Collaborations

When a well-respected American brewery collaborates with a legendary European brewery, the results should probably be good.  I recently went to Cork in Westmont, NJ where two such tag-teams are on tap: Gnomegang, the Ommegang/La Chouffe partnership, and the Sierra Nevada/Ovila Abbey Dubbel.

Some of my first impressions:

Ovila Dubbel

Ovila seems to be caught between a session and sexy Belgian, and I don't find it to be either.  Maybe I'm one of those people who "like craft beer too much" but I'm not that impressed by Ovila on tap. Flavor is a good thing, dag-nabit, and this brew doesn't have the flavor I'm looking for. The Gnomegang collaboration seems to me to be a better success, offering the best of both worlds: rich body, silky mouthfeel, and hops that stand up for themselves, compliments of Ommegang's American take on the Belgian tradition. Enter La Chouffe with the light candi sweetness and playful citrus. 

Gnomegang Tap at Cork

Gnomegang

A Tale of Two Beers

Famous Last Words:

"It is a far, far better better beer that I drink..." That is what I think of. As the work day winded down, my colleagues and I partook of some fermented beverages. We had a pretty good selection: 21st Amendment's Brew Free or Die IPA, Bell's Two-Hearted Ale, Sierra Nevada's Torpedo IPA and I think some others, too, but I forget them right now.

The first for me was Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Extra IPA. I have had this beer before, and this particular day, I was equally as unimpressed as the first. Sorry! Sierra Nevada is usually one of those no-worries, rock-solid dependable breweries, but I was at a loss as to what to say. The second beer I had was Bell's Two Hearted Ale, which although the label just says "Ale", it is an American style IPA, and it shows it. Compared to Torpedo, which throws in the word "Extra" into it's name, Bell's "Ale" beats our Sierra Nevada in the IPA department.

What's in a name? A hop is a hop is a hop. Bell's wins in the hop category, the aroma category, and the overall taste category. Ask not for whom Bell's tolls, it tolls for me... to have another Two-Hearted Ale!

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA:

This honey-colored hop-fest pours with a foamy, almost soapy head on top. The head holds a serious up-front bitterness and hides a deep-seeded full-bodied bitterness underneath. There's malt in there somewhere, but hop-heads rejoice at this swirling vortex of flavors. Bitter up front then surprisingly smooth. Then a little more bitter... then, that's kinda grapefruity. Oh yeah, nice hoppy, bitter aftertaste. Wait, there's an after-aftertaste.

So says Sierra, "Utilizing the 'Hop Torpedo', our unique method of dry hopping, we harness precious oils and resins to showcase the complex citrus, pine, and herbal flavor and aromas that hops have to offer."

And it seems that Sierra Nevada has managed to reach deep into the hop and draw out some essence heretofore unreached. Geez, did I just say 'heretofore'?

A dear friend (Brigita from Mycancerdeployment.blogspot.com) once commented that Sierra Nevada Pale Ale seemed somehow less hoppy than it had in the past. Could that be due to a recipe change or even a hop shortage? Or could it be that when a hop-head is born, he or she chases the flower forever after taking that first taste? Sierra's Celebration is pretty darn hoppy and Torpedo seems to top that. The Harvest collection is unbelievable as well (look for Vol. 13 coming soon). So maybe the Pale Ale hasn't changed after all. Rather, our taste for the hop may have changed, our appetite more voracious. If you seek a rich hoppy experience, Torpedo should satisfy your cravings.

Just a wee bit short of a session beer at 7.2% abv, Torpedo's one weakness may be accessibility. Like I said, great for hop-heads but keep in mind that the bitterness is pretty substantial. Not just an IPA... Extra IPA.

