Two words... SIERRA NEVADA............

Sierra Nevada has always been top notch, long before Hoptimum, Ruthless and Torpedo. If people needed those beers to convince them they have been missing out.

Hoptimum is a miss for me but that it a rare miss by SN. Tremendous brewery, tremendously consistent. Much respect to Sierra Nevada.

 

I was hooked on Sierra Nevada since the day a bartender at a dive bar suggested a SNPA after I waved off the Coors light that he went to pour after my pals ordered said lights. I'll refrain from saying just how long ago that was. ouch.

 

My favorite brewery. Price, availability and quality is unmatched. Sam Adams and Boulevard very close.

 

I actually had a ~7-month old Torpedo today (as a BA newbie, I bought that and then got caught in buying all the "top" stuff I could get locally as quickly as possible =] ), and it was still good. The hops were mostly missing, but it drank almost like a delicious pale ale. Smooth, refreshing, and extremely drinkable for an IPA of that age.

 

Well, I mean most of their stuff goes everywhere. So missing a few here and there isn't bad.

 

I think "freshness" is overrated. I've had Pliny at 3 months, and it was just as good as Pliny at 3 wks. My opinion, of course. To me, beer may actually improve with a little time on it. Too many people get hung up on "best by" dates. It's still good, maybe different, but still good.

 

IMO yes and no. I will take a uber fresh IPA on tap from the brewery every time over an older bottle and there is not doubt it is better. I think there is and over emphasis placed on freshness and people will overreact but freshness is certainly due an appropriate amount of consideration.

 

I semi-, no, I pretty much agree, Kzoo.

 

Still no hoptimum here for at least a week.

 

That's all I'm taking on a trip to the river with me... SNPA cans, Torpedo and Kellerweis.

 

I'll join the "drinking a Hoptimum" train. And, I'll also hop on the "Hoptimum is much better this year than last year" train. Probably going to have to review it again, since it's quit better. Better than Hopslam was this year for sure.

 

Yeah their 30th Anniversary brews were astounding. I really dig SN.

 

um yea.. speaking of sierra Nevada does anyone else think that they are the greatest brewery in this country??? granted they dont redefine beer the way jolly pumpkin or 120 minute does, but everything they do is absolutley F****ing solid. and they brew so many styles. the day their sales overtakes boston brew co. i will pop a bottle of champagne to ken grossman. and then dump the champagne down the sink and drink some torpedo.

 

I love them dearly.
To be fair, there are a few other west coast based "value priced" breweries that deserve equal love.

 

cant wait to try the collab with russian river

 

Sierra Nevada continues to be my favorite brewery. Great-tasting, consistent beer at a very reasonable price.

 

I forgot about that! Thanks for reminding me.

 

You're just now realizing this? SN has been at the top of their game for the last 30+ years.

Awesome how stoked non-Californians get about beers like Hoptimum. A tasty brew indeed, but pretty far down on the list of the best West Coast DIPAs. But their pricing, distribution, and overall quality are hard to beat.

 

Im actually drinking one of my last Ruthless Ryes.