40th Hoppy Anniversary Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- IPA - American
- ABV:
- 6%
- Score:
- 88
- Avg:
- 3.95 | pDev: 8.1%
- Reviews:
- 258
- Ratings:
- From:
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Retired (no longer brewed)
- Wants
- 11
- Gots
- 71
SCORE
88
Very Good
88
Very Good
Notes:
Hop-forward beers weren’t popular when we started brewing in 1980. But we loved them, and we knew that if we were going to open a brewery, we’d better make something distinctive. It’s been 40 years since then, and we’re still brewing what we love. This beer showcases the bold flavors and aromas of a classic West Coast IPA: intense pine and citrus with a deep gold color and slight caramel sweetness. Here’s to following your passion, and to the next 40 years.
Reviews: 258
| Ratings: 645
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tone77 from Pennsylvania
3.71/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a beige color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of citrus, pine. Taste is identical to the aroma, malts are present, moderate bitterness. Feels medium/full bodied in the mouth and overall this is an enjoyable beer.
Apr 04, 2021
3.71/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a beige color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of citrus, pine. Taste is identical to the aroma, malts are present, moderate bitterness. Feels medium/full bodied in the mouth and overall this is an enjoyable beer.
Apr 04, 2021
mpyle from Maryland
4.33/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Came from a variety Sierra Nevada 12 pack.
Deep golden color, fairly clear. Pours a nice creamy head
Lovely hop aroma piney and smooth.
Flavor brings the SN Pale Ale to mind, just in a bigger and hoppier way. Very hoppy and smooth. Fairly light on the malt. Overall very clean, and slides easily into a fairly bitter finish. The hops and bitterness do not present harshly, though.
Medium body and fairly high carbonation.
A surprisingly mellow beer for a limited release. Seems to pay tribute to Cascade hops (I'm guessing). Really a delightful biggish pale ale or smallish IPA.
Mar 27, 2021
4.33/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Came from a variety Sierra Nevada 12 pack.
Deep golden color, fairly clear. Pours a nice creamy head
Lovely hop aroma piney and smooth.
Flavor brings the SN Pale Ale to mind, just in a bigger and hoppier way. Very hoppy and smooth. Fairly light on the malt. Overall very clean, and slides easily into a fairly bitter finish. The hops and bitterness do not present harshly, though.
Medium body and fairly high carbonation.
A surprisingly mellow beer for a limited release. Seems to pay tribute to Cascade hops (I'm guessing). Really a delightful biggish pale ale or smallish IPA.
Mar 27, 2021
jadpsu from Georgia
4.1/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Purchased in a variety Sierra Nevada 12 pack.
LOOK: Pours a very clear and very light tinted amber color with a generous white head that has decent retention and also displays plenty of side glass lace.
AROMA: Orange peel and pine nuts are most prominent on the hop side while there is the aroma of some sweet bread malts with a hint of caramel.
TASTE: This is a beer that IMO has some excellent balance with. a moderate hop presence on a solid malt backbone.
Overall this is an excellent, clean, easy drinking IPA - great fresh/clean hops, and nice malt backing.
Feb 18, 2021
4.1/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Purchased in a variety Sierra Nevada 12 pack.
LOOK: Pours a very clear and very light tinted amber color with a generous white head that has decent retention and also displays plenty of side glass lace.
AROMA: Orange peel and pine nuts are most prominent on the hop side while there is the aroma of some sweet bread malts with a hint of caramel.
TASTE: This is a beer that IMO has some excellent balance with. a moderate hop presence on a solid malt backbone.
Overall this is an excellent, clean, easy drinking IPA - great fresh/clean hops, and nice malt backing.
Feb 18, 2021
dsa7783 from New Jersey
3.66/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Twelve ounce bottle copped from Ridgedale Liquors in East Hanover. Pours a ruddy, copper hue with minimal frothing. Mellow aroma replete with notes of citrus and grapefruit. Similar overall flavor profile. Refreshing.
Feb 07, 2021
3.66/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Twelve ounce bottle copped from Ridgedale Liquors in East Hanover. Pours a ruddy, copper hue with minimal frothing. Mellow aroma replete with notes of citrus and grapefruit. Similar overall flavor profile. Refreshing.
