Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- From:
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- California, United States
- Style:
- American Pale Ale
Ranked #122 - ABV:
- 5.6%
- Score:
- 90
Ranked #11,263 - Avg:
- 4.04 | pDev: 11.63%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 3,319
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 30, 2026
- Added:
- Jul 05, 2001
- Wants:
- 393
- Gots:
- 3,638
SCORE
90
Outstanding
90
Outstanding
Our most popular beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a delightful interpretation of a classic style. It has a deep amber color and an exceptionally full-bodied, complex character. Generous quantities of premium Cascade hops give the Pale Ale its fragrant bouquet and spicy flavor.
38 IBU
38 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by jonobeer:
Rated by jonobeer from New York
4.8/5 rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Mar 22, 2026
4.8/5 rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Mar 22, 2026
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by schlitzophrenia from South Carolina
3.5/5 rDev -13.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.5/5 rDev -13.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
An American classic since 1980. Biscuits, grapefruit, and pine. Available just about everywhere and a gorgeous green label to boot. Have enjoyed one every now and then the past 20 odd years or so and it’s always consistent in taste.Goes great with fish and chips.
May 25, 2026
Reviewed by mactrail from Washington
3.96/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.96/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Modestly malty and toasted taste. Pleasant hoppy aroma. I used to be a big fan of Cascade hops but here it seems a little plain and bitter. Overall this is totally quaffable and beery in the best sense of the word. Sturdy flavor and top-notch mouthfeel. It deserves to be popular for being everywhere, especially places that don’t offer much else in the way of interest for beer lovers. From the 12 oz bottle, another old-school touch, with the Joshua Tree National Monument label.
May 24, 2026
Rated by doomXsaloon from New York
4.6/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 5
4.6/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 5
True American Classic.
Icon.
Legend.
Green Label 4 Life.
May 14, 2026Icon.
Legend.
Green Label 4 Life.
Reviewed by Snorcross97 from New Jersey
4.43/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.43/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
What's there to say that hasn't already been said? Sierra Nevada pale ale is the grandfather of the American Craft brewing scene and continues to stand the test of time. Full bodied, mildly bitter, packed full of hops and flavor. A must try.
Apr 22, 2026Reviewed by anotherpint from Arizona
4.55/5 rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.55/5 rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
An old gold amber brew with hops and bitterness that belies its modest ABV. Probably a perfect quaff. A great beer from a serious brewer. It packs way more flavor than alcohol. You think you're indulging in an 9% heavyweight. But it's only 5.6% ABV. Rich taste with hops and malt. One of my favorite US beers.
Apr 14, 2026Rated by deleted_user_1379257
2.63/5 rDev -34.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
2.63/5 rDev -34.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
I am not a fan of pale ales in particular, although I can appreciate a good one even if I don't like it. This one's OK, but not my thing.
Feb 18, 2026
Reviewed by running3dogs from Maryland
4.25/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
(71 days old) Brilliant amber gold. Excellent lacing. Aroma: toasty malt above, spicy hops below. Hops come to the fore on the palate. Mostly grapefruit, finishing with a waft of mild pine. Enamored by the delicate toastiness in the aroma. Balance and complexity in equal measure.
Feb 05, 2026Reviewed by Stard0g from Arizona
4.18/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.18/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a vibrant gold. Not much head. Nice sweet hops smell. Taste is hoppy, piney and citrusy with a faint hint of tea. Crisp and refreshing.
Classic west coast craft beer. Would buy again... and again.
Jan 22, 2026Classic west coast craft beer. Would buy again... and again.
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