Sierra Nevada 40th Hoppy Anniversary Ale: Thoughts?

Read my mind.

Perfect for me. Simple, clean, elegant.

 

Your words indicate that you read my mind as well.

Explosive aromas? No. Run of the mill? Um, depends on your POV... personally, I think it's the cream of the crop instead. It's relatively light and delicate with some citrus, some bitterness, and some cracker-like flavors. It goes down really easy. It's delicate and nothing like a NEIPA. From what I know of your tastes, it's worth a shot.

I agree that Celebration doesn't come to mind in the slightest, but although Pale Ale came to mind, I don't see it as a big brother since the balance of the beer is totally different. Pale Ale has much more malt presence for me.

 

I agree that the hops are different in the 40th (that mix of Centennial and Cluster is very interesting, but the Cascade doesn't come thru for me) than the Pale, but since the herbal bitterness in the 40th is so much more forward than the fruit hop character of the Pale, I just tagged the 40th as the "big brother."

No, the two beers aren't really alike, but the 40th is closer to the Pale than it is to Celebration.

 

Where have you seen it in stores?

 

Total Wine and supermarkets: Trader Joes, Best Market, Shoprite
I haven't been to any of the Beverage Barns since the beer came out.

 

Thanks. I'm going to TW on Sunday. BB does not have it

 

everywhere ... even Walmart

 

it ain't official until you got the glass

 

Re-read what you're describing there... just about every other IPA on the shelves (relatively light being just that, relative -- compare it to 2 Hearted, a "relatively" light IPA).

I just reviewed the 40th and had to be honest and hearken back to what I said previously, do we really need another IPA on the shelves?

Admittedly, the beer is well-made -- so few SN beers aren't, but it's just an American IPA folks. My aged opinion says it isn't worthy of a 40th Anniversary "Celebration." Of which, Celebration is still king to me.

 

I always respect your take on things. For me, this one simply hit the sweet spot in a way that most others don't. Celebration doesn't (for me)... but to each their own. I absolutely love that people still get excited about Celebration though, since doing so runs counter to the "it's just an American IPA" POV. Even though Celebration is so distinctive, you know that that mantra would easily be used by others who don't understand why someone would still be excited for it these days.

 

Been told where to find it locally...but it is not everywhere in NY right now, oddly enough. I've been convinced to purchase and will be getting some on Sunday.

 

I'm in the cup of those who really like this year's Celebration. I also like 40th Anniversary Ale. I agree that they are really quite different. 40th at 6% ABV sits in the sweet spot between an IPA and a pale ale. While I really like IPAs many of the one I see just don't work for me. After a brief flirtation with NEIPAs I've decided they are on my don't buy list - I don't hate them but just am not interested in buying them. A lot of other IPAs deem to going the way of tropical fruit bombs while I prefer the classic West Coast style IPA and 40th seems to come close to meeting that requirement.

 

I would strongly recommend to you this year's version of Victory Hop Wallop.

Cheers!

 

I agree if you like classic bitter bombs with not much else going on.

 

Have you had this year's version?

Cheers!

 

They weren't "magical letters" back then I guess'.

Excellent idea, I might make it a threesome and add SNPA.

 

Yes I had this year's version:

Victory Hop Wallop - fitting that I had one on this NYE because I had a few on the last one. It's okay, worth drinking but I don't love it. Not the original formula but doesn't matter really, still old school and if you like that dry and bitter bite all the way through you will enjoy this.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/commun...drinking-now-2628.630559/page-13#post-6752121

 

Well, on this point you and I are 180 degree opposites. I think this year's version of Hop Wallop is absolutely OUTSTANDING!

Every person has their own unique palate and their own preferences in what they seek in a given beer style.

Cheers!

 

I can definitely appreciate that. I get my hop cravings now and again and if the 40th was always available I could see it being one of my choices to quench the thirst. But I still think it's just a little too pedestrian for a commemorative beer.

 

I had to drive up a mountain to cross county lines, but I was finally able to pick this up. It's a very tasty WCIPA that is very, very dry. It's very enjoyable and drinkable. Glad I picked up 2 six packs.