Flipside Red IPA
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.


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- From:
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- California, United States
- Style:
- Red Ale - American Amber / Red
Ranked #79 - ABV:
- 6.2%
- Score:
- 85
Ranked #21,147 - Avg:
- 3.79 | pDev: 11.08%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 30, 2021
- Added:
- Aug 25, 2013
- Wants:
- 95
- Gots:
- 643
SCORE
85
Very Good
85
Very Good


Notes:
Just when it feels like the dog days will never end, suddenly, the switch is flipped, the air gets cooler and it’s clear that autumn is on the way. Featuring a ruby-red hue and abundant tropical fruit and citrus hop flavors, Flipside Red IPA is the perfect beer for the final flash of summer.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3/5 rDev -20.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by sbrowning
Burnt, earthy. Not enjoyable for myself, but to each their own.
May 30, 2021
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by sbrowning
Burnt, earthy. Not enjoyable for myself, but to each their own.
May 30, 2021
3.68/5 rDev -2.9%
look: 5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by marcobrau from Illinois
Thought this was a rye IPA at first but it seems the recipe may have changed. I'm guessing my bottle is a bit old since there's not much hop aorma to this one. It looks good though. A slow pour produces a large head of foam which settles to thing color with lacing left behind as it falls. Hop flavors of grapefruit and pine coat the tongue. There's some earthiness present too, no doubt form the Simcoe hops, with the citrus and pine provided by both the Simcoe and Citra and Centennial hops in this beer. One of the malts appears to be something called Especial, which I've never heard of, the other malts are two-row, chocolate and wheat. The chocolate malt no doubt is where the color comes from, but I still can't figure out what especial malt is supposed to be.
May 17, 2021
look: 5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by marcobrau from Illinois
Thought this was a rye IPA at first but it seems the recipe may have changed. I'm guessing my bottle is a bit old since there's not much hop aorma to this one. It looks good though. A slow pour produces a large head of foam which settles to thing color with lacing left behind as it falls. Hop flavors of grapefruit and pine coat the tongue. There's some earthiness present too, no doubt form the Simcoe hops, with the citrus and pine provided by both the Simcoe and Citra and Centennial hops in this beer. One of the malts appears to be something called Especial, which I've never heard of, the other malts are two-row, chocolate and wheat. The chocolate malt no doubt is where the color comes from, but I still can't figure out what especial malt is supposed to be.
May 17, 2021
3.99/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Sigmund from Norway
355 ml bottle, in Nevada City. Reddish brown colour. Has the typical West Coast hop aroma and flavour, with notes of citrus and pine, but also some nice nutty notes from the malts, which contributes to a lovely balance. Another good beer from Sierra Nevada!
May 09, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Sigmund from Norway
355 ml bottle, in Nevada City. Reddish brown colour. Has the typical West Coast hop aroma and flavour, with notes of citrus and pine, but also some nice nutty notes from the malts, which contributes to a lovely balance. Another good beer from Sierra Nevada!
May 09, 2021
4/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by davidward from Florida
Another successful creative effort by the folks at Sierra. A great combo of of red ale and IPA elements.
Oct 18, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by davidward from Florida
Another successful creative effort by the folks at Sierra. A great combo of of red ale and IPA elements.
Oct 18, 2020
4.01/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by RDWHAHB_Tom from Maryland
Info: PCKGD 2/11/2020, 12 oz. glass bottle, poured at 45*F into a pint glass at sea level
L: Deep ruby-brown (Coca-Cola). Rich, creamy, tan head. Persistent with good lacing.
S: Toasty, roasty malt. Yeast funk. Raspberry.
T: Bitter grapefruit on the tongue, raspberry (strawberry?!) in the back. Wheat biscuit. Burnt caramel. Peppery bite. Vaguely herbal.
F: Medium-full bodied. Smooth and creamy.
Overall: Never tried the style, but interesting! Herbal bitterness of hops comes through, though I feel that "IPA" is a bit of a stretch. Soda-like creaminess fits other red ales that I've tried, namely Irish ales. Earns the "red," though I'm not sure it earns the "I" in "IPA."
Sep 06, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by RDWHAHB_Tom from Maryland
Info: PCKGD 2/11/2020, 12 oz. glass bottle, poured at 45*F into a pint glass at sea level
L: Deep ruby-brown (Coca-Cola). Rich, creamy, tan head. Persistent with good lacing.
S: Toasty, roasty malt. Yeast funk. Raspberry.
T: Bitter grapefruit on the tongue, raspberry (strawberry?!) in the back. Wheat biscuit. Burnt caramel. Peppery bite. Vaguely herbal.
F: Medium-full bodied. Smooth and creamy.
