Sierra Nevada Pale Ale - Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

KYGunner

Kentucky

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale is the consummate entry for the style. In what hits every category it does it with perfect example. From exacting body and color to perfect balance in scent and flavor SN does this beer right.

A pale ale should strike a balance between malt and hops and this does just that. Both scent and flavor has malt and hop appearances but neither overshadows the other to create an easy drinking flavorful beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-05-2013 01:55:41 | More by KYGunner

barczar

Kentucky

3.79/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Pours a brilliant caramel copper color with a dense, foamy half inch ivory head that slowly correlates, leaving solid lacing.

Pine, muted citrus, and lightly toasted malt form the initial aroma. There's a bit of fresh cut grass, resin, and light floral notes.

Flavor reveals underpinnings of grapefruit and orange pith, with slightly bready, toasted malt at the backbone, carrying into a somewhat bitter, lightly resiny finish. Tastes a little watery, perhaps oxidized. Could be the tap lines. Skunky and floral hops emerge as it warms.

Body is moderate to a touch watery, with moderate carbonation, a touch of warmth, and slight astringency.

Very sessionable brew. Fairly balanced, but leans slightly toward the bitter/hoppy side.

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2013 01:44:15 | More by barczar

SportsandJorts

Michigan

2.86/5  rDev -29.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Type: on-tap
Glass: pint
From: Casey's Tavern in Ann Arbor
Price: $4.50

Appearance: a slightly dark orangish-red. clear with a small foamy head the faded slowly and left a lacing on the sides

Smell: Spicy hops, florals maybe a touch of citrus.

Taste: a mixture of spicy hops with some floral and citrus undertones. but i definitely get the ever so slight taste of dirty socks

Mouthfeel: pretty light and overly bitter to me

Overall: i am not a huge pale ale guy but i do enjoy them from time to time. this one was just not doing it for me when i wanted a nice refreshing beer. i will most likely revisit this one as it is not hard to come by but until then these are my thoughts on it

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2013 16:32:17 | More by SportsandJorts

Darkmagus82

Montana

4.03/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on tap in a pint glass

Appearance – The beer is served a golden-amber color with a thick one finger white head. The head has a great level of retention, fading slowly over time to give a

Smell – The aroma is light overall. It consists of a light caramel and bready smell mixed with a small amount of citrus.

Taste – The taste begins with a bready taste with a small amount of caramel sweetness upfront. As the taste advances the bready taste remain with the sweetness fading some. While the sweetness lessens, the bitterness increases as some flavors of a citrus grapefruit hop flavor come to the taste. In the end a slightly bitter, but very smooth bready and hop flavor are left to linger on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is rather average in terms of creaminess as well as in terms of carbonation. Both suit the style rather appropriately as they make for a very easy drinking brew.

Overall – A tasty and balanced pale ale. A good easy drinker.

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2012 23:39:58 | More by Darkmagus82

merc7186

New York

3.95/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Warehouse in Hamburg NY, into pint glass.

A: Mildly Hazy Golden Straw, Passes Most Light, White Head Ring, Some Lacing

S: Floral Hops, Bittering Hops

T: Bittering Hops, Floral Hops

M: Decent Carbonation, Medium Bodied, Good Carbonation, Poor Bittering Hops

Overall, a mediocre pale ale that's on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2012 04:59:20 | More by merc7186

danreitz

4.73/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served on tap at Mona's in New York City. Pours golden amber with a floral aroma. The taste is marvelously balanced; there is just enough of that piney, slightly bitter cascade hop flavor is to counter the thick sweetness of the malt. Crisp, slightly citrus aftertaste.

A fantastic beer. Perfect yet unassuming, like a Fender Stratocaster. Refreshing and bold-flavored. Highly recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

11-14-2012 19:35:57 | More by danreitz

hopsolutely

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Hate to say it, but in 2012 this one-time benchmark brew is uninspiring in comparison with other Californian pale ale offerings...

Pours a bright and clear copper amber, with decent white head and lacing resilience. Mild, malt-forward aroma lacks many of the anticipated "c" hop elements. Flavours are also mild, a well balanced caramelized malt sweetness followed by some citrus notes and an inoffensive bitterness.

Would rate this as a very well brewed "transition beer" that would be suitable for those overwhelmed by other craft APAs.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2012 22:34:48 | More by hopsolutely

tobelerone

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The iconic west coast pale, still a standard bearer for the style, although not as exciting as it once was. On draft, pours coppery gold, nearly clear, with a sizeable head that has good retention and lacing. Aroma is mostly citrusy hops; mild sweet and grainy malt underneath.

Flavor follows suit; primarily features the citrus hop notes of cascade and other C hop varieties; light caramel malt backbone; feels mild and lightly bitter after all these years of escalating hop bombs. Finish is mostly dry with lightly lingering bitterness in the aftertaste. Flavorful and easy to drink.

Medium body and carbonation; good smoothness in the draft version. An excellent choice on a night trapped in a shit-kickin' BMC bar, thankful for this option. Doesn't fire up the imagination and palate the way it did 20 odd years ago but still a reliable and satisfying drinker.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2012 13:27:10 | More by tobelerone

Vigilante

Nevada

4.38/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a pub glass.

