Beer Review #3: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

I've been looking forward to this one for a while! This is an American Pale Ale from Chico, California. It comes in a gorgeous bottle, like all Sierra Nevada's stuff, and it's one of the most popular American craft beers out there. I chilled this one for around an hour, so it wasn't too cold. That's how I like most of my ales. Drank it from my Duvel tulip.

American Pale Ale at 5.6% ABV

L: Pours a slightly hazy orangey amber, with an off-white head that goes from 3 fingers to 1. It's got little lacing, not much carbonation. Attractive looking beer. 8/10

Look at that label eh...

S: Right away I'm getting citrus peel and other fruity scents, I'm getting pine and grassiness from the hops. Really nice smelling beer, it's a strong smell but not overpowering - it stays in the glass. 9/10

T: Strong hoppiness - pine and citrus peel, with a long lingering aftertaste of the former. In the middle, there are some sweeter fruit notes, citrus fruits and floral flavours making an appearance. Delicious! 8/10

M: More carbonated than it appeared in the glass (even though the Duvel tulip is etched to activate carbonation). It's medium bodied, but it carries the flavours very well. Slightly dry and very drinkable. 8/10

The verdict: Very flavoursome beer, complex while still remaining laid-back and modest. It's extremely drinkable, and the smell is just great. I'd love to have a cold one of these in the garden this summer. Will have to try more Sierra Nevada. 8/10

The Drunken Destrier score: 82/100