Big Little Thing
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.


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- From:
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- California, United States
- Style:
- IPA - Imperial
Ranked #2,039 - ABV:
- 9%
- Score:
- 89
Ranked #12,308 - Avg:
- 3.98 | pDev: 7.54%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Yesterday at 08:11 PM
- Added:
- Dec 29, 2020
- Wants:
- 5
- Gots:
- 38
SCORE
89
Very Good
89
Very Good


Notes:
Make way for the Big Little Thing, an imperial IPA flexing a full malt body, restrained sweetness, and tropical hop flavors of mango, grapefruit and tangerine.
MALTS: Pale malt, Wheat malt, Munich malt
HOPS: Magnum, Crystal, Chinook, Idaho 7, Columbus, Cascade, Mosaic
MALTS: Pale malt, Wheat malt, Munich malt
HOPS: Magnum, Crystal, Chinook, Idaho 7, Columbus, Cascade, Mosaic
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by samEBC:
4.09/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by samEBC from Belgium
Oct 12, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by samEBC from Belgium
Oct 12, 2021
More User Ratings:
4.5 by DavyDnIndy from Indiana on Yesterday at 08:11 PM
3.92/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by metter98 from New York
A: The beer is relatively clear yellow in color and has a light amount of carbonation along with faint hues of amber. It poured with a quarter finger high white head that died down a bit, leaving a large thin patch of bubbles on the surface, a narrow collar around the edge and lots of lacing down the sides of the glass.
S: Light to moderate aromas of orange citrus are present in the nose along with notes of caramel malts.
T: The taste follows the smell and has additional notes of grapefruit and tropical fruit. The hops also contribute a moderate amount of bitterness.
M: It feels medium-bodied and crisp on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: The taste of this beer has a nice balance between the malts and hops. It also hides any traces of alcohol remarkably well for being a 9% abv Imperial IPA.
Serving type: can
Yesterday at 07:46 AM
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by metter98 from New York
A: The beer is relatively clear yellow in color and has a light amount of carbonation along with faint hues of amber. It poured with a quarter finger high white head that died down a bit, leaving a large thin patch of bubbles on the surface, a narrow collar around the edge and lots of lacing down the sides of the glass.
S: Light to moderate aromas of orange citrus are present in the nose along with notes of caramel malts.
T: The taste follows the smell and has additional notes of grapefruit and tropical fruit. The hops also contribute a moderate amount of bitterness.
M: It feels medium-bodied and crisp on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: The taste of this beer has a nice balance between the malts and hops. It also hides any traces of alcohol remarkably well for being a 9% abv Imperial IPA.
Serving type: can
Yesterday at 07:46 AM
4.37/5 rDev +9.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Thankin_Hank from Texas
B_L_T_IPA pours with a big fluffy head, some good carbonation and a little lacing. Smells of fruit and funk. A little dank but you don't taste it. It's really a smooth IPA that lacks bitterness. Rather remarkable. Very nice for an Imperial IPA and I will buy this again. A stovepipe can dated 032222. Way to go Sierra Nevada.
Thursday at 12:44 AM
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Thankin_Hank from Texas
B_L_T_IPA pours with a big fluffy head, some good carbonation and a little lacing. Smells of fruit and funk. A little dank but you don't taste it. It's really a smooth IPA that lacks bitterness. Rather remarkable. Very nice for an Imperial IPA and I will buy this again. A stovepipe can dated 032222. Way to go Sierra Nevada.
Thursday at 12:44 AM
4/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Act25 from New Jersey
Licorice? yes. Love S/N the best large at craft.
a) Pours amber with light haze sporting a full, lacing, long-lasting head.
s) Malt, citrus, a bit of scat.
t) More malt caramel, orange, pine, herbs, licorice! Some alcohol.
f) Creamy mid-body with scrubbing mouthfeel and dry finish.
o) Odd, strong, big, complex, notable for scrubbing creamy feel and licorice.
Tuesday at 08:35 PM
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Act25 from New Jersey
Licorice? yes. Love S/N the best large at craft.
a) Pours amber with light haze sporting a full, lacing, long-lasting head.
s) Malt, citrus, a bit of scat.
t) More malt caramel, orange, pine, herbs, licorice! Some alcohol.
f) Creamy mid-body with scrubbing mouthfeel and dry finish.
o) Odd, strong, big, complex, notable for scrubbing creamy feel and licorice.
Tuesday at 08:35 PM
4.79 by USAF-Mike from California on Monday at 08:06 AM
3.83/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by hman43 from North Carolina
Look: It pours golden and clear with a white head. Head retention is excellent.
Smell: Some candy like aromas with tropical fruit. It has grainy sweet notes melon and pineapple.
Taste: There are tropical fruit flavors with grainy sweetness. There are some pineapple notes with melon elements like cantaloupe.
