SN High Altitude Series

Had a chance to sample the 2013 Hoptimum at the brewery in March- if you haven't liked it in the past, seek it out-very tasty this year. Haven't seen it in Maryland yet but I'm sure it will show up soon. My vote still goes to the Foot-absolutely best Barleywine made IMHO.

 

All three are at the top of their respective styles, IMO.

 

Where's the three way tie vote button, bro?

 

Bigfoot. Love Bigfoot fresh and with age. Wasn't impressed with Narwhal, but I'm aging a few and think it'll get better. Hoptimum is delicious as well but Bigfoot edges it out.

 

While this time a year you'll find me reaching for the hops, something about a super fresh Bigfoot gets me going. It's definitely hoppy in and of itself, but the balance and depth as a whole jus isn't rivaled by the others.

 

They're all so damn good that this was a near impossible choice for me. I just had my first Hoptimum last night, and damn was it ever delicious. I think it's probably that new car smell that's making me pick Hoptimum, but I'm still sticking with it. In an über-competitive style, Hoptimum still makes my short list.

I don't think any of the three are tops in their style (though Bigfoot is very, very close, and I'd be hard-pressed to find a non-barrel-aged American barleywine that's better), but they are all very, very close to their respective zeniths.

The fact that they come out of such a large company as Sierra Nevada and are sold for such a bargain price is nothing short of amazing. If Sierra Nevada weren't already in my personal top brewers, they are now.

 

Was just thinking the same thing.

 

That's how it was for me. All three are absolutely exemplary for their style, especially for the price. So, the easiest way for me to choose was based on which is my favorite style - Hoptimum.

 

This poll is way closer than I thought it would be. I voted Narwhal, but would probably vote differently in an hour. It was a total toss up, cause I love them all. Shows how solid SN is as a brewery.

 

I think it's an amazing line up and each one is completely seasonal for me. I love Bigfoot and Narwhal for the colder months, while Hoptimum is perfect for the spring and summer evenings. I'm very happy with the whole line up.

I'm having a hell of a time trying to decide between the three....just really depends on the weather for me. hmmm....

 

Hoptimum > Bigfoot > Narwhal. All of them are tasty though.

 

Voting Narwhal, haven't had Bigfoot yet. Really loved Narwhal though.

 

Had Hoptimum last year and found it rather hot and boozy for the style but I'll buy it again. Narwhal was solid but didn't stand out as anything spectacular. Bigfoot, however, will always have a special place in my heart so it got my vote.

 

Bigfoot is awesome but the Hoptimum is a religious experience. Cheers!

 

wrong.....
just because you said wrong
How can someone be wrong in their preferences ?

 

That's great to know. I've avoided it since that unforgivable first batch.

 

yeah, literally the only reason i gave it another shot was to "vote with my dollar" for moving large format (24oz!) beers to value-priced 12oz 4-or-6-pk format. imagine my surprise that the beer had suddenly turned good.

 

Hoptimum FTW!

 

Hoptimum
Narwhal
Bigfoot
All three are excellent but Hoptimum is my current favorite

 

Narwhal
Bigfoot
Hoptimum