Brews and Blues Beer and Smokin’ Blues

Sierra Nevada Harvest Wet Hop Ale

I was in Gail's Hops and Grapes again the other day when Monica popped out from behind the counter modeling this beer like one of Bob Barker's Price is Right merchandise models ;)  I have learned to watch out for her.  She's a hop head.  So what did she have for me?  Today's selection is Sierra Nevada's 13th Release Harvest Wet Hop Ale.  Here's the blurb from the website concerning this special release:

The cornerstone of our Harvest series is the beer that started the modern-day fresh hop ale phenomenon in America, our original Harvest Ale.

Created in 1996, Harvest Ale features Cascade and Centennial hops from the Yakima Valley in Eastern Washington.  These hops are harvested and shipped as "wet" un-dried hops - the same day they are picked - to our brewery in Chico where our brewers eagerly wait to get them into the brew kettle while their oils and resins are still a their peak.

There is no doubt in my mind that Cascade and Centennial hops combine to create an excellent mix of bitterness and aroma.  It's a common combination and very worthy of its purpose.  This beer is also quite malty as well with a significant punch from the caramel malts that are combined with the two-row pale malts to conjure up this pale ale.  The body of this beer is heavier than the average pale ale, and the alcohol levels out at 6.7% ABV.  On the hop scale, this beer rings in at 60-65 IBU which defines a nice punch of hop presence as well. 

Sierra Nevada makes good beers.  In fact, they really do make excellent beers.  One of my favorite aspects of Sierra Nevada's brews, especially when it comes to these special releases, is they don't break my bank when I want to give it a try.  This 24-oz bomber rang up on Monica's register at $5.09 plus tax.