Sierra Nevada Summerfest

Brewed by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Style: Premium Lager
Chico, California USA

Summerfest pours into my hefe glass with a blooming two finger head of soft velvety foam. Pausing the pour so as to not overflow, I gaze admiringly at the white head and beautiful golden yellow hazy liquid depths beneath. I top off my glass, and the head eventually fades into a thick clingy layer around my glass and on top of my beer. A swirl, and brussels lace coats the sides in a lovely lacey dress. Subtle hints of lemon, citrus, and spice tease my nose. Lauded as a summer beer, a refreshing session beer, everything about Summerfest so far lives up to its lofty claims. Bright, crisp, light and refreshing on my tongue and in my mouth. It practically dances across my taste buds, a light airy breeze of citrus and spiced yeast. Summerfest is a bottom-fermented beer, which I would attribute its unique profile to. Summerfest is very close to a saison in its pure smooth, flavorful, and light drinkability. Not to be confused with flavorless, it is full of bitter lemon zing, sweet hints of citrus, and a mild spice character which brings it all together in a very well-balanced palate.
I had no doubts I would enjoy Summerfest 2007; I just didn’t realize how much I am. Now I am going to have to seek out a Summerfest 2008 so I can do a review and compare the two. What similarities and differences make themselves known to my ever-discerning palate. Every day and every beer is a pleasurable learning experience, and this one was no exception.

12 oz. bottle. Pours clear golden in color with a medium white head. The aroma is pale malts, slightly toasted, light hops, and very light citrus. The flavor is lightly toasted pale malt, light citrus, light spiuce, and a touch of bitterness. Light bodied and very bland.

It’s fairly easy to drink, but there’s not much to it. Malty with a slightly metallic finish.

Pours a clear, carbonated light yellow, with a thin white head. Slightly thicker, but otherwise not much different than looking at a domestic macro. Aroma is fairly hoppy, with a slight aroma of the munich malts. Flavor is light and uninteresting, but well balanced with a bit of pepper. Palate is fizzy on the take, light-medium bodied, and finishes fairly dry. Overall a decent lager.

A golden clear brew with a white head, this lighter ale has some bite, but it’s jsut right for a summer’s night.

On tap at Empire brewfest in Syracuse. Light easy to drink. Great summer beer would buy again. Lighter than most Sierra Nev, beers I’ve had. I liked it a lot would buy again

bottle from oddies- pours golden yellow, crystal clear, no head disapeared quite fast. nose is musty citrus peel, marmite, and peaches. taste is hoppy bitter lemon rind. soap. mouthfeel is slippery. quite refreshing. and nce.

Ehhh, one and done here. Doesn’t seem to have a good crisp spicy bite that I look for in lagers. Sort of odd tasting too.Can’t put my finger on it though.