Feb 07, 2021
sethmeister from New Hampshire
3.79/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
From a mixed 12 pk marked 12/17/20
Poured into my tulip this ale is a clear amber with an ecru head which slowly recedes to a ring but not before decorating the glass with fluffy lace.
Scent is oranges and bread crust. Grapefruit. Floral and a hint of pine. There is a very subtle hint of cattiness which although it sounds off-putting is an odor I occasionally note in a great IPA.
Taste is grapefruit and citrus with a strong malt component of caramel and bread. Pine resin in the background and very subtle. Bitterness is not particularly high. Would like to see greater bitterness and more resin though of course this is a 6%ABV so I shouldn't expect the moon.
Mouth is an oily medium.
A very pleasant and reasonably sessionable ( 6%) IPA but I would expect a bit more from a 40th Anniversary ale from none other than Sierra Nevada.
Jan 24, 2021
3.79/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
From a mixed 12 pk marked 12/17/20
Poured into my tulip this ale is a clear amber with an ecru head which slowly recedes to a ring but not before decorating the glass with fluffy lace.
Scent is oranges and bread crust. Grapefruit. Floral and a hint of pine. There is a very subtle hint of cattiness which although it sounds off-putting is an odor I occasionally note in a great IPA.
Taste is grapefruit and citrus with a strong malt component of caramel and bread. Pine resin in the background and very subtle. Bitterness is not particularly high. Would like to see greater bitterness and more resin though of course this is a 6%ABV so I shouldn't expect the moon.
Mouth is an oily medium.
A very pleasant and reasonably sessionable ( 6%) IPA but I would expect a bit more from a 40th Anniversary ale from none other than Sierra Nevada.
Jan 24, 2021
Bluerabbitbell from Pennsylvania
3.71/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A freebie from Rafe via his son. Glad to have scored one.... Wanted to try this one. Good and solid, but average. Nice color and very drinkable for sure.
Dec 21, 2020
3.71/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A freebie from Rafe via his son. Glad to have scored one.... Wanted to try this one. Good and solid, but average. Nice color and very drinkable for sure.
Dec 21, 2020
hman43 from North Carolina
3.99/5 rDev +1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look: It pours amber and clear with a white, peach like head. Head retention is very good.
Smell: It has aromas of pine and stone fruit with low citrus.
Taste: It has pine flavors with stone fruit and light citrus. It has a background of bread and there is a spice element.
Feel: It has a medium body.
Overall, the finish is actually a bit spicy. The pine and stone fruit work well together.
Nov 25, 2020
3.99/5 rDev +1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look: It pours amber and clear with a white, peach like head. Head retention is very good.
Smell: It has aromas of pine and stone fruit with low citrus.
Taste: It has pine flavors with stone fruit and light citrus. It has a background of bread and there is a spice element.
Feel: It has a medium body.
Overall, the finish is actually a bit spicy. The pine and stone fruit work well together.
Nov 25, 2020
RedbirdRona from Illinois
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I got this in a variety pack with pale ale, Torpedo, and Hop Buller. This is very similar to the pale ale IMO. I taste more citrus and carmel. This has notes of citrus, pine, and a carmel malt finish. Has a crisp finish that keeps you coming back for more. Very sessionable at 6 and comes at great price point Overall, this is a very respectable limited release from SN that seems to fall somewhere in between pale ale and Torpedo. Would drink again and day
Nov 09, 2020
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I got this in a variety pack with pale ale, Torpedo, and Hop Buller. This is very similar to the pale ale IMO. I taste more citrus and carmel. This has notes of citrus, pine, and a carmel malt finish. Has a crisp finish that keeps you coming back for more. Very sessionable at 6 and comes at great price point Overall, this is a very respectable limited release from SN that seems to fall somewhere in between pale ale and Torpedo. Would drink again and day
Nov 09, 2020
GStone899 from Minnesota
3.82/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Sierra Nevada wanted to make a hop forward, citrus and pine first beer and this is it. A golden IPA with prominent head with a ton of lacing. This is a sticky beer. Really refreshing beer.
