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I got a multipack of Sierra Nevada beer, and I'm kind of already regretting it. At first glance, it looked like it was going to be a winner, but I believe I've already done reviews on two of the four beers that were in the pack, so that's half of the pack that is not even going to be useful for reviews. Then, one of the other beers is a rye based beer, and they may as well have just made it with coffee for as much as I expect to enjoy it. So, this appears to be the best bet in the whole bunch.
It pours significantly darker than I would expect a red ale to pour, but I'm reminded that this is a red IPA. If I were only to have seen a picture, I would have said this was an amber. It is relatively mahogany in color, and that's not normally the color I expect a red beer to be. The off-white head is a mixture of medium to small bubbles, and it simmers down to a slightly uneven but complete covering on top of the beer. The aroma is an interesting mix of relatively bland red ale with quite vibrant hops from an IPA. This may be very intriguing.
First sip tastes more like an imperial red ale. The hops are there, and they are bringing a lot of flavor, but the malt is more pronounced than I am used to getting in an IPA. The bread malt is thick and crusty, but the citrus and tropical hops are still delivering a fruity punch. I'm not saying I'm immediately sold on this, but you have my attention.
Tip-in is hop aggression with the bitterness being further forward than the flavors to the point that it's really hard to pick out the individual flavors of the hops past the bitter sensation. The middle runs into smoothness brought to it by the bread crust malt, but it doesn't get away from the tropical and citrus flavors that are seeping into it in a very nice, calm fashion. The finish is well-rounded and gentle with the fruits merging into the malt before sending it into a better trail off.
Bottom Line: This may be one of the best reds I've ever had.
4.0/5