A: Pours color with two fingers of head which dissipates slowly leaving a good amount of lacing

S: Hops, pale malt, slight aroma of tropical fruit

T: Wonderful taste of pale malt, hops, grapefruit, and citrus. Strong flavor without being extremely bitter. Very complex and well balanced.

M: Amazing strong mouthfeel one would expect from Sierra Nevada.

O: I absolutely live this beer. One of the best pale ales out there. Truly amazing.

Serving type: on-tap

10-29-2012 02:23:06 | More by Vigilante

Gatch

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap @ The Horseshoe Pub in Hudson, MA. Finally reviewing the quintessential craft beer & Pale Ale.

A: Copper-amber in color with a nice, off-white head. A bit of lace but no retention.

S: Malty, spicy and roasty with a hint of hops. More of an Amber/Red nose.

T: Big, pale malt, subtle hops. This is a true Pale Ale. Almost seems more English than American. I was surprised how un-hoppy it actually is. Earthy, spicy, hearty.

M: Plenty of carbonation, good flavor and body, and easy to drink.

O: The beer that started it all. I got away from it for many years and this reminds me why. Good beer but it just doesn't have the flavor I'm looking for. To each their own. A great gateway brew for any novice craft beer drinker.

Serving type: on-tap

08-19-2012 05:12:54 | More by Gatch

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Draft: Poured a medium amber color ale with a medium size foamy head. Aroma of citrus and piney hops is well balanced against some lightly sweet caramel malt base. Taste is also a wonderfully mix of floral hops notes from West Coast hops with nice line and citrus notes though they are never overwhelming. Malt base is not too sweet and well balanced against the hops. Body is about average with good carbonation. This si one staple that I will never get tired of.

Serving type: on-tap

08-16-2012 20:28:38 | More by Phyl21ca

TheRealBigC

Nevada

4.18/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

There is a reason why this beer has risen to dominance in the APA field. Sierra Nevada is known for its hops and this pale ale has a really wonderful hoppy aroma. The amber body and frothy head are quite appealing as well. Taste-wise, it's a blast of hops and a touch of pine follwed by an extremely mellowing dose of malts. In many regards, it tastes like the label: Green. This is not a bad thing, but I've found that it is not an everytime beer as a result.

Serving type: on-tap

07-30-2012 07:36:56 | More by TheRealBigC

Jsteez

New Mexico

3.88/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this beer from a bottle and on-tap.

A-Copper and dark orange hue with slight light brown. Medium-high carbonation, very refreshing. White-tan head and creamy lacy sides around the glass.

S-Fresh hops, caramel, a little malty, sweet and citrus. Notes of pine.

T-Sweet and citrus going in. Aftertaste is dry and slightly bitter. Notes of hops, grapefruit, and caramel linger on the palate.

M-Carbonation is moderate. A little wet, which provides this brew with the refreshing quality it holds on a consistent basis. Lovely aftertaste.

O-This is a great beer to have on tap, from a bottle, in a glass, now in a can. I have not tried it from a can yet, but I will soon. This was one of the first brews that introduced me to the microbeer world years ago. It complements any type of food you want! Drink it! Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2012 21:05:41 | More by Jsteez

bshotbox

5/5  rDev +22.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I love this beer, by far one of my favorites. any trip into a bar with this on tap and it is a must have for at least one pint. I have always been a pale ale kinda dude and this one really sets the bar for me. a perfect gateway beer for anyone that wants to get into craft beer

Serving type: on-tap

05-31-2012 20:07:44 | More by bshotbox

Rutager

British Columbia (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Disneyland California Adventure park, served in a flourescent green plastic cup!

Appearance. Pours a nice amber-orange with a finger of creamy white head.

Smell. Toasty malts, citrusy hops and a little caramel.

Taste. Nice toasted grains, some citrus rinds and slightly grassy hops.

Mouthfeel. Medium-light body with medium carbonation.

Overall. A nice pale ale that I've drank many times before but somehow never reviewed.

Serving type: on-tap

05-19-2012 00:29:40 | More by Rutager

Dools9

Massachusetts

4.06/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A: Poured a golden amber color with a bit of haze. One finger soapy white head, plenty of sticky lacing on the glass like with most SN beers.

S: Mostly citrus notes along with a bit of resiny pine, slight grapefruit and some floral notes as well. Touch of caramel malt sweetness which becomes more pronounced as it warms up.

T: Citrus and piney hops lend a bitterness in the beginning, some slight floral notes, followed by a malty sweetness to balance the flavor. Finishes clean and dry. Very well balanced

M: Crisp, smooth body, medium bodied, drinks nicely. Good session beer.

O Everything you want in an American pale. Quite simply, a style defining, craft classic. Priced right and can be found from you box style liquors stores to your roadside gas stations.

Serving type: on-tap

04-27-2012 23:29:25 | More by Dools9

beerman1

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a nice dark copper color with large white head, and good lacing. Aroma is of caramel malts and a touch of citrus smell. The taste is similiar to the nose with sweet malts up front. There is a little bit of hops bitterness in the middle and it finishes with a bit of citrus.
Mouthfeel is on the lighter side.

