Hoptimum Review

Beer Drinker Rob has been gracious to post my nonsense every now and again on his website. Actually, there hasn't been a review I've submitted which he hasn't posted.  (He may have reservations about the next one however.)

I'll admit, I had reservations myself about submitting this one.  Instead of a thorough edit, I decided to let it remain close to its initial state.  Anyone can write something and make it sound intelligent.  And sometimes it's evident that people try to hard to sound intelligent.  What I like is when people are real.

Rob's style is conversational and down to earth, not overly verbose or technical. Real reviews for real people...which I like. I frequent his site dailybeerreview.com.

And now you should too, especially to read my latest review of the Sierra Nevada Hoptimum

Comments are welcome.

Hoptimum - Video (Sierra Nevada)

This is an excellent IPA.  I really enjoyed it last year (the first I've had it) and now it will be released again in May.  These guys talk about it and try it for us.



It seems this may be Sierra Nevada's answer to Hopslam, and that's OK.  It would be an interesting comparison actually.

I like the hop-head graphic on the front of the bottle.  The big marketing draw for this one is the "whole cone" nature of the hops in this beer.  I guess that means they don't use the pellets.

I'll let others talk about this one... I'll just drink the Ruthless Rye

The 2013 Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye doesn't disappoint.  I could write about it, but would prefer to just drink it for now.   I can take a photo of it...  I did already.  It's a nice photo... which may make you thirsty.

A review?  Beer Drinker Rob reviewed this one last year.  Check it out.  If you ever want to try something new (and who doesn't) and want to do some preliminary homework, so you don't waste your money on a bad beer, be sure to check out Dailybeerreview.com, who has most likely reviewed it.  A good resource (and a free plug for the site).

And another?  Let's see what Chris with Beer Geek Nation has to say with his video review.



Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye.  Another seasonal beer to look forward to each year.

A Quiet Afternoon...

Right now it is a quiet afternoon here at the house...and in the middle of this busy holiday season, it is rather nice indeed.  I'm sitting at the kitchen table with the computer and beer in hand.  Aside from the clothes drier, it is quiet around here now.

A few weeks ago I posted a photo of the 2010 Celebration Ale by Sierra Nevada, and I'm presently drinking the 2012 Celebration Ale.  It is a nice IPA, with "fresh hops".  You should check it out.  ...sorry I don't have much else to say at the moment.

There are a lot of beers to try during this time of year.  It can be quite enjoyable to find these and drink them.

Cheers!

As fresh as hops can get...

Plucked from the bine, shipped overnight to the brewery, then shipped to me (through the three tier distribution system, of course).  Aside from the hop farm and brewery sharing the same land, this is a fresh as it can get... at least in the world of hops and beer.  These fresh hop are what is referred to as wet hops.

I'm presently drinking the Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest.  This is a "wet hop" IPA.  This beer is smooth, with strong hop notes.  Fresh hops nonetheless.  Very resiny and flavorful, from start to finish.  I feel as though I'm in the field and can almost taste the northern autumn sunshine and crisp breezes in these flavors.  A nice hoppy bitter, along with flavor and aroma abound.  This beer is a deep golden color, with a bright white head which lingers throughout.

This is a fantastic beer, bittered with Centennial hops, with flavor and aroma (late additions) provided by both Centennial and Cascade.  At 6.7% ABV, the 24 oz bottle makes for a nice relaxing evening (it's like two for one).  The Sierra Nevade page gives some additional detail.  Gotta love the Centennial, and it just wouldn't quite be an American IPA without the Cascades... Hey, if they work, right?

If you find this beer, it is a worthwhile purchase.  And while you are at it, consider purchasing two... or more.