Sierra Nevada Torpedo - Extra IPA (2011)
Year Round (Standard Release)
12 fl. oz. / $1.69 USD / 7.2% ABV
About: "Around here, we take hops pretty seriously, which is why we weren’t satisfied with the standard method of dry hopping for our first year-round IPA. We spent years tinkering, tasting, and tweaking ways to get the biggest and best hop flavors and aromas into our beer. Our persistence has paid off. Our obsession with harnessing huge hop flavor led to the development of what we call the hop torpedo, a revolutionary method of dry-hopping designed, built, and debuted here at the brewery. Our torpedo is a sleek, stainless-steel piece of hardware that delivers more pure hop aroma than any method of dry-hopping we’ve ever seen. Like all our beers, Torpedo Extra IPA uses only the best whole-cone hops possible making this delicious ale worth the wait. Malts: 2-Row Pale and Crystal / Bittering Hops: Magnum / Finishing Hops: Magnum and Crystal / Dry Hops: Magnum, Crystal and Citra."
Thoughts: Poured a bit of a light gold yellow that formed into a hazy, grainy, near-transparent auburn golden orange with a tad of red and a lighter orange off-white foamy head. There are several hundred suspended bits of hops in there, almost unnoticeable throughout the beer and a few carbonation bubbles rising up.
A classic Sierra Nevada scent. Beautiful hops that open nasal passages and create inner orgasmic mind flows. Grassy hops, earthy hops, sweet and semi-bittersweet hops. There's also some hops in there too.
Does Sierra Nevada ever disappoint? 'Fraid not, don't think so! Starts off really strong, but gets so smooth just afterwards. Bitter, but as it smooths out it gets even a little sweet. Solid hop bomb with a sweet finishing touch thanks to the minor malts here. Citrusy, piney and grassy while maintaining a fair balance and gentle fallback.
Very bubbly, a little bit thick and frothy yet goes down super smooth. Very pleasing on the tongue.
A very accessible strong IPA that exemplifies the beautiful all around taste that Sierra Nevada produces on a regular basis. These guys know... they just know, what tastes good. This brew is a heavy hitter, but with a softer side. Pleasing to all the senses, and fine, fine quality.
Torpedo is one of the best IPAs in my opinion. I agree that it's very drinkable for a 7%+ ABV beer.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you've ever had it, or can find it up by you, but Founder's Double Trouble is another awesome and deceptively strong IPA.
Sounds familiar but I could be thinking of something else which I'm sure I am. But I'll put it in my notes. Thanks.
ReplyDelete