Review of Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
Posted By Jason Oliver Wednesday, 22 April 2009 17:45
For those constant readers who are interested in things like milestones and landmark occasions, mark this one in in your journals, blogs or whatnot. This is my very first review for Drinker's World and the first time time I have ever put a review of a beer into type, instead of where they usually go: down the hatch and into my stomach. Hopefully this will be the first of many. Now onto the important things...beer.
I chose the Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA as my debut for a few reasons. 1) I'm a huge fan of Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale. A huge fan. I'll give that beer a proper review soon. 2) I love IPAs. 3) Not to give too much away, but this is an exceptional IPA
Now the American IPA has become quite popular in the last few years, with each of the micro breweries trying to out-do the other with a hoppier variety. I was pleased, yet weary when I discovered that Sierra Nevada was tossing their hat into the ring. Would this IPA be balanced enough to warrant true greatness? Lets find out.
Jason's Review
Taste: A- Wow. This 3 letter palindrome is more than sufficient to describe the perfect balance of flavor that this beer delivers, but you want specifics right? Is this a hoppy beer? Absolutely. But it doesn't overwhelm the drinker with too much complexity. The taste of pine takes the forefront, followed by a subtle splash of citrus that finishes beautifully.
Packaging: B+ The Sierra Nevada label is fast becoming iconic. It's simple, classic and immediately recognizable. They use a variety of seals and colors to distinguish the various brews. Torpedo uses a darker green label than the familiar Pale Ale variety from this brewery, I think to hint at the very piney taste in store for the drinker.
Value: C Expensive beer, unfortunately. At $8.99 a six pack, its certainly not cheap. I've seen 12 packs of some Sierra Nevada beers go for around $12.99, which is a much better value. Look for a good deal at your local grocer as Sierra Nevada can usually be found in most locations and like to push their new stuff aggressively.
Drunkenness: A+ At a whopping 7.2% ABV, this beer will definitely get you wasted. While I don't know many people who will drink more than 3 or 4 of any IPA variety due to the hoppiness, I could easily take down 7 or 8 of these suckers.
Overall: A Great IPA, great beer. Take it from someone who makes it his mission to try every IPA he can get his hands on...this is top tier. Not for the causal beer drinker, but I would assume that if you are reading this review, you are serious about your beer, so you're probably in the clear. 'Til next time drinkers!