Oct 12, 2020
3.82/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Sierra Nevada wanted to make a hop forward, citrus and pine first beer and this is it. A golden IPA with prominent head with a ton of lacing. This is a sticky beer. Really refreshing beer.
Oct 12, 2020
sjdevel from Utah
3.72/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
LOOK - hazy orange with a nice thick 1 finger head of foam - dense bubbles - great retention
SMELL - very subdued - pine and mango - slight cattiness - slight bread and cracker
TASTE - slight bitterness at first but quickly moves to sweeter orange juice, pineapple, and mango - some pine/earthiness on the backend - some woodsy / charred oak as it trails off - not much on the malty side - not very rich or flavorful otherwise
FEEL - in the medium body but pretty thin feeling - a bit oily as well
OVERALL - I am not as impressed with this beer as most of their other ones - it's a decent beer but nothing to write home about - there are a lot of other good IPAs out there that I would rather throw my money at
Sep 07, 2020
3.72/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
LOOK - hazy orange with a nice thick 1 finger head of foam - dense bubbles - great retention
SMELL - very subdued - pine and mango - slight cattiness - slight bread and cracker
TASTE - slight bitterness at first but quickly moves to sweeter orange juice, pineapple, and mango - some pine/earthiness on the backend - some woodsy / charred oak as it trails off - not much on the malty side - not very rich or flavorful otherwise
FEEL - in the medium body but pretty thin feeling - a bit oily as well
OVERALL - I am not as impressed with this beer as most of their other ones - it's a decent beer but nothing to write home about - there are a lot of other good IPAs out there that I would rather throw my money at
Sep 07, 2020
defunksta from North Dakota
3.51/5 rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25
Appearance: Pours a medium, deep orange color that is clear with a strong bright white head that has a small lace or speckled appearance up the glass. SRM of 12-13. (4.00)
Aroma: Light aromas of bitter orange, grapefruit, and pine. Light and airy but also some sweet orange nectar. Orange, peach, nectarine, and grapefruit citrus hearts. A few dank notes of herbs. Large pine bitterness on the nose. Showcases the old-school orange and grapefruit citrus hearts, but the aroma is sort of faint and disappointing. (3.50)
Flavor: Light flavors of bitter, piney orange, grapefruit, some nectarine, pine and some dark, wet citrus. Wet orange and grapefruit. Moderate bitterness. Finishes clean though. Not too much malt. The caramel malt is there, but lighter. Some caramelish suds for sure. Allows the beer to finish cleaner and showcase the traditional SN citrus flavors. The fruit is subtle but has a decent orange bitterness. (3.50)
Feel: Medium-bodied. Yet clean enough and crisp from the fruit and hops to maintain clarity. Not too heavy nor thick. A nice body all around. (3.75)
Compared to Blacklist's Finally We Got Our IPA: Identical appearance. Less aroma. Less aroma of fruit. Maybe more nectar. Lighter, crispier, and less bitter. Less sweet too. A much tamer IPA.
Compared to SN Pale ale and Fresh Hop Celebration, it has a stronger orange and dank herbal zip than the pale ale. Yet, much less toasty, deep pine and nectarine of the Celebration. It's like a Celebration Lite. Milder on the fruit and pine flavors, while being lighter on the malts. It's like the hyped-up version of the SN Pale Ale?, or the Torpedo without the strong caramel and pine backbone.
Compared to Summit's Extra Pale Ale 7/9/20: Pours a similar, but lighter color. More orange citrus, necatar, soap, and pine. Less toffee/caramel malt. More of a hop bite and less malty.
Compared to Fulton's Sweet Child of Vine 8/27/20: Pours a lighter color. Aromas of more soap and nectarine. Less orange and herbs. Slightly more smooth and less bitter herbs.
