Single Hop El Dorado Session IPA
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- IPA - American
Ranked #6,254 - ABV:
- 4.6%
- Score:
- 84
Ranked #39,243 - Avg:
- 3.62 | pDev: 9.39%
- Reviews:
- 16
- Ratings:
- From:
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 0
- Gots
- 4
SCORE
84
Good
84
Good
Notes:
Reviews: 16
| Ratings: 36
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CTHomer from Connecticut
3.48/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
A: crystal clear; medium gold in color; 1+ finger ivory head that receded to a splotchy cap; OK lacing;
S: pear and watermelon;
T: not much flavor; a bit of tropical fruit toward the end; moderate bitterness on the finish;
M: medium bodied; moderate carbonation; dry finish;
O: the flavor was a disappointment;
Apr 12, 2019
3.48/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
A: crystal clear; medium gold in color; 1+ finger ivory head that receded to a splotchy cap; OK lacing;
S: pear and watermelon;
T: not much flavor; a bit of tropical fruit toward the end; moderate bitterness on the finish;
M: medium bodied; moderate carbonation; dry finish;
O: the flavor was a disappointment;
Apr 12, 2019
DaveMaciolek21 from New Jersey
3/5 rDev -17.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
El Dorado is a nice Western hop--dry, resinous. But I found this rendition lacking a sharp character. Sessionable yes, but largely bland and uninteresting.
Mar 04, 2019
3/5 rDev -17.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
El Dorado is a nice Western hop--dry, resinous. But I found this rendition lacking a sharp character. Sessionable yes, but largely bland and uninteresting.
Mar 04, 2019
woodychandler from Pennsylvania
3.67/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
Welcome back to my New Sierra Nevada (& Maybe Some Others) Beer Sunday (Week 727)! My mother owns a house in Chico, I scored these at the Friendly Greek Bottle Shop (FGBS) & now, I am anxious to delve deeply into them!
From the CAN: "Family Owned, Operated & Argued Over". Ha!
Yep. yep, I'm coming late to the party on these, but I CAN't dun them for my backlog. That being the case, I followed the Crack! with a slow, gentle Glug. I was less than enthused by the outcome, so I CANducted an in-glass swirl that raised just over two fingers of foamy, soapy, rocky, tawny head with decent retention that left a load of sticky lacing in its wake. Color was a solid Gold (SRM = 5) with NE-quality clarity, prompting an impromptu visit from The Gelt Gang of Mammon, Midas & Croesus, all clamoring for a taste. Nose was a CANbination of honeydew melon balls rolled in a stash of dank! 8=O I once knew a chick that used to sprinkle herb on EVERYTHING! She wasn't really into smoking, but ingesting was a whole 'nother story. This coulda been one of her desserts or an appetizer. Phew! Mouthfeel was kinda thin, not watery, but for the style, it was coming up short. The taste was very fruity, very tropical, very much of mango, papaya, guava & passion fruit with some honeydew melon thrown in for good measure. Good, for what it purported to be, but the lack of bitterness left me cold. This style cries out for IBUs & when it does not deliver, I lose patience & interest. This was just such an instance. Finish was semi-dry, but it lacked Ooomph! & staying power. I CAN assure you that when I finish this CAN, I won't give it a seCANd thought. YMMV.
Jan 27, 2019
3.67/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
Welcome back to my New Sierra Nevada (& Maybe Some Others) Beer Sunday (Week 727)! My mother owns a house in Chico, I scored these at the Friendly Greek Bottle Shop (FGBS) & now, I am anxious to delve deeply into them!
From the CAN: "Family Owned, Operated & Argued Over". Ha!
Yep. yep, I'm coming late to the party on these, but I CAN't dun them for my backlog. That being the case, I followed the Crack! with a slow, gentle Glug. I was less than enthused by the outcome, so I CANducted an in-glass swirl that raised just over two fingers of foamy, soapy, rocky, tawny head with decent retention that left a load of sticky lacing in its wake. Color was a solid Gold (SRM = 5) with NE-quality clarity, prompting an impromptu visit from The Gelt Gang of Mammon, Midas & Croesus, all clamoring for a taste. Nose was a CANbination of honeydew melon balls rolled in a stash of dank! 8=O I once knew a chick that used to sprinkle herb on EVERYTHING! She wasn't really into smoking, but ingesting was a whole 'nother story. This coulda been one of her desserts or an appetizer. Phew! Mouthfeel was kinda thin, not watery, but for the style, it was coming up short. The taste was very fruity, very tropical, very much of mango, papaya, guava & passion fruit with some honeydew melon thrown in for good measure. Good, for what it purported to be, but the lack of bitterness left me cold. This style cries out for IBUs & when it does not deliver, I lose patience & interest. This was just such an instance. Finish was semi-dry, but it lacked Ooomph! & staying power. I CAN assure you that when I finish this CAN, I won't give it a seCANd thought. YMMV.