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA:

Representation: .98

Accessibility: .88

Style: .95

Personal Preference: .98

Total Score: 3.79 Flags

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale 2009:

This brew has a nice amber color and slightly fizzy mouthfeel. It's a celebration alright -- of hops. Earthy and bitter, not very floral ... like an IPA with some malty undertones but the malt flavor is buried deep beneath the herbal hoppy attack on the palate. The hops come on strong, then subside, then reappear for the aftertaste. Side note: A belchers delight, one glass of this brew can provide an uninterupted "Twelve Days of Christmas" if your breathing technique is slick enough.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale has a medium body and weighs in a 6.8% abv, providing a slightly warming sensation. I would definitely recommend pouring Sierra Celebration into a glass or mug to let it open up a bit. It's a sippin' tea that has a sharpness to it; pretty rich and flavorful so don't rush it. It's multi-faceted but not too complicated-- and deserves to be enjoyed in good time.

Like many holiday beers, this isn't a "brewski" that you slug down at a dive bar. Instead, set a dinner date with a hop lover, cook up some wurst and celebrate one sip at a time.

Unlike many holiday beers, the hops (with a touch of malt) dominate the flavor while the traditional mulling spices and other Christmasy trimmings do not appear at all.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale 2009:

Representation: .95
Accessibility: .95
Style: .96
Personal Preference: .96

Total Score: 3.82 Flags

Read our other Sierra Nevada beer reviews

Sierra Nevada "Harvest" Wet Hop Ale

Sierra Nevada “Harvest” Wet Hop Ale

Sierra Nevada weaves a fine tale. The story of the one day turnaround of “wet” hops to make this Harvest Ale gives us beer lovers hope. I try to find the brewers who care about their products and go the extra mile (and then some) to produce something inspired. Sierra Nevada never disappoints. This ale is hoppy in a way that few brews can boast—not so much bitter as tangy. And flowery. And a little sweet. With a nectary-like finish that dries out at the end. Oh, that's delicious.

I gotta warn you... watch your pour doesn't go too fast because the head can be fairly outrageous. Maybe I poured it into the wrong glass, but I think it was appropriate. It's more of a hefeweisse glass but the flowery aroma and sharp zest proved well-suited for the large flute-style glass. Of course you could roll gangsta and drink this brew straight out of the 24oz. Bottle but some of the intricacies of the flavors might be lost if you don't allow this beer to open up and breathe.

I love this smooth, sweet, and bitter gem of a beer. Of course, I couldn't resist anything freshly released from Sierra Nevada. They could produce a Harvest Badger Pee Ale and I'd pick it up with the quickness. Of course BPA may not receive scores this high, but I'd drink it anyway.

Sierra Nevada “Harvest” Wet Hop Ale:

Representation: .99
Accessibility: .95
Style: .95
Personal Preference: .95

Total Score: 3.84 Flags

King Harvest - Sierra Nevada Harvest Fresh Hop Ale

Sierra Nevada Harvest Fresh Hop Ale:

The label of this specialty beer tells the story of being the ultimate seasonal. Worth a read, surely. In fact, I understand that there exists an entire account of the trip that included hostile natives, a drug cartel, and man-eating vines. But the tale of the label is cool enough, considering the end product that I managed to enjoy.

Crisp and hoppy. Bitter and spicy. Floral and fragrant. Not quite as much body as an IPA. But that's quite alright -- perfect, in fact, for a hot summer night. One of the lightest yet hoppiest brews I've had in a long time. I have fond memories of Hopitmus Prime being zingy, zesty, and light. I would be interested in trying these two side by side. Smooth and clean with a nice bitter finish.

I drank this beer from a wine-style glass. The flowery-ness comes through quite nicely if you sip this beauty. Don't chug it. Pour with vigor, though, to stir up a creamy, frothy head. It won't last forever so get it while it's foamy. Actually, the packaging is perfect for keeping the head fresh. The big 24 oz bottle allows for many pours, whether you share this Harvest with friends or hog it all for yourself (I chose the latter. Sorry, guys.). This would be perfect at a bbq after you have some grilled shellfish appetizers like clams or mussels with a little butter, but before the dogs and sausages. Mmmm... sausages...

Hop-heads, don't miss it. Be advised: it's more like a hop sorbet than a hop sundae. Cleanses and refreshes. But if you open the big bottle by yourself, prepare to face the music as Sierra Nevada Harvest plays to the tune of 6.7% abv. 24 oz. Not too strong, but two strong.

