[Divemaster]

In the craft beer world a very few break out and go big time. Ok, when craft beer has about 5% of the total American beer market, big time is a relative term. But that’s not important now. Sierra Nevada, you’ve heard of their pale ale, has, to my mind, made the big time in the craft brew world. This should mean they crank out tanker truck loads of their formerly rare brews. Thankfully, the good folks in Chico, CA haven’t lost sight of the craft.

One way they keep their eyes on the craft is with some very special beers. The latest I’ve sampled is Sierra’s Estate Ale. This comes in a schooner size bottle with the neck dipped in green wax. The label is old school and is interesting to read. But, be honest, if you’re reading the label you’re only waiting for someone to find the bottle opener, and a knife to slice through the wax covering the cap.

Once inside, you sip some floral notes and are lulled into a sense of smooth security. This is an organic beer done well. Concentrate on the front palate and taste the brew master’s magic. Cascade hops provide that killer bitter finish us IPA fans crave, but this is not an India Pale Ale. Some reviewers see this beer as hoppy from start to finish. My opinion differs. To me, it starts deceptively smooth and then kicks those hops in my teeth on the finish. I like that.

This beer’s run is done. If you find it in your favorite bottle shop buy as many as you can afford. They aren’t making any more.