Jan 27, 2019
secondtooth from Indiana
3.65/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Semi-cloudy golden amber, with a huge head of off-white suds and loopy lace.
Aroma: Tropical and citrus hops. Nice.
Taste: Hops up front. No bitterness at all. Smooth and light-drinking. A solid session IPA.
Jan 20, 2019
3.65/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Semi-cloudy golden amber, with a huge head of off-white suds and loopy lace.
Aroma: Tropical and citrus hops. Nice.
Taste: Hops up front. No bitterness at all. Smooth and light-drinking. A solid session IPA.
Jan 20, 2019
MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
3.68/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from 12oz can into glass. Stamped on can bottom is canning date of '073018'.
Clear, pale gold colored body. One finger white head is later an interrupted cap. Leaves behind a bit of lacing.
Aroma is malty with earthy and dank hops.
Taste is more of the earthy, catty hops first and then joined by the sweeter malts.
Soft, medium, metallic mouth feel. Good carbonation.
Being this a lower ABV% session ale, all the aspects for evaluation are more subdued, and without any outstanding attributes. Would be good for a neighborhood party or after doing year work.
Jan 12, 2019
3.68/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from 12oz can into glass. Stamped on can bottom is canning date of '073018'.
Clear, pale gold colored body. One finger white head is later an interrupted cap. Leaves behind a bit of lacing.
Aroma is malty with earthy and dank hops.
Taste is more of the earthy, catty hops first and then joined by the sweeter malts.
Soft, medium, metallic mouth feel. Good carbonation.
Being this a lower ABV% session ale, all the aspects for evaluation are more subdued, and without any outstanding attributes. Would be good for a neighborhood party or after doing year work.
Jan 12, 2019
Beaver13 from Colorado
2.32/5 rDev -35.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 2
12 oz can, packaged 9/5/18. Pours slightly hazy straw yellow with a decent rocky white head that retains well and laces the glass.
The aroma is wheaty malt with some fruit and catty, green, slightly metallic, hops.
The flavor is slightly skunky wheat malts with dank catty green onion hops. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with smooth carbonation.
Overall, had some off notes and didn't care for the hop profile.
Jan 02, 2019
2.32/5 rDev -35.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 2
12 oz can, packaged 9/5/18. Pours slightly hazy straw yellow with a decent rocky white head that retains well and laces the glass.
The aroma is wheaty malt with some fruit and catty, green, slightly metallic, hops.
The flavor is slightly skunky wheat malts with dank catty green onion hops. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with smooth carbonation.
Overall, had some off notes and didn't care for the hop profile.
Jan 02, 2019
barnzy78 from Illinois
3.53/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
12oz can, PKGD 073018C. Golden body with a slight haze, thinner foamy off-white head. Fruity aroma hinting at tropical fruit & lemon-lime citrus. Assertive hop flavors with notes of lemon, tart passion fruit, grapefruit, and pine coupled with a modest biscuity malt backbone that has a hint of nutty light caramel. Light-to-medium body, ample carbonation, moderately bitter finish. Decent and would be quaffable on a hot summer day.
Nov 20, 2018
3.53/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
12oz can, PKGD 073018C. Golden body with a slight haze, thinner foamy off-white head. Fruity aroma hinting at tropical fruit & lemon-lime citrus. Assertive hop flavors with notes of lemon, tart passion fruit, grapefruit, and pine coupled with a modest biscuity malt backbone that has a hint of nutty light caramel. Light-to-medium body, ample carbonation, moderately bitter finish. Decent and would be quaffable on a hot summer day.
Nov 20, 2018
mactrail from Washington
4.03/5 rDev +11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Clear yellow brew with plenty of foam in the Wander snifter. Plentiful aroma with something like lime and lemon, but light and bright. Pleasing sudsy mouthfeel and while it's light-bodied it is not watery. On the crisp side but not overly acidic. They seem to have found a nice balance here, with all the temptation to over-hop.
Flavor is melon and cucumber with a light malty note. This is one of the best beers I've had in this "session" style. It's not overly bitter and the aromatics shine through nicely. Extremely drinkable, and very flavorful for being on the lighter side of five percent. From the 12 oz can in the mixed hop pack.