Overall: After multiple attempts at this one it's just a disappointment. Inconsistent between batches.. Classic SN citrus and pine with lots of nectarine. It's more of a tamed, traditional IPA. Dry and clean. Agree w/ other reviewers. Lacking aroma, flavor, and definition. It's a Torpedo and Celebration stripped of their noteworthy components. Sort of like a hyped-up SN Pale ale with more bitterness. (Final Rating: 3.43)
*Probably should compare to SN Pale Ale again*
Aug 28, 2020
3.51/5 rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25
Appearance: Pours a medium, deep orange color that is clear with a strong bright white head that has a small lace or speckled appearance up the glass. SRM of 12-13. (4.00)
Aroma: Light aromas of bitter orange, grapefruit, and pine. Light and airy but also some sweet orange nectar. Orange, peach, nectarine, and grapefruit citrus hearts. A few dank notes of herbs. Large pine bitterness on the nose. Showcases the old-school orange and grapefruit citrus hearts, but the aroma is sort of faint and disappointing. (3.50)
Flavor: Light flavors of bitter, piney orange, grapefruit, some nectarine, pine and some dark, wet citrus. Wet orange and grapefruit. Moderate bitterness. Finishes clean though. Not too much malt. The caramel malt is there, but lighter. Some caramelish suds for sure. Allows the beer to finish cleaner and showcase the traditional SN citrus flavors. The fruit is subtle but has a decent orange bitterness. (3.50)
Feel: Medium-bodied. Yet clean enough and crisp from the fruit and hops to maintain clarity. Not too heavy nor thick. A nice body all around. (3.75)
Compared to Blacklist's Finally We Got Our IPA: Identical appearance. Less aroma. Less aroma of fruit. Maybe more nectar. Lighter, crispier, and less bitter. Less sweet too. A much tamer IPA.
Compared to SN Pale ale and Fresh Hop Celebration, it has a stronger orange and dank herbal zip than the pale ale. Yet, much less toasty, deep pine and nectarine of the Celebration. It's like a Celebration Lite. Milder on the fruit and pine flavors, while being lighter on the malts. It's like the hyped-up version of the SN Pale Ale?, or the Torpedo without the strong caramel and pine backbone.
Compared to Summit's Extra Pale Ale 7/9/20: Pours a similar, but lighter color. More orange citrus, necatar, soap, and pine. Less toffee/caramel malt. More of a hop bite and less malty.
Compared to Fulton's Sweet Child of Vine 8/27/20: Pours a lighter color. Aromas of more soap and nectarine. Less orange and herbs. Slightly more smooth and less bitter herbs.
Overall: After multiple attempts at this one it's just a disappointment. Inconsistent between batches.. Classic SN citrus and pine with lots of nectarine. It's more of a tamed, traditional IPA. Dry and clean. Agree w/ other reviewers. Lacking aroma, flavor, and definition. It's a Torpedo and Celebration stripped of their noteworthy components. Sort of like a hyped-up SN Pale ale with more bitterness. (Final Rating: 3.43)
*Probably should compare to SN Pale Ale again*
Aug 28, 2020
cyclonece09 from Wisconsin
4.12/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a bottle into a pint glass. Pours deep orange with just a hint of red, and a fluffy white head. Smells of citrus hops with just a hint of tropical fruit. Tastes of citrus hops with just a hint of earthiness, and a tad of tropical fruit. Beer is light bodied and easy drinking, good carbonation. Overall, a very good beer.
Aug 20, 2020
4.12/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a bottle into a pint glass. Pours deep orange with just a hint of red, and a fluffy white head. Smells of citrus hops with just a hint of tropical fruit. Tastes of citrus hops with just a hint of earthiness, and a tad of tropical fruit. Beer is light bodied and easy drinking, good carbonation. Overall, a very good beer.
Aug 20, 2020
scotorum from Massachusetts
3.92/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
SIERRA NEVADA 40TH ANNIVERSARY ALE 8/10/20
Bought today, bottled in mid January! Why was this "Hoppy Anniversary" brew still on the shelves of a major local liquor store with an enormous beer selection? More important, why did I forget to check the bottling date?
Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into a Lawson's Willi.
a: Clear amber with an inch thick white head which receded to thick even surface foam and fairly dense lacing.
s; Mild bread to biscuit malt.
t: Mild hop bite on a substantial malt base, slight spice notes on the dry finish.
m: Medium, good body and some carbonation tingle.
o: Reminiscent of Celebration but with a more muted hop presence, perhaps due to the fact it is eight months old! Made me wonder if they just took some leftover Celebration (which because it is fresh hopped does not hold up real well over time) and rebottled it. Unlikely, but although it was above average even at its age, it is not by any means a spectacular 40th anniversary-worthy brew. I felt a bit - what we used to call it when I was a teen -"faked out." But it's still a good dinner reddish IPA.