Overall: Never tried the style, but interesting! Herbal bitterness of hops comes through, though I feel that "IPA" is a bit of a stretch. Soda-like creaminess fits other red ales that I've tried, namely Irish ales. Earns the "red," though I'm not sure it earns the "I" in "IPA."
Sep 06, 2020
4 by Velivolus1 from Vermont on Aug 04, 2020
3.5 by -Andrew- from Michigan on Aug 02, 2020
3.59/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Mdog from Minnesota
Appearance: Clear dark amber, good head.
Smell: Minimal, just some breadiness.
Taste: Caramel--bready, toasty. Mild sweetness, balanced, citrus finish.
Overall: From a mixed pack that was probably 4 months old, this red IPA was still a solid beverage. The age probably hurt the aroma, but the flavor was just fine. Nicely balanced, old school red IPA!
Jul 24, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Mdog from Minnesota
Appearance: Clear dark amber, good head.
Smell: Minimal, just some breadiness.
Taste: Caramel--bready, toasty. Mild sweetness, balanced, citrus finish.
Overall: From a mixed pack that was probably 4 months old, this red IPA was still a solid beverage. The age probably hurt the aroma, but the flavor was just fine. Nicely balanced, old school red IPA!
Jul 24, 2020
2.71 by Jeez from Massachusetts on Jul 18, 2020
3.84/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by milkshakebeersucks from Maryland
Reddish/copper appearance with a large off white head and good lacing. Aroma blends caramel malts and citrusy hops. Smooth, soft, moderately sweet, fruity flavors and a bittersweet aftertaste. Medium bodied mouthfeel, nicely carbonated, with an average length finish.
Jun 26, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by milkshakebeersucks from Maryland
Reddish/copper appearance with a large off white head and good lacing. Aroma blends caramel malts and citrusy hops. Smooth, soft, moderately sweet, fruity flavors and a bittersweet aftertaste. Medium bodied mouthfeel, nicely carbonated, with an average length finish.
Jun 26, 2020
3.5 by z_21 from Pennsylvania on Jun 14, 2020
3 by BrinkingDeer from California on Jun 13, 2020
3.62 by Manta200 from Kentucky on Jun 02, 2020
3.32/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by kimcgolf from Georgia
Poured to a hazy amber with foamy tan head and lacing that lasted thru drink. Unfortunately, this was the high point. Nose was muted, with a slight hint of caramel and apple. Taste did not reflect this and was bit on skunky side. Mouthful was light with no real aftertaste. Not bad, but not a favorite.
Jun 01, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by kimcgolf from Georgia
Poured to a hazy amber with foamy tan head and lacing that lasted thru drink. Unfortunately, this was the high point. Nose was muted, with a slight hint of caramel and apple. Taste did not reflect this and was bit on skunky side. Mouthful was light with no real aftertaste. Not bad, but not a favorite.
Jun 01, 2020
3.44 by tjstrat from Wisconsin on May 28, 2020
3.7/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by lastmango from Pennsylvania
Poured a clear deep red with a one finger whitehead and moderate lace. Nose of light sweet malt and piney hops. Sweet malt, followed by a long piney finish with a hint of pepper. Moderate body and carbonation.
May 26, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by lastmango from Pennsylvania
Poured a clear deep red with a one finger whitehead and moderate lace. Nose of light sweet malt and piney hops. Sweet malt, followed by a long piney finish with a hint of pepper. Moderate body and carbonation.
May 26, 2020
3.96 by DuncanBishop24 from Vermont on May 23, 2020
3.77 by grahuba from Connecticut on May 08, 2020
3.79/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by vette2006c5r from Minnesota
Flipside pours a translucent red, with a small, but long lasting lacing head. Roasted earth aromas. Flavor has some roasted notes, earth notes, a hint of smoke, and a charred floral finish, that is a bit sticky and bitter. Good body and flavor. Overall, good flavorful red IPA.
May 01, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by vette2006c5r from Minnesota
Flipside pours a translucent red, with a small, but long lasting lacing head. Roasted earth aromas. Flavor has some roasted notes, earth notes, a hint of smoke, and a charred floral finish, that is a bit sticky and bitter. Good body and flavor. Overall, good flavorful red IPA.
May 01, 2020
3.66 by 61Fergus from Maryland on Apr 21, 2020
4.1/5 rDev +8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Singlefinpin from North Carolina
Drinking this at home due to the ongoing pandemic and the fact that I can not get a proper pint any where.
Poured from a bottle into a pint glass.
Appears nice tight foamy head with a tan color that lasted the duration, beer is amber, dark almost brownish.
Smells citrusy and piney, lightly bready.
