The Brewery: Sierra Nevada (Chico, CA)
The Brew: Southern Hemisphere Harvest (American IPA)
Availability: Draft and bottles
ABV: 6.7% // IBU: 67
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Northstar (publick) House
The Story? #IPAday! A very good friend of mine was in town from Boston, on the eve of her new Masters program. So, she, my partner, another close mutual friend, and I grabbed a table for four at Northstar in Ithaca, ready to catch up - but first, a bit of refreshing, conversation lubrication is needed. My eye's b-line it to the IPAs (though I quickly bookmarked Dogfish Head's Festina Pêche on draft for my with-meal beer).
Sierra Nevada's Southern Hemisphere Harvest "Fresh Hop Ale" is the counterpart to their Northern Hemisphere offering. Fresh Southern Cross, Pacifica and Motueka hops are flown in from New Zealand just for this brew. Initially, a tough choice with Hoptimum on draft too, but I do want to taste my meal, but very satisfied with the result.
The Beer? Fresh is the name of the game here. Medium-light bodied, fresh hop up front and a pleasantly dry hop finish. Not particularly wet up front and not heavy at all.
Hints of lemon, grass; light, breezy citrus fruits. A great way to celebrate IPA Day. Smooth and satisfying. Bitterness is dialed way back without sacrificing flavor.
BeerAdvocate lists this as an American Style IPA, but the fresh Southern Cross hops from New Zealand give it a different character and the nose and finish of the Pacifica, Motueka, and Southern Cross hops is mildly remarkable. One of those "less is more" beers.
I've really lost count how many times I've had this beer - draft or bottled. The supreme freshness, medium gravity, and light, dry nature is a wonderful no-brainer anytime it's on the menu. Not the most epic beer, but that's not what it's aiming for. A consistently delicious beer for quality craft beer lovers.
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