The Craft Beer Market
Sierra Nevada is a craft brewer located in Northern California and North Carolina known for Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The craft beer market has grown rapidly over the last 40 years after Congress legalized homebrewing in 1978, inspiring many beer enthusiasts to start their own small breweries. Today the overall beer market is flat and possibly in slight decline. The craft beer segment has become a greater percentage of the overall total. Many small breweries are closing, but many are also starting up. The number of breweries in the United States continues to rise, albeit at a much slower rate.
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada was an early pioneer of the craft beer movement in the United States. The company’s founder Ken Grossman started home brewing in 1976 and then opened a brewery in 1980 in Chico, California where he introduced Pale Ale. Today the company has taprooms and breweries with tours in Chico and Mills River, North Carolina. They offer 10 different IPAs, Pale Ale, Non Alcoholic beers and more. Their website is very heavy on their history, the history of Pale Ale, and their role as one of the founders of the craft beer revolution.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada describes its Pale Ale as “Pale Ale ignited a craft beer revolution. You could even say it saved an industry from extinction. Heavy on hops, with intense aromas of pine and citrus, balanced by smooth caramel malt. Taste and see for yourself why Pale Ale is a legend. ” Pale Ale has a 5.6% ABV, a 38 IBU, 175 calories, 14.3g carbohydrates, 1.9g protein and 0g fat. It has an “Outstanding” rating on Beer Advocate. Sierra Nevada may be tooting their own horn a bit much, but it is true that they were an early craft brewer and that Pale Ale is a very highly regarded beer in the industry.
Our Review of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
If you have seen our reviews of Corona and Heineken, I spent a week at a location that offered only those two beers plus Sierra Nevada. I finally got a chance to drink Sierra Nevada and it was indeed “outstanding.” This is truly a great beer that deserves all of the accolades it has received. Even for me, who prefers smoother beers with a lower IBU and no bitterness, I really enjoyed this beer enough to have a second. My reaction to it is similar to my reaction to Racer 5 IPA. While I prefer lagers and pilsners, the hint of citrus offsets the bitterness. If you are an IPA or pale ale lover, this is a great beer for you. If you are not, it may still be a great beer for you.
For another recommendation, see our review of Figueroa Mountain Davy Brown Ale.
For beer nutritional information of all beers we have reviewed see Beer Nutritional Information.