Aug 11, 2020
3.92/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
SIERRA NEVADA 40TH ANNIVERSARY ALE 8/10/20
Bought today, bottled in mid January! Why was this "Hoppy Anniversary" brew still on the shelves of a major local liquor store with an enormous beer selection? More important, why did I forget to check the bottling date?
Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into a Lawson's Willi.
a: Clear amber with an inch thick white head which receded to thick even surface foam and fairly dense lacing.
s; Mild bread to biscuit malt.
t: Mild hop bite on a substantial malt base, slight spice notes on the dry finish.
m: Medium, good body and some carbonation tingle.
o: Reminiscent of Celebration but with a more muted hop presence, perhaps due to the fact it is eight months old! Made me wonder if they just took some leftover Celebration (which because it is fresh hopped does not hold up real well over time) and rebottled it. Unlikely, but although it was above average even at its age, it is not by any means a spectacular 40th anniversary-worthy brew. I felt a bit - what we used to call it when I was a teen -"faked out." But it's still a good dinner reddish IPA.
Aug 11, 2020
mvanaskie13 from Pennsylvania
4.11/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a narrow pint glass: color is gold, head is very light tan with fine bubbles, head presents 1 inch thick and dissipates to a solid top with some light lacing on the glass.
Smell is light malt very light touch of caramel, very light bready/biscuity note; hops are slow rising but present as clean pine and light grass, hint of citrus.
Taste is more notable with clean malt with light caramel, light bread/biscuit/toast; hops are crisp pine, herbal and grassy followed by slight citrus undertone.
Mouthfeel is moderately carbonated, moderate sweetness, firm bitterness.
Overall this is an excellent, clean, easy drinking IPA - great fresh/clean hops, nice malt backing, firm presence and bitterness. Really toes the space between SN PA and SN Torpedo.
Aug 05, 2020
4.11/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a narrow pint glass: color is gold, head is very light tan with fine bubbles, head presents 1 inch thick and dissipates to a solid top with some light lacing on the glass.
Smell is light malt very light touch of caramel, very light bready/biscuity note; hops are slow rising but present as clean pine and light grass, hint of citrus.
Taste is more notable with clean malt with light caramel, light bread/biscuit/toast; hops are crisp pine, herbal and grassy followed by slight citrus undertone.
Mouthfeel is moderately carbonated, moderate sweetness, firm bitterness.
Overall this is an excellent, clean, easy drinking IPA - great fresh/clean hops, nice malt backing, firm presence and bitterness. Really toes the space between SN PA and SN Torpedo.
Aug 05, 2020
vette2006c5r from Minnesota
3.57/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
40th Hoppy Anniversary Ale pours a copper color, with a small, but lacing head. Sweet, earthy aroma. Flavor is also sweeter, hoppy notes mixed in with some earth. Good body and feel. Overall, its a nice bright IPA, a little sweeter.
Jul 25, 2020
3.57/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
40th Hoppy Anniversary Ale pours a copper color, with a small, but lacing head. Sweet, earthy aroma. Flavor is also sweeter, hoppy notes mixed in with some earth. Good body and feel. Overall, its a nice bright IPA, a little sweeter.
Jul 25, 2020
dkoehler42 from New York
4.34/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Sierra Nevada is celebrating their 40th birthday with a limited edition West coast IPA. It pours a color you would expect of a traditional IPA, has an off-white head, and the aroma of piney citrus mixed with some malt. The taste is just a clean pleasant IPA. There's a little aftertaste before the happiness returns and the sip is finished.
Sierra Nevada outdid themselves here.
Jul 24, 2020
4.34/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Sierra Nevada is celebrating their 40th birthday with a limited edition West coast IPA. It pours a color you would expect of a traditional IPA, has an off-white head, and the aroma of piney citrus mixed with some malt. The taste is just a clean pleasant IPA. There's a little aftertaste before the happiness returns and the sip is finished.
Sierra Nevada outdid themselves here.