Nov 19, 2018
4.03/5 rDev +11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Clear yellow brew with plenty of foam in the Wander snifter. Plentiful aroma with something like lime and lemon, but light and bright. Pleasing sudsy mouthfeel and while it's light-bodied it is not watery. On the crisp side but not overly acidic. They seem to have found a nice balance here, with all the temptation to over-hop.
Flavor is melon and cucumber with a light malty note. This is one of the best beers I've had in this "session" style. It's not overly bitter and the aromatics shine through nicely. Extremely drinkable, and very flavorful for being on the lighter side of five percent. From the 12 oz can in the mixed hop pack.
Nov 19, 2018
ovaltine from Indiana
3.56/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Nice golden color with a smidge of hop haze and a dense off-white head. The nose has mild fruity hop aromas, and that translates to the taste.
Everything is just a bit muted, which is the case at times with the style in my experience, though the mouthfeel is fuller than “normal,” which may be impacted by its age (canned 9/5/18).
Nov 15, 2018
3.56/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Nice golden color with a smidge of hop haze and a dense off-white head. The nose has mild fruity hop aromas, and that translates to the taste.
Everything is just a bit muted, which is the case at times with the style in my experience, though the mouthfeel is fuller than “normal,” which may be impacted by its age (canned 9/5/18).
Nov 15, 2018
Mdog from Minnesota
3.62/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From a 12oz can:
Appearance: Yellow-gold, particles in suspension, good head.
Smell: Very light fruitiness, some citrus.
Taste: Bready with mild citrus. More breadiness and body than most session IPAs.
Overall: Beer 2 from the hop pack. I think this might have been affected by the 3 months on the shelf, not as much hop punch as normal from most session IPAs. It did maybe improve the body/feel which is usually the weakest part of session IPAs.
Nov 04, 2018
3.62/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From a 12oz can:
Appearance: Yellow-gold, particles in suspension, good head.
Smell: Very light fruitiness, some citrus.
Taste: Bready with mild citrus. More breadiness and body than most session IPAs.
Overall: Beer 2 from the hop pack. I think this might have been affected by the 3 months on the shelf, not as much hop punch as normal from most session IPAs. It did maybe improve the body/feel which is usually the weakest part of session IPAs.
Nov 04, 2018
drdiesel9483 from Ohio
3.96/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
look - pretty clear light copper color with a good white head
smell - a little bit of the biscuit malts and caramel with lots of grass and some citrus notes
taste - easy going slightly citrus with a good malt backbone
feel - medium body and a fizzy carbonation. It would get a higher number if it wasnt for the fizz
Overall - pretty yummy session
Nov 02, 2018
3.96/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
look - pretty clear light copper color with a good white head
smell - a little bit of the biscuit malts and caramel with lots of grass and some citrus notes
taste - easy going slightly citrus with a good malt backbone
feel - medium body and a fizzy carbonation. It would get a higher number if it wasnt for the fizz
Overall - pretty yummy session
Nov 02, 2018
kitch from Hong Kong
3.81/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A 12 fl. oz. can, packaged on 5th September 2018. Poured into a 3 Fonteinen stemmed glass.
Appearance: A clear golden colour with a big three finger white head that had good retention and left lots of nice sticky lacing.
Aroma: Grapefruit, mandarin, citrus zest, pear, with light malty biscuit, caramel, honey and hints of grass.
Taste: Orange, orange zest, lemon, light stone fruit, pineapple, hint of mango, grass and pine. Light to moderate sweetness and light bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Light bodied with moderate carbonation.
Overall: A nice Session IPA. Light and easy to drink as it should be, with some good El Dorado influences.
Nov 01, 2018
3.81/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A 12 fl. oz. can, packaged on 5th September 2018. Poured into a 3 Fonteinen stemmed glass.
Appearance: A clear golden colour with a big three finger white head that had good retention and left lots of nice sticky lacing.
Aroma: Grapefruit, mandarin, citrus zest, pear, with light malty biscuit, caramel, honey and hints of grass.
Taste: Orange, orange zest, lemon, light stone fruit, pineapple, hint of mango, grass and pine. Light to moderate sweetness and light bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Light bodied with moderate carbonation.
Overall: A nice Session IPA. Light and easy to drink as it should be, with some good El Dorado influences.
Nov 01, 2018
mushroomcloud from Texas
3.56/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz canned on 7/30/18
1/2" white head on a gold IPA with good clarity. Head retains well for a couple of minutes and then recedes to a cap.
