jrmac (210), USA Nov 2, 2008 Pour is copper orange with nice thick head. Aroma is hops, and fain malt. A touch oi lemons. Flavor was well balanced as most of Sierra Nevada’s products are to me. Would most definitely recommend. BeerBaron617 (306), Novi, Michigan, USA Nov 2, 2008 This brew came courtesy of my pops. Thanks Dad! Anywho, it pours a darker shade of amber, darker than most IPA’s actually, and has a subtle aroma of pine. It’s definitly a smokey IPA, that seems it might have been aged a bit. Very good, and very balanced. I wouldn’t say it’s SN’s best brew, but I would definitely get this again. Cheers!! arrogantb (695), Denver, Colorado, USA Nov 1, 2008 beer pours a solid orange with a very nice white, bubbly head. The smell is hoppy but faint. the taste is a little hops and a little spicy. A well balanced easy to drink beer. This one is very subtle to me but so delicious. Probably my second favorite SN beer after Bigfoot.
Serving type: bottle
Reviewed on: 02-23-2007 17:45:26 ksurkin (354), Norfolk, Virginia, USA Nov 1, 2008 bottle from total wine in norfolk. pours a dark copper with some hints of red when the light hits the glass. head is short, off white, and leaves a good lacing. aroma is very plesant with strong, sweet hops, pine, grapefruit, and some spice. flavor is a good balance between hop bitterness and biscuity/roasted malt with some slight hints of orange, lemon, and brown sugar. very smooth drinking with light carbonation and a nice lingering bitterness. like others, not sure why this is a holiday celebration ale as it could use a bit more spice and warmth, but overall a very nice IPA. tarheels86 (703), Washington DC, USA Nov 1, 2008 330 mL bottle. Pours a clear copper with a decent off-white head. Lacing is not too impressive. Carbonation is low. Nose is hops, grapefruit, resin, pine. Very creamy and smooth on the palate. Nicely balanced with some caramel laden malt. A great IPA but not really a seasonal in my opinion. mcjay (301), Neenah, Wisconsin, USA Oct 31, 2008 Light, cloudy copper color with a nice off white head. Hoppy aroma and taste with a spicy yet bitter bite and a hint of caramel malt. Beardface (977), Eugene, Oregon, USA Oct 30, 2008 Nice balance of hops and malts with a heavy piney taste, but not anything that’s really to write home about. Yet another in a long line of good but not great SN brews. carruthm (1109), Seattle, Washington, USA Oct 29, 2008 Updated: Jan 28, 2009V - clear caramel amber color with a persistent clingy white film head.
A - an ambery hop aroma, with caramel and malts thrown in.
T - hops with a highly bitter tinge.
P - creamy mouthfeel
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