Sierra Nevada Torpedo
Family Strong Beer Style Imperial IPA
Country USA (CA)
ABV 7.2%
Price $$
Packaging 12oz/355ml bottle
Characteristics Bitter, hoppy
Overview For the continent’s second-largest
craft beer to add a high-octane
Imperial IPA to their year-round
roster is surprising, but perhaps
even more surprising is the choice
to downplay the high alcohol by
calling it an “Extra IPA.” We’re
curious to see if this sticks.
Flavors and aromas A fresh,
citrusy nose emerges from an
attractive, dense head, with a light
touch of caramel. In the mouth,
things open with a touch of sweet
malt before intense, focused
bitterness steps in and puts a halt
to all the rest. The big wall of
bitterness isn’t harsh or astringent,
but it is intensely, powerfully bitter.
While the bitterness hangs on,
there’s a fresh, light wave of
caramel with each taste, helping
to keep this interesting. With the
right pairing, this could be a truly
remarkable beer.