Issue #4: A Little Celebration

Seasonal beers are some of the best out there. Those absolute gems that we wait an entire year to be released and then ration to try and make it last as long as possible. Unfortunately, IPA's have a shorter shelf life and must be consumed not long after bottling to ensure optimal flavor. Refrigeration will prolong their life and it's been my experience that depending on the brew, you're probably going to be ok for about 3-6 months. But enough of the technical stuff and on to the beer!

Tonight we're drinking Sierra Nevada Celebration, the brewery's annual Christmas seasonal. Celebration is an IPA that is released in November and December and has become a yearly (and much appreciated!) Christmas gift for this beer drinker. I've been trying to make it last but am down to my final six pack.

Appearance: Pours a deep, dark, hazy amber with a fluffy white head. The head retention is incredible, very frothy and lasts to the final sip. Excellent lacing the whole way through as well.

Aroma: Aroma is all hops. Lots of pine and citrus, primarily grapefruit and oranges.

Taste: Exactly what you'd expect from the nose. Bursting with hop flavor. Pine, grapefruit, peppery spiciness and lots of hop bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Medium body and decent carbonation but it's almost lost because of the wonderfully intense flavor.

Overall: This continues to be one of my favorite beers each and every year. This is one of those beers that always reminds me of why I started drinking craft beer. A fantastic example of the style and will satisfy any hophead out there. This brew will be in my home every Christmas 5/5

Drink On,

Dan