Fresh cut limes and orange hard candy on a light malt base.
Flavors move from citrus to grassy/weedy and zesty.
Light to medium body, clean entry. Right carbonation. Very quick finish.
Packs some nice flavors into 4.6% abv. but overall I was underwhelmed even rating it as a Session IPA.
I enjoyed the aroma more than the flavor, interesting that the hop was so different from the nose to the mouth.
Sep 16, 2018
3.56/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz canned on 7/30/18
1/2" white head on a gold IPA with good clarity. Head retains well for a couple of minutes and then recedes to a cap.
Fresh cut limes and orange hard candy on a light malt base.
Flavors move from citrus to grassy/weedy and zesty.
Light to medium body, clean entry. Right carbonation. Very quick finish.
Packs some nice flavors into 4.6% abv. but overall I was underwhelmed even rating it as a Session IPA.
I enjoyed the aroma more than the flavor, interesting that the hop was so different from the nose to the mouth.
Sep 16, 2018
Wiffler27 from New Jersey
4.02/5 rDev +11%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
saw this 12 pack at the store and gave it a whirl. I'm drinking smallest to largest so this is the start!
looks pretty nice, gold with a nice head.
aroma is generic hop, not bad at all.
good flavor, i've only had a single hopped El Dorado once before but this is good and easy to drink
Sep 15, 2018
4.02/5 rDev +11%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
saw this 12 pack at the store and gave it a whirl. I'm drinking smallest to largest so this is the start!
looks pretty nice, gold with a nice head.
aroma is generic hop, not bad at all.
good flavor, i've only had a single hopped El Dorado once before but this is good and easy to drink
Sep 15, 2018
IronLover from Pennsylvania
3.56/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Golden yellow in color with very good clarity. Poured with a moderate, creamy, bright white foam with excellent retention. Medium light floral, citrus rind, and malt aromas. Light bodied with high, yet soft carbonation. Flavor was malty with light floral and citrus notes. Medium light bitterness. Finished with a light lingering bitterness and malty notes. Beautiful appearance, but the hop character was a bit too light. Light, refreshing and easy drinking, but light on chatacter.
Sep 14, 2018
3.56/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Golden yellow in color with very good clarity. Poured with a moderate, creamy, bright white foam with excellent retention. Medium light floral, citrus rind, and malt aromas. Light bodied with high, yet soft carbonation. Flavor was malty with light floral and citrus notes. Medium light bitterness. Finished with a light lingering bitterness and malty notes. Beautiful appearance, but the hop character was a bit too light. Light, refreshing and easy drinking, but light on chatacter.
Sep 14, 2018
teromous from Virginia
3.53/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
From the bottom of the can: "PKGD 073018C 15:58"
Appearance: The beer has some haze to it but no suspended solids. It is a light gold color with a large, thick, white head.
Aroma: The beer can be smelled at arms length. Closer inspection reveals a slightly floral aroma with a touch of lemon zest.
Taste: It has a bit of a peach skin flavor up front, followed by a very light herbal thyme taste in the middle, and a peach aftertaste. It has a very light overall flavor and although it doesn't have a very strong flavor profile it is interesting.
Mouthfeel: The body is light and refreshing with a mild bitterness.
Overall: It isn't a very complex beer or one that has a ton of aroma or flavor but it has a very nice and gentle hop presence that, while softer, is noticeable. I probably wouldn't drink this beer regularly but it is enjoyable. The mix of floral aroma and peach-like flavor gives the beer a very pleasant and refreshing vibe.
Sep 08, 2018
3.53/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
From the bottom of the can: "PKGD 073018C 15:58"
Appearance: The beer has some haze to it but no suspended solids. It is a light gold color with a large, thick, white head.
Aroma: The beer can be smelled at arms length. Closer inspection reveals a slightly floral aroma with a touch of lemon zest.
Taste: It has a bit of a peach skin flavor up front, followed by a very light herbal thyme taste in the middle, and a peach aftertaste. It has a very light overall flavor and although it doesn't have a very strong flavor profile it is interesting.
Mouthfeel: The body is light and refreshing with a mild bitterness.
Overall: It isn't a very complex beer or one that has a ton of aroma or flavor but it has a very nice and gentle hop presence that, while softer, is noticeable. I probably wouldn't drink this beer regularly but it is enjoyable. The mix of floral aroma and peach-like flavor gives the beer a very pleasant and refreshing vibe.
Sep 08, 2018
Single Hop El Dorado Session IPA from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
84 out of
100 with
36 ratings
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