Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra I.P.A.

ABV: 7.2%
Our props: 6.5
IBU: 65
Calories: 218

Traditionally I've never been a regular Sierra Nevada Pale Ale drinker (this seems to be the one with the green label that you see everywhere). When I spotted that they offered an extra I.P.A. my interest was sparked. You can probably tell this from the ridiculous amount we have been posting about since we started reviewing beverages (wines are coming... I promise). I have always thought their pale ale was overly bitter so I was skeptical on this new year-round I.P.A that was released at the beginning of 2009. Sierra's website states that all their beers are brewed with 100% whole cone hops and no additives or extracts throughout the entire brewing process, and have been for the last 29 years. They claim that this is what took them so long to produce the I.P.A. and that the name is derived from a special "Hop Torpedo". This "Hop Torpedo" was a device conceived within Sierra's brewery and allowed them to achieve this 100% dry-hopping brew method.

The result is a nice I.P.A. and great addition to the Sierra Nevada's line of year-round beers. It is not the best I.P.A. I have every had but far from the worst. Much smoother than their pale ale, this brew has a lot of flavor but still left a slightly strong aftertaste. Definitely worth a try but probably won't buy it on the regular.

On a side note. This Pilsner glass brings back memories from this summer at the Pyramid Restaurant and Brewery outside San Francisco with our good friend Daniel. If your reading this—Dude get back east, you're too far!