Taste follows the nose, definitely hop forward, and an interesting amount of malt, all quite tasty together.
Mouth feel is medium for the style.
Overall a very nice Red IPA that I would definitely drink again.
Apr 18, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Singlefinpin from North Carolina
Drinking this at home due to the ongoing pandemic and the fact that I can not get a proper pint any where.
Poured from a bottle into a pint glass.
Appears nice tight foamy head with a tan color that lasted the duration, beer is amber, dark almost brownish.
Smells citrusy and piney, lightly bready.
Taste follows the nose, definitely hop forward, and an interesting amount of malt, all quite tasty together.
Mouth feel is medium for the style.
Overall a very nice Red IPA that I would definitely drink again.
Apr 18, 2020
4.02/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by daliandragon from Maryland
Pours a solid inch of cream colored foam head atop a layered brown body, darkest beneath the head. Nose is balanced with sweet malt and pinetastic hops. The malt really comes into its own in the sip, with a broad biscuit note but a dint of heft to muscle out the expected grapefruit and tropical fruit barrage. Overall, a pretty tight package considering the different moving pieces. Not for everyday drinking maybe but this is well made stuff.
Apr 18, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by daliandragon from Maryland
Pours a solid inch of cream colored foam head atop a layered brown body, darkest beneath the head. Nose is balanced with sweet malt and pinetastic hops. The malt really comes into its own in the sip, with a broad biscuit note but a dint of heft to muscle out the expected grapefruit and tropical fruit barrage. Overall, a pretty tight package considering the different moving pieces. Not for everyday drinking maybe but this is well made stuff.
Apr 18, 2020
3.77 by guzzleacoldone from Ohio on Apr 12, 2020
3.54 by Luckydog91 from Texas on Apr 08, 2020
4 by RiceOwls27 from Texas on Apr 07, 2020
4.89/5 rDev +29%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by Bsimpson91 from Georgia
Very Good Alternative IPA.
Starting things off with Looks. Poured into my favorite tulip glass, Yields a Beautiful medium amber appearance. Nice retaining lace. lacks a good cap, even swirling the glass did not get me much foamy head. Smell is bland, very low key. Aroma is typical for a Ipa. Moving on to taste. First thing I notice is a super Bright citrusy pop to this IPA. Very Crisp and refreshing with a west coast Hop profile. Intense hit of hops like no other IPA before it. Very satisfying bitterness. Malt Character is muted, can't get anything from the malt.Very Dry beer throughout the sip. Moving on to feel. Feel is good, Not exactly creamy but also not watery. Ultra crisp, Best bite out of any IPA I have ever had. Overall, Good IPA not Great. I think some more malt coming through would be an improvement.
Apr 01, 2020
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by Bsimpson91 from Georgia
Very Good Alternative IPA.
Starting things off with Looks. Poured into my favorite tulip glass, Yields a Beautiful medium amber appearance. Nice retaining lace. lacks a good cap, even swirling the glass did not get me much foamy head. Smell is bland, very low key. Aroma is typical for a Ipa. Moving on to taste. First thing I notice is a super Bright citrusy pop to this IPA. Very Crisp and refreshing with a west coast Hop profile. Intense hit of hops like no other IPA before it. Very satisfying bitterness. Malt Character is muted, can't get anything from the malt.Very Dry beer throughout the sip. Moving on to feel. Feel is good, Not exactly creamy but also not watery. Ultra crisp, Best bite out of any IPA I have ever had. Overall, Good IPA not Great. I think some more malt coming through would be an improvement.
Apr 01, 2020
4.16 by bigstar87 from Wisconsin on Apr 01, 2020
3.75 by EatonHops from Massachusetts on Mar 26, 2020
3.9 by evostudios12 from Florida on Mar 23, 2020
3.78 by j0hnc2468 from New York on Mar 22, 2020
3.85 by Mickt465 from New Hampshire on Mar 19, 2020
3.94/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by OrtheusMaximusRex from Colorado
I like red IPAs, this is a nice, standard example of the form, a little caramel in the malt, solid beer.
Mar 17, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by OrtheusMaximusRex from Colorado
I like red IPAs, this is a nice, standard example of the form, a little caramel in the malt, solid beer.
Mar 17, 2020
3.35 by tgdavis from Tennessee on Mar 17, 2020
3.79/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by spectru from Florida
slightly hazy dark amber, foamy head recedes quickly to a film; Has a good beer smell; Nicely carbonated, tangy; Taste is not bad, but nothing special.
Mar 02, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by spectru from Florida
slightly hazy dark amber, foamy head recedes quickly to a film; Has a good beer smell; Nicely carbonated, tangy; Taste is not bad, but nothing special.
