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Sierra Nevada beers have been pretty solidly great. Yes, there are going to be outliers, but the graph at the bottom of these reviews demonstrates that they succeed more than they fail. This trend is reflected so far in this multi-pack. The cold IPA was very good. The CryoFresh was outstanding. And, unlike previous multipacks, I actually saved the ones I thought were going to be successful for the end. So, this is going to be a great couple of beers starting with this extra IPA. I don't really know what makes it extra, but I will take extra servings of everything I've had so far from this pack.
The beer pours an amber color with a thick, foamy head that remains a good quarter of an inch to half inch on top of the beer in a delightfully playful manner. I catch pine in the scent right away, and the caramel malt is more up front than I would expect for most IPAs. They say there are tropical and citrus fruits, but I don't really smell them. Nevertheless, if this is based on their previous IPAs, this should be entertaining.
First sip reminds me of a double IPA in the forward malt, but the heft of a double IPA isn't there. Maybe it's the pine that's leaning into the malt and simulating some grains. It just seems like the taste is a bit dour, and the hops aren't being allowed to dance around like they can in other styles of IPA. It's not a bad sip, but it lacks the bright nature of the hops, and that's what I really like about IPAs. Maybe a full swig will solve this.
Tip-in is quite bitter and heavy with pine up front and the malt appearing to be more grains than caramel. The middle becomes a scrumptious, thick, and delightful mix of pine, bruised citrus and tropical fruits, and a pretty healthy malt. The finish turns dry after a crisp break from the fruits, and bitterness is left on the tongue for the trail off.
Bottom Line: A little more challenging than the others but worth the effort.
3.25/5