Jul 24, 2020
CharlesForbin from Pennsylvania
3.73/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
I don't know why this is their 40th anniversay beer. It is a nice little ipa but I find nothing overly special about it. On the low end of the alchohol scale at 6% which is fine. Light bodied. Hops? I was expecting more hop presence. I'm glad I tried this but have no reason to buy another 6 pack with all the other options available. The marketing label on the back of the bottle is in no way indicative of what you are getting. They did label it 40th Anniversary correct? This was the best they got?
Jul 23, 2020
3.73/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
I don't know why this is their 40th anniversay beer. It is a nice little ipa but I find nothing overly special about it. On the low end of the alchohol scale at 6% which is fine. Light bodied. Hops? I was expecting more hop presence. I'm glad I tried this but have no reason to buy another 6 pack with all the other options available. The marketing label on the back of the bottle is in no way indicative of what you are getting. They did label it 40th Anniversary correct? This was the best they got?
Jul 23, 2020
Sparky8833 from Georgia
4.58/5 rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I Love some Sierra Nevada beer besides the fact it's from my home state. Amazing beer to bad you can only get it in a sampler in Georgia this beer is so freaking tasty hate that it is limited edition.
Jul 23, 2020
4.58/5 rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I Love some Sierra Nevada beer besides the fact it's from my home state. Amazing beer to bad you can only get it in a sampler in Georgia this beer is so freaking tasty hate that it is limited edition.
Jul 23, 2020
Vanillawiththe9 from New York
4.7/5 rDev +19%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
As far as I can find in my local beer store you can only get this in the 12 pack sampler. This is unfortunate because I thoroughly enjoy this beer and would gladly buy a 12 pack of this alone. Even up against Sierra Nevada staples that you will find in the same mix such as the pale ale and the torpedo, in my opinion the hoppy anniversary holds its own and in some aspects outshines. It is a greater shame that this is a limited release and likely will not be available in the future.
With that said this beer strikes a balance that few other Sierra Nevada's do with a strong hop characteristic and a faint and a more subtle caramel maltiness. In your mouth it feels like a heavy and substantial beer. Overall, it's a very good beer.
Jul 20, 2020
4.7/5 rDev +19%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
As far as I can find in my local beer store you can only get this in the 12 pack sampler. This is unfortunate because I thoroughly enjoy this beer and would gladly buy a 12 pack of this alone. Even up against Sierra Nevada staples that you will find in the same mix such as the pale ale and the torpedo, in my opinion the hoppy anniversary holds its own and in some aspects outshines. It is a greater shame that this is a limited release and likely will not be available in the future.
With that said this beer strikes a balance that few other Sierra Nevada's do with a strong hop characteristic and a faint and a more subtle caramel maltiness. In your mouth it feels like a heavy and substantial beer. Overall, it's a very good beer.
Jul 20, 2020
Effinwill from California
4.51/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Poured into a Stella glass. Prodigious head that endured and clung very well to the sides of the glass. Beautiful malt flavors shine through the typical west coast old school IPA hops. Woody, herbal, slightly dank resinous hops drying out a honeyed malt backbone. Nothing wrong with this beer - very elegant and balanced, as IPA goes
Jul 14, 2020
4.51/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Poured into a Stella glass. Prodigious head that endured and clung very well to the sides of the glass. Beautiful malt flavors shine through the typical west coast old school IPA hops. Woody, herbal, slightly dank resinous hops drying out a honeyed malt backbone. Nothing wrong with this beer - very elegant and balanced, as IPA goes
Jul 14, 2020
Bsimpson91 from Georgia
3.96/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
I must say, This is not a superb Beer by any stretch of the imagination. Somewhat disappointed. Very drabby, run of the mill regular Pale ale with not a lot of flavor. I cant figure out why they even made it. Everything seems like a afterthought. Stick to the original Torpedo or Classic Pale Ale.
Jun 28, 2020
3.96/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
I must say, This is not a superb Beer by any stretch of the imagination. Somewhat disappointed. Very drabby, run of the mill regular Pale ale with not a lot of flavor. I cant figure out why they even made it. Everything seems like a afterthought. Stick to the original Torpedo or Classic Pale Ale.
