Sierra Nevada Bigfoot

Brewed by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
Chico, California USA

Serve in Snifter

send corrections   |   shelftag   |   edit barcodes   |   update pic

this beer is just way to syrupy for me. it is way strong and it is just to thick

2000 version: Nose is not as hoppy, but has a nice fruity quality to it, pours thick and deep copper with signifcant carbonation evident, taste has an intense, resiny hop flavor that coats the tounge(kind of obliterates the malt presence as it warms up, but the malt do peek out from under the wall o’ hops) and finish is very dry as a result of the hoppy, high gravity nature of this beer. Those looking for more balance in their barleywines would find this brew over the top, but ageing will round out this beer some.

better than rasputins but just as strong

I love the aroma and first few seconds of this one, but after that the bitterness is just overwhelming and distinctly different from other barleywines I’ve tasted. The color is wonderful, very coppery with a full, tiny-bubbled head. The fruity taste predominates for a few seconds until the hoppy, bitter bite hits. I know it’s supposed to be that way, that intense, but for me it’s a bit much. I like it, but it’s just too bitter to sit and drink.

Taste is OK....but the alcohol content is 9.6!!!!

2000 edition. Cloudy light ruby/orange. Sticky off white head. Suspended yeast/hop floaties. Very light carbonation. An aroma of pine sap that could be smelled a foot away. Massive caramel soaking in hops aroma once you sniff. Thick body, initial tea bag bitterness followed by pine sap and citrus fruit rinds. Very bitter, even after 2 years aging. Hops are over the top but the caramel/fruit sweetness and thick body try in vain to ebb the bitterness. This could use a few more years in the cellar, although it’s a perfect sip and savor with a cigar brew as is. Alone as a sipper this is still way too bitter, even for mega-hopheads.

(2002 edition) This is pretty good stuff ! My only complaint - lose the cheesy twist off bottles. Would i take the time to try and age this stuff - apsolutely not.

This beer kicked my ass. I drank 3 of these in about an 1 1/2 hours and was totally wiped out. From what I do remember, extremely floral and very very very bitter. The hop aroma jumps out of you as soon as you pop the cap off. I’m going to take the recommedations I see others making and let this one sit a while. Take my advice though...one per sitting.

2001: ’These go to eleven’ (-Spinal Tap). Extreme (ridiculous?) amounts of hops and malt just turn up the volume with this brew. The nose is stong and floral. The intense bitter hop flavor comes through immediately, but is well supported by a rich, malt body. You can perceive the alcohol in the palate, which intensifies an already powerful taste. Not great with most foods, but a perfect dessert beer. Love this stuff because it is over the top.

UPDATED: JAN 28, 2004 WoWWee is this a bitter barley wine. But I love it and can get it for $8.00 a sixer at beers of the world which makes it taste that much better. I know someone who drank five in one sitting,... it was UGLY. Hats off to Sierra Nevada. re-rate (1/28/04) I rated this two years ago and am drinking one now. Pours a deep amber with a huge hop and alcohol nose. This is in no way an English-style barleywine. Incredibly bitter and wreaks of cascades.(WWOOOWWWWW,... Not that I think that cascades wreak!!!) Tastes of caramel and some diacetyl but nothing offensive. Amazing round flavors. Even young this tastes well-balanced. Wish that Sierra Nevada would switch from screw-tops so I would feel compfortable aging this. The second barleywine to be made in the "New World" and still one of the best!