FeeL It has a medium body with a more sweet than bitter finish.
Overall, the hops are featured as the main aroma and flavor element with everything in support.
Sunday at 03:02 AM
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by hman43 from North Carolina
Look: It pours golden and clear with a white head. Head retention is excellent.
Smell: Some candy like aromas with tropical fruit. It has grainy sweet notes melon and pineapple.
Taste: There are tropical fruit flavors with grainy sweetness. There are some pineapple notes with melon elements like cantaloupe.
FeeL It has a medium body with a more sweet than bitter finish.
Overall, the hops are featured as the main aroma and flavor element with everything in support.
Sunday at 03:02 AM
4.29 by kraut6363 from Pennsylvania on May 14, 2022
4.04 by sirzekel from Georgia on May 11, 2022
4.04 by tpauer from New Hampshire on May 07, 2022
4.57 by Beecham from California on Apr 24, 2022
4 by NickThePyro from Washington on Apr 23, 2022
3.92 by blevinsaj from Ohio on Apr 15, 2022
3.94/5 rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Captain69 from Illinois
HOPPY IPA NOTHING SPECAIL BUT COULD DRINK ALL DAY
Apr 10, 2022
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Captain69 from Illinois
HOPPY IPA NOTHING SPECAIL BUT COULD DRINK ALL DAY
Apr 10, 2022
3.46/5 rDev -13.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by MrOH from Malta
Clear gold, big white head, excellent retention,
complex citrus aroma
Complex citrus flavor, some sweet malt, a touch of booze
Medium bodied, appropriately carbonated, slightly hot
Ehh
Apr 09, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by MrOH from Malta
Clear gold, big white head, excellent retention,
complex citrus aroma
Complex citrus flavor, some sweet malt, a touch of booze
Medium bodied, appropriately carbonated, slightly hot
Ehh
Apr 09, 2022
4.5/5 rDev +13.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Ismaelmyself
Great flavor and even better IBU imperial IPA. This is the perfect at the end of a hard day and it only takes one to start the relaxation.
Apr 05, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Ismaelmyself
Great flavor and even better IBU imperial IPA. This is the perfect at the end of a hard day and it only takes one to start the relaxation.
Apr 05, 2022
4.02 by slhuggy from Virginia on Apr 01, 2022
3.93/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by Spike from England
12oz can.
L: Amber colour with a light haze and a full, long-lasting head.
S: Soft malt and gentle citrus.
T: Caramel, orange zest, white pine. Semi-sweet with light bitterness. Some alcohol.
F: Medium/full body with rich mouthfeel and a bone dry finish.
O: A smooth, approachable IIPA. Probably too approachable for 9% ABV.
Mar 25, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by Spike from England
12oz can.
L: Amber colour with a light haze and a full, long-lasting head.
S: Soft malt and gentle citrus.
T: Caramel, orange zest, white pine. Semi-sweet with light bitterness. Some alcohol.
F: Medium/full body with rich mouthfeel and a bone dry finish.
O: A smooth, approachable IIPA. Probably too approachable for 9% ABV.
Mar 25, 2022
3.73/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by flagmantho from Washington
Poured from 19.2oz tall can into a dimpled mug. Canned 1/12/22.
Appearance: rich golden hue with a totally clear body and practically three fingers of frothy ivory foam. Really very beautiful!
Smell: sweet malt with a dank, citrusy, grapefruity hop character. A bit muddled, but not bad at all.
Taste: very sweet with lots of malt and a definite dank, grapefruity and ... even a bit of licorice in the mix, somehow. Interesting. Definitely a big-ass Imperial, but there's no subtlety here. Not bad, but a little bit of a muddle.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a moderate carbonation and decent creaminess. Not as much body as I might expect from a beer of this size and sweetness.
Overall: for the "price" of this level of sweetness and alcohol, I'd like a bit more hop flavor in exchange. Not terrible, but a little bit meh.
Mar 17, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by flagmantho from Washington
Poured from 19.2oz tall can into a dimpled mug. Canned 1/12/22.
Appearance: rich golden hue with a totally clear body and practically three fingers of frothy ivory foam. Really very beautiful!
Smell: sweet malt with a dank, citrusy, grapefruity hop character. A bit muddled, but not bad at all.
Taste: very sweet with lots of malt and a definite dank, grapefruity and ... even a bit of licorice in the mix, somehow. Interesting. Definitely a big-ass Imperial, but there's no subtlety here. Not bad, but a little bit of a muddle.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a moderate carbonation and decent creaminess. Not as much body as I might expect from a beer of this size and sweetness.
Overall: for the "price" of this level of sweetness and alcohol, I'd like a bit more hop flavor in exchange. Not terrible, but a little bit meh.
