This beer caught my eye off the shelf this season as 1) I had never seen it before, B) it was from Sierra Nevada, a familiar label, Third) it had the year 2012 printed on it, which I take to mean it is a seasonal, limited edition spring ale, and lastly) it has a cool illustration on it. Kind of a goth farmer, grim reaper looking chick. Maybe her name is Ruth. And she looks sad because she’s not allowed to have any.
ABV: 6.6% (not bad)
Cost: 6 pack cost me about $8 (in California)
Appearance: Dark amber to Red in color, with a moderate sparkle, and a medium- full, creamy, lasting head with good lacing (see below image), which I hear is good because it is supposed to show how fresh the hop oils are.
Aroma: grapefruit citrusy I guess, and kind of yeasty as well.
Flavor: Hits you with a strong hoppy bitterness immediately after the first sip. This is an IPA after all, among the hoppiest, most aromatic ales around. Imagine if you can, a standard Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and turn up the volume to eleven. Long alcoholic finish. The bitterness stays on your palate throughout and long after. Not super complex, but good nonetheless. I’m not really tasting the rye, but whatever.
Palate: This is actually my favorite part of this ale. Medium to full-bodied with a very velvety smooth texture.
Pair with: I don’t know, some fries or onion rings maybe? Not very satisfying I’ve noticed if you’re eating spicy food like Mexican or anything with chile, as the spice and bitterness together is just too much.
Overall recommended but if you are into the strong hoppy ales there are definitely better IPAs out there. But for the price, not bad.
6 X’s out of 10…. X X X X X X
totallyunfocused 