Serving type: on-tap

04-11-2012 23:45:40 | More by beerman1

dbrauneis

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on tap at Pine Tree Lodge in New York, NY

A: Pours a crystal clear golden orange in color with very light visible carbonation. The beer has a finger tall off-white head that reduces to a thin layer over the entire surface of the beer with some thicker patches and a thicker ring at the edges of the glass. Significant lacing is observed.

S: Light smell of toasted malts, caramel malt sweetness, and then hops - pine mostly with a hint of citrus.

T: There is a light flavor of caramel malt sweetness upfront followed by the not too intense pine hop and a light amount of citrus zest. The beer has a moderate bitterness that lingers slightly.

M: On the heavier side of medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Crisp.

O: One of the early craft beers that I was introduced to and enjoyed, this beer is a classic introductory craft beer. This beer is easy to drink and very sessionable. I have had this beer many times over the last 15+ years and likely will continue to get it as an everyday kind of beer.

Serving type: on-tap

04-08-2012 11:55:13 | More by dbrauneis

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

4.08/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pint at cafe deluxe at the venetian in las vegas for 6.50$

Appearance - Clear yellow colour with a large white fizzy head. There appears to be an average amount of carbonation and there is some fairly decent lacing. The head lasted for 3 minutes before it dissipated.

Smell - Hops, citrus zest, pine and corn syrup

Taste & Mouth - There is an average mount of carbonation and I can taste light citrus and a bit of woodiness. There is also a bit of grapefruit/lemon rind mixed with corn syrup and hops. It ends with a slight dry/bitter aftertaste.

Overall - Probably my favourite beer to session. The taste is perfectly balanced and the beer is highly drinkable. My go to pale ale that I was happy to finally try on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

04-04-2012 02:28:50 | More by spinrsx

paulginva

Virginia

3.98/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

APPEARANCE: This beer, poured from a tap into a pint glass, produced a foamy off-white 1" head that dissipated quickly leaving good head lacing. Carbonation was soft in a hazy amber body.

AROMA: Moderately piney hops were quite prominent along with lighter resin and grapefruit. Also a light grainy malt aroma.

TASTE: Moderate pine and light grapefruit, lemon and orange hops, together with a bit of grainy malt and just a hint of yeast.

MOUTHFEEL: This beer had a medium body with a smooth texture, soft carbonation and good body lacing that dissipated quickly. The initial flavor was lightly bitter with a moderately bitter finish that lasted for a long time, leaving a slightly bitter aftertaste.

DRINKABILITY: Probably the best mass market APA that I've seen (don't get me wrong -- Zombie Dust is the best APA I've ever tasted, but it's not exactly mass market). Well balanced, but quite hop-forward. An excellent session beer that I'll drink and serve again and again. It has an excellent price point and it's easy to drink -- what's not to like?

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2012 18:38:00 | More by paulginva

Labeerfinder

4.45/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Classic american pale ale. Huge cascade aroma and flavoring hops of cascade and perle blended perfectly to make this citrusy/flowery beer melt wonderfully with slighly more hop bitternes than usually found in similar type ales. Overall a very solid pale ale and easy drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

03-07-2012 19:19:37 | More by Labeerfinder

zander4dawin

Texas

3.68/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a golden amber with a thin white head. The smell is subtle notes of sweet caramel malts and sweet piney hops. The taste is the golden standard of American pale ales, crisp and drinkable yet full bodied and bold. Drinkablility is great and the aftertaste leaves you wanting another sip.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2012 02:07:14 | More by zander4dawin

Merkur

Tennessee

3.98/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Beer pours a nice amber color with a bit of off white foamy head.

Beer smells very hoppy. Slightly grassy and very citrusy in nose.

Beer tastes very crisp and refreshing. The initial taste is sweet citrus hops, followed by quite a bit of bitterness. Very nicely balanced.

Beer is slightly carbonated but very balanced and drinkable.

Very solid Pale Ale.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2012 15:35:19 | More by Merkur

jethrodium

California

3.58/5  rDev -12%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap. Pours a clear golden copper with a small off white head that has good retention and leaves some light lacing on the glass. The aroma is floral hops, some light citrus, caramel, a light mineral note, and some light pine. The initial taste is sweet with caramel, and a bit of sugar cookie. Then comes some tangerine and floral hops. The finish has a light bitterness. Medium body. Medium carbonation.

Serving type: on-tap

02-15-2012 19:28:44 | More by jethrodium

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Nice golden amber. Minimal head on my pour, but still laces.

Grapefruit express in the nose. Some cracker malt in there, as well. Fresh, not pungent.

Big grapefruit flavors with a slightly dank pale malt refreshment. Light and crisp. Good flavor; hoppy and clean.

Thinner on body, bigger on carb. Easy slug-back APA. Nice bitter backend.

A craft classic. Always good to revisit. If you've never had, shame on you.

Serving type: on-tap

02-09-2012 01:38:49 | More by thecheapies