Sierra Nevada Celebration Fresh Hop IPA American IPA at 6.8% ABV (C$2.77 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 355 ml, bottle date 19-Oct-2015, reviewed 11-Dec-2015)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two fingers of rocky ivory head, good retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: pine, citrus, floral, caramel. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-strong bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
I’m a little baffled by what makes this a “holiday” beer. Don’t get me wrong: I don’t need an excuse to drink a good IPA, and this is in fact a good IPA. Actually, I did a little reading, and understand this is one of the first of the modern A/IPA’s, and could legitimately take the credit for spawning – or, at least, helping popularize – one of my favourite styles. But any spiciness in this is strictly hop-derived – there’s none of the “usual suspect” gingerbread spices usually associated with Wintereenmas here. Big bitter nicely balanced with pleasant caramel malts, and an off-dry lingering bitter finish. (16/20)
My 207th from the 2010 Edition (196th from the 2013 edition), and 218th combining both editions.
8/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
