Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Torpedo Extra IPA

The way I wanted to start this post was by explaining how I tend to drink  a lot of Pale Ales and IPAs during the warmer summer months.  Then I realized that I drink them a lot regardless of the season.  Then I remembered that I did not actually pay for this one (received via pouring at a beer event), so I did not think it counted as me drinking an IPA in the summer.  Regardless there is an IPA review for today.

I did not know what the “Extra” exactly meant going in, but after drinking it I can only assume that it referred to the extra (bittering) hops that were used.  That must be close to correct.

Now to lead into the weekend . . .

Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Chico, CA)

Name: Torpedo Extra IPA

Style: American IPA

ABV: 7.20%

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a pint glass.

Aroma: An even piney/resiny hop aroma with some herbal hop notes as well as some bready malt undertones.  The combination gives a slightly odd characteristic.

Appearance: Medium orangey copper color.  One finger light tan/cream color head with a little retention and a solid trail.  Clear with rising bubbles visible.

Flavor: Fairly light piney hop character (compared to expectations via aroma) with a solid bitterness from middle through to the finish.  Slight caramelly malt underneath.  The finish is quite dry (astringent) and lingers/builds on the palate.  The bitterness is certainly the dominant characteristic.

Mouthfeel: Light to medium body with a moderate level of carbonation that contributes to the hop bite.  Some astringency on the finish with some light warmth noticed.

Overall Impressions: Though the bitterness mellows (balances out) as it warms some, it is too dominant for my liking.  It is much better as it warms . . . note for me next time.  A fine beer, but not among my favorite from Sierra Nevada.  Perhaps a side by side is in order to see where it falls?

Grade: B

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Torpedo Extra IPA

A little closer now