Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

I first had Sierra Nevada Pale Ale about five years ago. It was at a time in my life when I began venturing out past my usual beverage fall-backs like Budweiser and Coors Light (and I was feeling a little fat). Not that there is anything wrong with either of those beverages; like the old commercial said- they are “the beers to have when you’re having more than one.”

Anyway, I headed out to lunch one work day back when brew pubs and tap houses were opening up all over the place in NYC. I stopped at a place called the East Side Ale House. They had about twenty beers on tap and proudly displayed a sign that alerted customers not to order a Bud because they didn’t serve it.

So after a once up and down the bar surveying the taps, I settled on the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. My pint arrived and the color was my first indication that this might be alright. Deep and rich; it looked beautiful. So I raised my glass and before I could get it to my lips the aroma practically took me of guard. It had a spicy and almost citrus-y smell. And the flavor didn’t disappoint. It was full-bodied and hoppy. Everything you would expect from a good ale. The tartness was refreshing and it left a hint of bitterness at the back end.

The cheeseburger and fries were anything but gourmet, but the Pale Ale was a perfect compliment to lunch… especially the buffalo wings I had as an appetizer.

So after about four Pale Ales it was time to get back to work… nothing like finishing the day with a buzz on and a stomach full of hot wings.