Sunday, October 4, 2009

Damn the Torpedoes!

Sierra Nevada isn't a regional brewery by any means, and many are already familiar with their beers, but I did want to toss in a mention of their Torpedo IPA. I have a certain fondness for that brewery, since my mom lived in Chico, CA, for a number of years.  I've had the good fortune of tossing back a few at their pub, and it's well worth a visit.  Just getting the beers on tap at the peak of freshness while sitting up at the bar, admiring the dark wood and beautiful stained glass of the company logo, makes for a fine afternoon or evening.

Their Torpedo IPA earns its moniker by exploding on impact with your tongue.  You remember learning as a kid how different regions of the tongue are specialized for different flavors?  This is a back of the tongue beer from the start.  Huge flavor, pronounced bitterness.  As it warmed, a balancing sweetness peeked out.  Medium thick head.  Medium-fine carbonation; nothing distracting there.  Flowery aroma.  Smooths in the finish.  Like with most beers, I'd recommend letting it warm a bit before drinking, though I'll admit it's plain hard to wait once it's poured.

This is a 7.2% abv beer and widely available.  I picked it up at Arbor Farms Market as a single.  A big but eminently drinkable beer.  It would stand up well to strong food flavors and complement them nicely.

No comments:

Post a Comment