Mar 17, 2022
3.93 by DOCRW from Washington on Mar 14, 2022
4 by flgimp from Pennsylvania on Mar 07, 2022
3.69 by blissfulNemo from Michigan on Mar 06, 2022
3.67 by benjaminsa from Vermont on Mar 03, 2022
3.75 by Smoky54 from Tennessee on Mar 02, 2022
4.22/5 rDev +6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Mark-Leggett from Missouri
Poured from a can. Golden in color with a white foamy head and lacing. Smells of malt, pine and a tropical fruit hint. Flavors of bread, malt, pine and fruit. Flavors all work together well. Smooth and avb is well hidden. Nice
Mar 02, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Mark-Leggett from Missouri
Poured from a can. Golden in color with a white foamy head and lacing. Smells of malt, pine and a tropical fruit hint. Flavors of bread, malt, pine and fruit. Flavors all work together well. Smooth and avb is well hidden. Nice
Mar 02, 2022
3.75 by VaporDome from New York on Feb 28, 2022
4.14/5 rDev +4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Billolick from New York
12 oz can
Pours typical almond amber, with a slight haze, minor cap and some oranges and almonds on the sniff.
Malty, nutty, and filled with more warming orange notes….pleasing ale, somewhere between a barley wine and a DIPA.
Feb 24, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Billolick from New York
12 oz can
Pours typical almond amber, with a slight haze, minor cap and some oranges and almonds on the sniff.
Malty, nutty, and filled with more warming orange notes….pleasing ale, somewhere between a barley wine and a DIPA.
Feb 24, 2022
3.88 by tdm168 from Pennsylvania on Feb 14, 2022
3.94 by PapaGoom on Feb 11, 2022
4.21 by lonestarshield from Texas on Feb 06, 2022
3.74 by Pro_Magnon from Texas on Feb 04, 2022
4.12/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Valdez_Mescalito from Michigan
2021 Little Things Party Pack - 12 pack
12 oz. can dated 111021 (11/10/21) - 9.0% ABV / 45 IBU
Brewed and canned in Chico, CA
Poured into a Bell's branded pub pint glass
Look - Pours a thick and dense off-white head that sticks around. Clear, golden yellow appearance with a small amount of streaming bubbles.
Smell - The nose is very tropical forward with coconut and pineapple standing out the most. Also getting some mandarin orange and tangerine. Picking up more pine and floral scents as the beer warms.
Taste - The taste is much more bready, like a honey butter biscuit, with the hop flavors hanging out in the background. Some slight bitterness in the aftertaste and can't detect any of the high level booze.
Feel - Pretty thin and crisp mouthfeel and finishes medium dry.
Overall - More malty than hoppy and dangerously drinkable because the high ABV is hidden well.
Jan 23, 2022
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Valdez_Mescalito from Michigan
2021 Little Things Party Pack - 12 pack
12 oz. can dated 111021 (11/10/21) - 9.0% ABV / 45 IBU
Brewed and canned in Chico, CA
Poured into a Bell's branded pub pint glass
Look - Pours a thick and dense off-white head that sticks around. Clear, golden yellow appearance with a small amount of streaming bubbles.
Smell - The nose is very tropical forward with coconut and pineapple standing out the most. Also getting some mandarin orange and tangerine. Picking up more pine and floral scents as the beer warms.
Taste - The taste is much more bready, like a honey butter biscuit, with the hop flavors hanging out in the background. Some slight bitterness in the aftertaste and can't detect any of the high level booze.
Feel - Pretty thin and crisp mouthfeel and finishes medium dry.
Overall - More malty than hoppy and dangerously drinkable because the high ABV is hidden well.
Jan 23, 2022
4 by avisong from Virginia on Jan 22, 2022
4.01/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
by BigGinge from New York
Appearance: Nearly clear copper color, nice and dense white foam on top. Chunky lacing.
Smell: Grapefruit, pineapple, orange peel, yeast.
Taste: Citrus fruits, mainly grapefruit, nice and bitter without being harsh, bit of grass. Fairly sweet towards the end with a hint of breadcrust.
Feel: Hefty for an IPA. Medium to full bodied, little bit of alcohol warmth, carbonation is spot on.
Overall: Paid $2.71 for a tallboy. Worth it. Good beer.
Jan 16, 2022
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
by BigGinge from New York
Appearance: Nearly clear copper color, nice and dense white foam on top. Chunky lacing.
Smell: Grapefruit, pineapple, orange peel, yeast.
Taste: Citrus fruits, mainly grapefruit, nice and bitter without being harsh, bit of grass. Fairly sweet towards the end with a hint of breadcrust.
Feel: Hefty for an IPA. Medium to full bodied, little bit of alcohol warmth, carbonation is spot on.
Overall: Paid $2.71 for a tallboy. Worth it. Good beer.