Sierra Nevada Harvest Fresh Hop Ale:

Representation: 1.0

Accessibility: .95

Style: .90

Personal Preference: .95

Total Score: 3.8 Flags

Sierra Nevada Summerfest

Sierra Nevada Summerfest:

Not a "summer ale". Actually, Summerfest isn't even an ale. More of a celebration of summer, Sierra Nevada Summerfest is a lager that is light and refreshing, easily drunk in honor of the thirsty months ahead. Though I've already noted that lager isn't my favorite style, I must say that I'm kinda sorry I don't have another Summerfest in front of me right now. Defininitely one of the best lagers I've ever had.

Summerfest is crisp and dry with a light to medium body. Really refreshing. This is a beer that will beat the crap out of any of the big mass-produced lagers that we beer officianados find a bit boring. Way more flavor comes out when care and pride go in, so pick up some of this brew if you need to renew your faith in lager. It's a safe bet since Sierra Nevada don't make no junk.

In the context of the summer ales I've been tasting, my preference remains with the wheaty, citrusy ales that have a more seasonal flair but this lager could certainly make the jump from seasonal to perennial. Sierra Nevada's offerings are more interesting and unique than anything those big breweries are putting out there, regardless of the season.

Sierra Nevada Summerfest:

Representation: 1.0
Accessibility: 1.0
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .75

Total Score: 3.6 Flags

Wheat Beers...Breakfast of Champions - Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer

Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer:

Sierra Nevada is just one of those breweries. They're big enough to stand the test of time, day after day producing a consistent product. The name alone means quality. They are small enough and conscientious enough to take the utmost pride in their craft. Maintaining this level of quality can't be easy, and in my opinion they share some elite company -- Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head, Anchor, Oregon, and a few others. Some local breweries (see the Beermuda Triangle for geography) like Victory, Weyerbacher, and Troegs are well on their way.

So onto the Wheat Beer. This is a classic unfiltered wheat with a clean, American taste. The wheat and hops blend together in a pilsner-type way. It's not as crisp as a pilsner because of its unfiltered nature (go ahead and pour the sediment into the glass -- so says Sierra) but not as citrusy as a hefeweiss.

Not terribly stylish, but extremely drinkable. Sierra Wheat cruises in at a tame 4.2% abv and since it is unfiltered, the natural vitamins in the yeast and barley and hops can work with your body to deter a hangover. Yes, I said it. Now remember, this is not a free pass to overindulge but if that's your M.O. you could do way worse for yourself than Sierra Wheat. You can stand by this beer all night long and it won't let you down.

Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer:

Representation: .80
Accessability: .90
Style: .75
Personal Preference: .80

Total Score: 3.25 Flags

I Knew It! - Sierra Nevada Bigfoot

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale:

I knew Bigfoot existed ... I just couldn't prove it. Your commander-in-chief had been informed by his advisors that Bigfoot was prowling the unsettled territories of this FermentNation. I could hear the yell of this majestic man-beast but had never encountered him until now.

Finally face to face with Bigfoot I can say that it is the missing link between barleywine and beer. I had previously heard that this beast from the Sierra Nevada brewery was a bit on the mellow side, so I was prepared for something and got something else ... something better. The aroma is fruity and hoppy with an almost undetectable alcohol vapor. The flavor is bold and dry, smooth and spicy. Pour it just right and witness the head rise from the depths of your glass. Look out for the bitter finish lurking at the end of that trail you've been following.

Not the barleywine-est barleywine ever, but a bridge; so Representation points will seem a bit low. But everything else about this brew is a serious treat.

2008 marks the 25th expedition for Bigfoot. I finally found it in the store (only $9.99 for a six pack). Hopefully my personal quest will prove less elusive: To capture this natural wonder on tap. Keep in mind, though, at 9.6% abv the hunter could become the hunted if he nods off by the campfire.

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale:.

Representation: .80
Accessability: .85
Style: .90
Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.45 Flags

• Looking back, I may have given Old Horizontal a bit of a short shrift. Comment if you demand a recount!