A taste of… Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Ale 2010

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
1075 East 20th Street
Chico, CA 95928-6722
(530) 893-3520

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale 2009 was purchased for $3.00(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a date code on the neck of the bottle: “93511114:09”.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: The remarkably small bubbles of carbonation give the deep, almost red, copper colored crystal clear brew a sparkle. The head is a full and rocky light parchment colored lightly constructed head of medium and large bubbles.

Aroma: The first nose-dive brought the lightest version of a pine forest to mind, for a moment or two. The second visit revealed a slight grapefruit scent that also fell away very quickly. The third venture sensed an almost rose like aroma but the citric returned and were more noticeable.

Flavor: The first impression is of caramel, Crème brûlée singed sugar followed by a warm sensation that can settle quite quickly on a empty stomach. The second sip brings a metallic tang to the tongue and the warmth of the first sip blitzes the sinuses. The third sip has bitter orange and grapefruit announcing themselves and making themselves at home.

Mouth feel: There is a very full, creamy feel to this brew.

Finish: The finish on the pallet is sooner sensed than the warmth in the belly.

Comments: Sip this one from a snifter, like they tell you to do.

Food & Beer: Firm, slightly crumbly sharp cheddar-style cheeses made by a local dairy farmer and cheese-maker would be the perfect way to make the best of the richness of this brew and the lactic tang of the cheese.


The Brewery: http://www.sierranevada.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/140/2671

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/sierra-nevada-bigfoot/371/
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