Jan 16, 2022
3.95 by TheHopsman from Nebraska on Jan 15, 2022
4 by andyjeigh from Oklahoma on Jan 12, 2022
3.83/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
by CTHomer from Connecticut
A: crystal clear; medium gold in color; 1 finger finely pored ivory head that receded to a wispy cap; thick rings of lace;
S: lemon, orange, and tangerine;
T: orange up front, then a little soapy, then follows the nose through the finish; mild to moderate bitterness at the end;
M: medium bodied; moderate carbonation; dry finish;
O: didn't love the flavor;
Jan 07, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
by CTHomer from Connecticut
A: crystal clear; medium gold in color; 1 finger finely pored ivory head that receded to a wispy cap; thick rings of lace;
S: lemon, orange, and tangerine;
T: orange up front, then a little soapy, then follows the nose through the finish; mild to moderate bitterness at the end;
M: medium bodied; moderate carbonation; dry finish;
O: didn't love the flavor;
Jan 07, 2022
3.99 by rorjets from Connecticut on Jan 01, 2022
3.81 by DeFender from Maine on Dec 28, 2021
3.9/5 rDev -2%
look: 5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by BucannonXC5 from California
Type: 19.2-oz. can
Reviewed as: American Double / Imperial IPA
Glass: Pure Project 16-oz. brandy snifter glass
Price: $2.99
From: Windmill Farms in Del Cerro (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: Jan. 28, 2021
Consumed: Jan. 29, 2021
Misc.: Canned on Dec. 10, 2020
Grabbed a can of this and a host of others on a recent trip to Windmill Farms. Had been eyeing this one for a bit and I think this was the first time I saw it in stores. Sierra Nevada’s site described it as “Make way for the Big Little Thing, an imperial IPA flexing a full malt body, restrained sweetness, and tropical hop flavors of mango, grapefruit and tangerine.” Mentioned hops were Magnum, Crystal, Chinook, Idaho 7, Columbus, Cascade and Mosaic. Usually not a fan of that many hops in a beer, but I’ll always give it a try.
Poured a medium amber clear color with 3-to-4 fingers of rocky off-white head. Could see a few bubbles creeping up along the sides of the glass. Perfect foamy spiderweb lacing. Perfect foamy retention. (Sight - 5.00)
Right away got that usual Chico yeast in the smell. Also Magnum (mostly have had this with Sierra Nevada), pine, resin, spoiled dark fruit, melon, wood, peach, orange and some mango rind. Not quite as good out of the can. (Smell - 3.75)
Tasted at least as good as the nose. In order got Magnum, woody Chinook, pine, resin, pepper, usual Chico yeast, melon, dark berry, peach, orange, mango, grapefruit, herbal and tea. Pretty smooth for 9 pct. ABV though. (Taste - 3.75)
Medium body. Oily texture. Average carbonation. Bitter finish. (Feel - 4.00)
Was back and forth on a few categories, but this was outstanding overall. (Overall - 4.00)
3.90 | 88 | B+
Dec 24, 2021
look: 5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by BucannonXC5 from California
Type: 19.2-oz. can
Reviewed as: American Double / Imperial IPA
Glass: Pure Project 16-oz. brandy snifter glass
Price: $2.99
From: Windmill Farms in Del Cerro (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: Jan. 28, 2021
Consumed: Jan. 29, 2021
Misc.: Canned on Dec. 10, 2020
Grabbed a can of this and a host of others on a recent trip to Windmill Farms. Had been eyeing this one for a bit and I think this was the first time I saw it in stores. Sierra Nevada’s site described it as “Make way for the Big Little Thing, an imperial IPA flexing a full malt body, restrained sweetness, and tropical hop flavors of mango, grapefruit and tangerine.” Mentioned hops were Magnum, Crystal, Chinook, Idaho 7, Columbus, Cascade and Mosaic. Usually not a fan of that many hops in a beer, but I’ll always give it a try.
Poured a medium amber clear color with 3-to-4 fingers of rocky off-white head. Could see a few bubbles creeping up along the sides of the glass. Perfect foamy spiderweb lacing. Perfect foamy retention. (Sight - 5.00)
Right away got that usual Chico yeast in the smell. Also Magnum (mostly have had this with Sierra Nevada), pine, resin, spoiled dark fruit, melon, wood, peach, orange and some mango rind. Not quite as good out of the can. (Smell - 3.75)
Tasted at least as good as the nose. In order got Magnum, woody Chinook, pine, resin, pepper, usual Chico yeast, melon, dark berry, peach, orange, mango, grapefruit, herbal and tea. Pretty smooth for 9 pct. ABV though. (Taste - 3.75)
Medium body. Oily texture. Average carbonation. Bitter finish. (Feel - 4.00)
Was back and forth on a few categories, but this was outstanding overall. (Overall - 4.00)
3.90 | 88 | B+
Dec 24, 2021
Big Little Thing from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
89 out of
100 with
324 ratings