A taste of… Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA

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

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA was purchased for $2.75(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a date code on the neck of the bottle: “0012219:10”.

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: This crystal clear reddish copper brew has a carbonation of fine beads of bubbles that form a rocky parchment colored head of medium and tiny bubbles that tat a fine Belgian lace.

Aroma: As soon as this bottle was opened there was a presence of grapefruit that quickly faded. The first nose-dive reveals floral accents of honey suckle. A second visit brings out more of the floral aromas with a edge of citric aromas. The third visit had the aroma receptors accustomed to the assorted floral aromas and weaving them together too tightly to deconstruct.

Flavor: The first impression is a creamy frothy sensation that introduces a spike of almost metallic tang. The second sip reveals grapefruit flavors to give the early flavor sensations a name. A third sip finds some sweet crystal sugar candy accents that, on the slightly singed edge reflect the tangy flavors.

Mouth feel: There is a full frothy first feel that only recedes slightly.

Finish: Creamy and full bodied but not obese.

Comments: The label tells me that this beverage is 7.2% alcohol by volume. There is also mention of the use of whole-cone American hop flowers. I am still left to wonder the meaning of “Torpedo”.

Food & Beer: The floral accents to this brew would feel right at home with a field green salad with bits of apple and walnuts in a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.


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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/140/30420

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/sierra-nevada-torpedo-extra-ipa/59261/