2017 Sierra Nevada Hoptimum

Yeah I've drank a six pack already. It is really good, way better than previous years. They finally got that beer dialed in.

 

It was perfect the way it was. Its just a light version of its former self. They must have had to do it because of folks tastes cant handle the intensity of the OG.

 

I had it a couple of days ago .....



It was better than I remembered it. I don't think I'd describe it as a "Triple IPA," but I'd certainly describe it as a pretty doggone good DIPA.

 

I agree completely, I thought the original recipe was near perfection. Seems like we are in the minority about not liking the change though so it probably was a good move for Sierra Nevada.

 

Yeah to each their own. I personally didn't think the old recipe was very similar to Torpedo but that may be due to how much Torpedo I drink, probably a good 2-3 per week average. Don't get me wrong I still really like this new version and it's growing on me after each one I have. Just my initial thoughts here.

Totally agree about the packaging though! Was really bummed to see they changed the Bigfoot artwork and now they changed the Hoptimum also. Hopefully they won't change the Narwhal label

 

I prefer the older hotter recipe still good stuff

 

They rebranded/changed the packaging... had to do a double take and go, oh, OK, Hoptimum.

 

Thanks, man. We're pretty proud of the new recipe. We're going to keep tweaking Hoptimum year-over-year to keep it interesting for us. We've learned a lot about how to get big-ass hop flavor since the original debut of the beer in 2009, and we wanted to make a new version that used some of our new attitude toward late hops.
Glad you liked it.

-Bill

 

Has it changed enough that a new beer should be added on BA? Some beers vary year-to-year and a new entry is created every year. How would we denote this - Hoptimum 2017, Hoptimum v2, or Hoptimumer?

 

had my first few today, loved the old recipe, but it seems this is the way the IPA is headed, for better or worse. That said, despite loving getting my tongue scorched on past versions, this years is actually pretty darn good! For you all that decided this years Waldos was too sweet, you should give this a try!

 

The easiest solution is probably to change the description of the original listing to something like Hoptimum 2009-2016, and then create a new listing for Hoptimum 2017-

 

Sure did, I think it's a major improvement but I did enjoy the old recipe as well. I will definitely pick this up again. Also, love that it's in six-packs.

 

Hopefully the new format that allows brewers to "own" their listings will kick in and correct this. It probably should be listed as a new beer and the old Hoptimum listed as retired. If the new beer is improved that much then getting drug down by old ratings seems like something the Brewer would be keen on fixing.

 

Agreed. I added the new description/details of this years version yesterday, but was just added on to the original info.

 

Yowza what a change for the positive.

Gave up in Hoptimum a few years ago as it was inferior to many DIPAs, not even in the modern realm.

But heard it had a reboot & decided to try. Great one for us old-time beer geeks - think it has nice balance for such a crowded market here in NE & isticks out from the rest.

 

Long Live Sierra Nevada.

 

The new packaging looks awesome in my opinion

 

I love people that hate change.. just cracks me up. Hated this beer before.. sounds much improved. Might have to search it out.

 

Can't wait to try this!

 

Well said! Took the words out of my mouth. The 'sweet thick maltiness / hop assault' is an awesome description of the original Hoptimum and this new version really muted both of those flavors in my opinion. Would like to know your thoughts when you try it.

 

Unpopular opinion. Good news if it doesn't taste like an amplified Torpedo anymore. Used to love Torpedo, now not that much (same with SNPA sadly)

 

I'm going to go pick some up. I absolutely loved the original recipe and it was becoming more unique as I feel like there aren't a lot of IPAs like it these days. Still, I'm interested to try the new version.

 

Love the original so I'm sure this will be great too. Can't wait to see it in stores around here.

 

It's easy for you to laugh at others since you disliked the beer initially.

 

Tried for this new version for the 1st time last night and thought it was delicious. Pretty much gave up on Hoptimum, old recipe just wasn't for me. This change was much needed, and will start buying more in the future.

 

I asked this very same question, but the powers at be deleted my post because it "added nothing to the thread and the answer can be found by reading the FAQ on how to add beers." I took that to mean do not add it because there was no name change and only a minor change in abv. But personally I agree with you, a new page should definitely be added bc this 2017 version is a vastly different beer than in years past.

 

I'm in the camp that really misses the original. It was facing rippingly raw, this is very tame in comparison. Oh well there is still RuinTen. That being said I would have to say this is the best fruit forward IPA I think Sierra has ever made.

 

So is this more tropical than the Tropical IPA?

 

picked up a sixer earlier today

 

Great beer. I t is a tremendous value

 

I enjoy most of Sierra Nevada's offerings but I was never a fan of Hoptimum. A little boozy for me (although I don't mind some high abv stouts?) I will definitely give this one a try. Sucks for those that love the original.

 

I Always have room for Hoptimum.

 

How do you unretire a beer? Ft George Suicide Squeeze is listed as retired (2016 version) but it's not.The first low abv version was retired but the higher abv version is clearly listed as a seasonal on their website (and it's available right now). Would it be easier to just add a beer? But then the reviews for the mislabeled beer won't count anymore....