. It's not as prominent, but works wonderfully to push the hops to the forefront. A hint of bitterness on the finish from the hops, not an overpowering bitterness though. This is a smooth bitterness that crawls in at the very end to remind you that it's there.

Mouthfeel: This one slides down smooth and slightly sticky. It is just thick enough to remind the drinker that they are not drinking water, and the carbonation is perfect. There is not much astringency, but the finish is rather dry, thus making the great taste new each time. It is pretty basic for the style, but very satisfying.

by Red Sox Fan Man