Mar 02, 2020
3.75 by Gkruszewski from New York on Feb 15, 2020
3.42/5 rDev -9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by Mindcrime1000 from South Dakota
Pours auburn and hazy with a limited head but decent lacing.
The aromas are straight on citrus pith and resiny. A bit aggressive.
The flavors follow the nose. No apology, and nothing vague or muddy, but the brew could have used just a bit more malt to balance some aggressive hops, even for what the brewer is going for.
It looks good and has a nice finish--that's what this one has. Good carbonation and feel.
I wanted to like this brew. I think I did, but not as much as I should have.
Feb 15, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by Mindcrime1000 from South Dakota
Pours auburn and hazy with a limited head but decent lacing.
The aromas are straight on citrus pith and resiny. A bit aggressive.
The flavors follow the nose. No apology, and nothing vague or muddy, but the brew could have used just a bit more malt to balance some aggressive hops, even for what the brewer is going for.
It looks good and has a nice finish--that's what this one has. Good carbonation and feel.
I wanted to like this brew. I think I did, but not as much as I should have.
Feb 15, 2020
3.75/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Buckeye55 from North Carolina
Halfway between above average and outstanding. Pours a clear amber color with moderate head. Scent is of pine and fruit. Taste is mostly of hops. Medium mouthfeel and an aftertaste that is mostly of hops
Feb 08, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Buckeye55 from North Carolina
Halfway between above average and outstanding. Pours a clear amber color with moderate head. Scent is of pine and fruit. Taste is mostly of hops. Medium mouthfeel and an aftertaste that is mostly of hops
Feb 08, 2020
4 by elglueckert from Montana on Feb 06, 2020
4.24 by Avatar113 from California on Feb 04, 2020
3.92/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by hophead723 from California
I got a Sampler 12 Pack with 2 of these in it and I wanted to review it for a while. In fact, I think this is the first time I have tried this beer but I specifically remember being excited for it to come out years ago. Long overdue. Poured into my Samuel Smith British Pub glass.
Look: Perfectly clear, tawny and red-hued body with good carbonation levels rising up from the nucleation sites on the glass. The towering, fluffy head is nearly light tan but can be classified as dark sail white. It has excellent retention and leaves lovely lacing. Two-row Pale, Chocolate, Especial, Wheat malts contribute to this hearty brew.
Smell: The aroma is lightly fruity, both from the hops and the yeast. The hop aromas are of pine, light grapefruit, and a kiss of apricot while the yeast aromas contribute light bubblegum. There is a touch of biscuit from the malt as well.
Taste/Feel: The piney and fruity flavor profile is mildly bitter and perfectly balanced. Pine, apricot, caramelized biscuit, and very subtle tropical fruits. Extremely drinkable for everything going on here. Centennial, Simcoe, Bravo, Eureka, Idaho 7 hops contribute to this complexity.
Overall: This was very drinkable and delicious. I wish it were a tad fresher but I am more sensitive to that than a lot of people. It was brewed in the middle of October, pushing 3 months which annoys me because it says late November on the 12 pack box. The taste score took a hit, but just for that reason. I'll update the review accordingly if I get a fresh one. Whatever.
Jan 23, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by hophead723 from California
I got a Sampler 12 Pack with 2 of these in it and I wanted to review it for a while. In fact, I think this is the first time I have tried this beer but I specifically remember being excited for it to come out years ago. Long overdue. Poured into my Samuel Smith British Pub glass.
Look: Perfectly clear, tawny and red-hued body with good carbonation levels rising up from the nucleation sites on the glass. The towering, fluffy head is nearly light tan but can be classified as dark sail white. It has excellent retention and leaves lovely lacing. Two-row Pale, Chocolate, Especial, Wheat malts contribute to this hearty brew.
Smell: The aroma is lightly fruity, both from the hops and the yeast. The hop aromas are of pine, light grapefruit, and a kiss of apricot while the yeast aromas contribute light bubblegum. There is a touch of biscuit from the malt as well.
Taste/Feel: The piney and fruity flavor profile is mildly bitter and perfectly balanced. Pine, apricot, caramelized biscuit, and very subtle tropical fruits. Extremely drinkable for everything going on here. Centennial, Simcoe, Bravo, Eureka, Idaho 7 hops contribute to this complexity.
Overall: This was very drinkable and delicious. I wish it were a tad fresher but I am more sensitive to that than a lot of people. It was brewed in the middle of October, pushing 3 months which annoys me because it says late November on the 12 pack box. The taste score took a hit, but just for that reason. I'll update the review accordingly if I get a fresh one. Whatever.
Jan 23, 2020
Flipside Red IPA from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
3024 ratings