Celebration Ale by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. $7.98 per six-pack
Fans of India pale ales should be thrilled with an early Christmas present from Chico, Calif.’s Sierra Nevada brewery. The 2008 version of this seasonal is a clear, copper-colored beauty with an off-white head that leaves strong lacing on the glass. The bouquet is bursting with hops, underlaid with vanilla and caramel. The intense flavor of piney hops, characteristic of West Coast IPAs, dominate on the tongue, melting into a bitter-hop finish that has legs to die for. There’s also a faint touch of bread, nuts and some toastiness. This is a powerfully flavored ale (62 International Bitterness Units) that would pair well with a steak or aged cheese. Its alcohol by volume of 6.8 percent doesn’t quite bring it into the strong-ale category, but it’s enough for a winter warmer and just right if you’re having a couple.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, Calif.;
Marcus Chamberland; blogs.
