Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
Today I have the newest year round ale from Sierra Nevada Brewing, Torpedo an India Pale Ale that due to distribution issues just hit Minneapolis shelves the other day. I am very curious to sample this ale as Sierra Nevada produces a number of hoppy beers but only now has a proper year round IPA and apparently it’s “Extra” so we will have to see how that plays in. I have high hopes and am also excited to sample this years BigFoot Barleywine that is in my fridge, but that will be a post for another day. Pouring this beer it is easy to get a three finger plus off white head so it may be wise to not initially pour directly down the glass. Head remains for many minutes and seems to hide the aroma a bit. This brew appears very amber in color with some copper hues as well and is very translucent. Smells of the two-row Pale Malt that Sierra Nevada tends to use as well as some nice but not particularly dominate citrus and floral hints. Flavor is decent, tastes similar to their Pale Ale with the Pale Malt but then adds an extra dimension with some nice bitterness presumably from the Magnum hops. Initial sips provide sweet maltyness that transitions into some grapefruit citrus and other floral hoppy flavors wrapping in some more malt contrast and then finishing nice and bitter. Medium body though light for an IPA and rather drinkable with a smooth mouthfeel. The label suggests this brew is a celebration of the character of whole-cone American hops and the wonderful complexities and balancing opportunities they provide and I must say I agree with their sentiment and they have done a rather good job. Though this ale contains many nice hop flavors it has more pale malt flavors than I prefer in an IPA and probably won’t be something I pick up regularly. A good choice for someone who is a fan of Sierra Nevada but would like something with more hop complexity and bitterness. Though not an Imperial India Pale Ale, the 7.2% will do well enough to keep you on your toes. I will certainly enjoy the rest of my six pack and could see an ale like this being particularly refreshing on a hot summer day because of its lighter malt profile. If you like hops but don’t want something too intense this might just hit the spot, though it isn’t necessarily the beer for the hop wary. Give it a shot and ride your bike.
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I was not too impressed with this either. Totally agree with your description. I had high hopes but I think this lacks the bite I was hoping for. Have you had Hop Stoopid yet? Winner.
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Indeed, tiz the way the cookie crumbles. Luckily this years Bigfoot Barleywine is similar to last years and still a solid brew. As far as Hop Stoopid is concerned, no this one has slipped by my radar so far, thanks for the heads up. Looks like it should be in stock around the city I’ll see if Alvey happens to have any after I get off work. Still need to grab some Tres and The Four Firkins just got in Fore and Winter Warlock so I’ve got work to do 😉 Lagunitas certainly has some craft skills and I’ll happily drink any of their brews.
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Seems I have an interview for a job at the FF. Let’s hope everything goes well, I guess I should study tonight.
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Fucks yea! Saw that in his newsletter, if only I didn’t already have a full time job I would fight you to the death for said honor! 😉 Best of luck on the interview! Don’t mix up your pH balance.
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I got a full time job as well, but it feels kind of rocky right now plus I am getting really bored with this line of work. I might not take it depending on the pay and whatnot but I at least want to find out what it is all about.
October 18th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Torpedo is good stuff! I have to drive 25 miles to get it. Thank Sierra Nevada for making it a year round, six pack. Sure there are hoppier, more expensive IPA’s out there, But I don’t like paying $6.00 a bottle for them. I’m hooked on TORPEDO. I try others but always go back to Torpedo! Loyal fan here.
October 18th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Glad you enjoy it. Sierra Nevada makes all kinds of great brews. Cheers!