#256: Sierra Nevada Beer Camp » Torpedo Pils (Firestone Walker Collaboration)

Sierra Nevada / Firestone Walker » Torpedo Pils (Czech Pilsener)
ABV: 5.2% | IBUs: 45 | Rating: 8.5

Next up, Sierra Nevada fills their Hop Torpedo with New Zealand hops for a hop-forward take on the Pilsner style.

Torpedo Pils kicks off with a bright, Euro-hop nose. It sparkling aromas of kumquat and a soft, grassy or herbal note that I can't quite put my finger on. Alluring none the less. All these fuming up from a translucent straw body topped with a fading, fuzzy white head.

Onto the palate, it's a swirl of soft flavors and mildly lively carbonation. Tender balance of tropical New Zealand hop notes with a wonderful ride of light malt sweetness in a flip on the finish. There's dry, zesty lemon notes up front, with a mild, soothing finish.

Overall, a solid, understated brew.

#037: Sierra Nevada - Southern Hemisphere Harvest (American IPA)

Fresh hops for #IPAday...

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.

#010: Ithaca Beer Co. - Excelsior! Anniversary Fifteen (Dark Rye Ale)

Ithaca Beer's Excelsior! series returns... couldn't wait a day to break into this one.

The Brewery: Ithaca Beer, Co. (Ithaca, NY)
The Brew: Excelsior! Anniversary 15 (Dark Rye Ale)
Availability: Draft and bottles
ABV: 8.4%
Rating: 8/10
Location: Home

The Story? Back in 2008, Ithaca Beer Company celebrated their Tenth anniversary with the release of TEN, the first in a new series under the moniker of Excelsior!. Since then, the series has been home to the brewery's best brews, including the legendary Le Bleu. The anniversary releases from the series are always enjoyable - their 14 Hoppy Black Ale frequented my pallet last year (one bottle remains) and was part of the best black & tan I've ever had (with Excelsior! White Gold).

Next up is Fifteen, the first anniversary ale from their new brewery / taproom which is co-released with the latest batch of Old Habit as the first two Excelsior! releases since the new build/move. Inspired by the Rye Ales of southern Germany.

The Beer? Robust, creamy head with plenty of legs as can be seen from the pick. The beer itself is very smooth and silky on first sip... dry and hoppy through the next few pulls. Some ryes hold to the bitter, hard hoppy side of things, but this has a very pleasant mouthfeel and easy down.

A bit of booze on the finish starts to appear after several gulps along with malt and clove. A very sturdy rye ale. The spice really begins to build the further we trek through this dark-copper ale. Dry clove coats the tongue, while booze and fruit begin to build, reminiscent of some of old ales and barelywines. A slow, deep brew.

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