Spring Break
Torpedo IPA overwhelms with tingling sensations
Evan Finkelstein
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
As many of you have come to recognize, I've been given the awesome opportunity to try a lot of different types of beers coming from all over the world. And just as you would expect, I have learned a lot along the way and have developed a true affinity to beer. Out of respect to what beer means to me, I decided to review a beer from a brewery that helped pave the way for craft brewing in the United States.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company may be a larger and more recognizable name in regards to craft or "micro" breweries, but without their brew contributions over the years - most notably their Pale Ale - the United States may not have become the very well respected beer brewing country that it is today. To celebrate Sierra Nevada and its impact on the craft brewing world, we'll be looking at a beer classified under my favorite style, the Indian Pale Ale.
The Indian Pale Ale or IPA dates back to the late 1700s when India was inhabited by Britain as well as other European powers. Amongst the many exports that were sent from the United Kingdom to the British troops, pale ales were a staple and were shipped over by the means of sea voyage. Since the beers were not refrigerated and the voyage could take months, brewers would deliberately over-hop the beer since hops are natural preservatives.
Although, at first, the IPA was not extremely well liked and known to be watered down, it has grown in popularity over the years. Today, the British version tends to be more balanced whereas the American version of this beer is known to boast strong hop and resin characteristics. Generally, you could expect the American version to be bitter yet also citric and herbal. This style is the "hop bomb" of beers and packs a punch in terms of strength of flavors. Speaking of hop bomb, let's explore a beer that has only existed for a few months: Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Extra IPA.
Donning a green label, this beer has a very classic look about it - something typical of Sierra Nevada. Poured out, this beer is very good looking. Despite the standard amber/orange color that many IPAs have, this beer is topped with an amazing amount of head. Similar to the Orval that was reviewed two weeks ago, the head is fluffy and uneven across the surface, which creates a beautiful look. Additionally, this IPA is blatantly carbonated as shown by the stream of bubbles that rise from the bottom.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company may be a larger and more recognizable name in regards to craft or "micro" breweries, but without their brew contributions over the years - most notably their Pale Ale - the United States may not have become the very well respected beer brewing country that it is today. To celebrate Sierra Nevada and its impact on the craft brewing world, we'll be looking at a beer classified under my favorite style, the Indian Pale Ale.
The Indian Pale Ale or IPA dates back to the late 1700s when India was inhabited by Britain as well as other European powers. Amongst the many exports that were sent from the United Kingdom to the British troops, pale ales were a staple and were shipped over by the means of sea voyage. Since the beers were not refrigerated and the voyage could take months, brewers would deliberately over-hop the beer since hops are natural preservatives.
Although, at first, the IPA was not extremely well liked and known to be watered down, it has grown in popularity over the years. Today, the British version tends to be more balanced whereas the American version of this beer is known to boast strong hop and resin characteristics. Generally, you could expect the American version to be bitter yet also citric and herbal. This style is the "hop bomb" of beers and packs a punch in terms of strength of flavors. Speaking of hop bomb, let's explore a beer that has only existed for a few months: Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Extra IPA.
Donning a green label, this beer has a very classic look about it - something typical of Sierra Nevada. Poured out, this beer is very good looking. Despite the standard amber/orange color that many IPAs have, this beer is topped with an amazing amount of head. Similar to the Orval that was reviewed two weeks ago, the head is fluffy and uneven across the surface, which creates a beautiful look. Additionally, this IPA is blatantly carbonated as shown by the stream of bubbles that rise from the bottom.
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maxmagee
Max
posted 3/10/09 @ 3:47 AM EST
I'm a fan of this beer too. It's a triple threat of good price, taste, and ABV. I used to work at a liquor store and I still hang out there sometimes. (Continued…)
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