Sierra Nevada Brewing Company – Celebration Ale 2014

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company – Celebration Ale 2014

Fresh Hop IPA
BJCP Style: 14B. American IPA
ABV: 6.8%
IBU: 65
Bottled
Bottled on: 10/28/14
Tasting on: 12/3/14
Glass: Craft Pint

Aroma: Overtones of subdued citrus and pine hops with hints of spiciness and dampness. Undertones of yeast and light malt. 8/10

Appearance: Copper with an off-white head. Excellent clarity.  9.5/10

Flavor: Sharp hop bitterness in the beginning pairs well with robust, dry (and occasionally sweet) malt in the middle.  Hop bitterness returns in the end with citrus, and specifically grapefruit, shining through, along with some pine resin and hints of non-sweet molasses. The aftertaste is a bit soapy (in a good way) and has some lingering hop bitterness.  17/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body. Moderate carbonation. Minor alcohol. 8.5/10

Overall Impression: An IPA that is more fresh and raw than is typically found, especially when it comes to the hops.  The flavors complement each other well but have not mellowed together as with other IPAs.  43/50

Final Score: 86%