Sierra Nevada Estate Brewers Harvest Ale
From Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Estate Ale is one of the world’s only estate-made beers, brewed with 100% all-natural, hops and barley grown on-site at the brewery in Chico, CA. Inspired by the renowned winemaking region of its Napa and Sonoma neighbors, Sierra Nevada is the first brewery to develop its own terroir. This beer is brewed with ingredients that reflect the flavors of the environment and the seasonal rhythms of nature.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Estate Brewers Harvest Ale – Purchased at Dawson’s Liquors in Severna Park, MD. Poured from a 24oz bottle into a tulip glass. 6.7% ABV.
Appearance: A translucent, ruddy copper with a copious custard-like head.
Aroma: Very much like the Pale Ale with sweet breads and a hint of vanilla.
Taste: This tastes more like an English Pale Ale than something from the West Coast until you get to the finish where the Pacific Northwest hops shine through. The sweet breads and vanilla found on the nose are nowhere to be found on your tongue.
Mouthfeel: Thick yet sufficiently carbonated. Finishes clean.
Overall: I think I prefer the Southern Hemisphere for its more piney/citrusy flavors, but this is still a fantastic beer. Whether it was Sierra Nevada’s intention or not, I think this beer would appeal to both fans of English Pale Ale and American Pale Ale. I wouldn’t quite put it into the IPA category.
November 16, 2009 @ 7:43 am
Great review Dan. I hear many comments related to the fact that the Harvest beers are not really IPAs. Nowhere on the label is this proclaimed. Sierra Nevada clearly esteems to provide a hearty introduction to the cooler seasons with a rich and “fresh” hopped beer.
As with all SN Harvest ales, and they are all distinctively different – this beer is excellent. However, I do taste a subtle commonality with the others: menthol. It is quite subtle but then again, that is what is so great about this particular beer. Not necessarily subtle flavors but the amount of subtle flavors.
What has yet to be addressed is the retail price of this beer. At $9.99 this is an abomination to the beer drinking community. Last year I paid $3.99 for this beer. So SN grows their own malt, and the beer aficionado takes it in the shorts. Thanks a lot. Other than that, what is the difference from this beer and the $3.99 Chico Estate released last year? Bill?