Jun 28, 2020
elNopalero from California
4.5/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours from a bottle a pleasant caramel tan with generous foaming. Lacing lingers, even as it warms. Throwback aroma, with a lot of piney pith atop some citrusy orange. There’s definitely more of a juicy citrus on the palate, balanced by the tree sap and a drying finish. Ohhh I liked this one.
Jun 28, 2020
4.5/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours from a bottle a pleasant caramel tan with generous foaming. Lacing lingers, even as it warms. Throwback aroma, with a lot of piney pith atop some citrusy orange. There’s definitely more of a juicy citrus on the palate, balanced by the tree sap and a drying finish. Ohhh I liked this one.
Jun 28, 2020
Lucular from Maryland
3.93/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 oz bottle picked up at Wegmans as part of a mix-6. Dated 4-16-20, consumed 6-19-20. At just over 2 months old, this is a great example of a WCIPA. Moderately bitter, piney, caramel, citrus, fairly dry, hits all the style marks very well.
Jun 19, 2020
3.93/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 oz bottle picked up at Wegmans as part of a mix-6. Dated 4-16-20, consumed 6-19-20. At just over 2 months old, this is a great example of a WCIPA. Moderately bitter, piney, caramel, citrus, fairly dry, hits all the style marks very well.
Jun 19, 2020
SmokySignals from North Carolina
4.27/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12 oz. bottle (2 month old) from new mix pack
A deep golden, almost amber clear body is topped by a huge 3 finger dense head that lasts as expected.
The aroma, while a very nice blend of floral, herbal, healthy malt base, and a very minor dank note -- is lighter and not really blowing me away. It's nice enough, but my expectation may be too high for this one.
Taste is very much like mellowed pale ale character, not torpedo intensity, and very drinkable.
Nice feel and body and finish . Very balanced. Just seems like a faded out ipa in some ways, but I like that sometimes.
Overall it' a top notch mass production ale, with nothing wrong whatsoever.
Jun 11, 2020
4.27/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12 oz. bottle (2 month old) from new mix pack
A deep golden, almost amber clear body is topped by a huge 3 finger dense head that lasts as expected.
The aroma, while a very nice blend of floral, herbal, healthy malt base, and a very minor dank note -- is lighter and not really blowing me away. It's nice enough, but my expectation may be too high for this one.
Taste is very much like mellowed pale ale character, not torpedo intensity, and very drinkable.
Nice feel and body and finish . Very balanced. Just seems like a faded out ipa in some ways, but I like that sometimes.
Overall it' a top notch mass production ale, with nothing wrong whatsoever.
Jun 11, 2020
jwp777 from Oklahoma
4.41/5 rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 12 oz bottle:
Pours a dark gold/light amber. Head is foamy and thick, good retention and some lacing too.
Aroma is faint, but it smells of floral hops and citrus, with a tiny bit of pine.
Taste is better and stronger than the aroma. It’s hoppy and floral up front, followed by a fruity yeast taste, which ultimately gives in to citrus. Hops come back in the finish, which is medium length and semi-dry.
Mouthfeel is light to medium bodied with medium carbonation. There’s a pleasant bite on the tongue from the hops but the fruity sweetness gives it a slightly juicy feel too, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a juicy IPA.
Overall, I know this one won’t be around forever so I am glad I got to try this one. Give it a try, especially if you’re an IPA person.
Jun 10, 2020
4.41/5 rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 12 oz bottle:
Pours a dark gold/light amber. Head is foamy and thick, good retention and some lacing too.
Aroma is faint, but it smells of floral hops and citrus, with a tiny bit of pine.
Taste is better and stronger than the aroma. It’s hoppy and floral up front, followed by a fruity yeast taste, which ultimately gives in to citrus. Hops come back in the finish, which is medium length and semi-dry.
Mouthfeel is light to medium bodied with medium carbonation. There’s a pleasant bite on the tongue from the hops but the fruity sweetness gives it a slightly juicy feel too, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a juicy IPA.
Overall, I know this one won’t be around forever so I am glad I got to try this one. Give it a try, especially if you’re an IPA person.
Jun 10, 2020
40th Hoppy Anniversary Ale from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
88 out of
100 with
645 ratings
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