Fresh Hop


3 years ago Sierra Nevada Fresh Hop Harvest was probably my first beer quest. I don't think I'd ever sought out a beer that wasn't in my local liquor store. It's kind of weird to think about now when I'm pretty informed on what I'm going to find at any liquor store in town. But, back then I just didn't know that much. When I finally found it I really loved it and had 3 or 4 bottles while it was out.

Many beer quests later including the Boulevard 21st Anniversary Fresh Hop Pale Ale and I decided to revisit the Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest. I hadn't had one since November of 2007 and Tipsy's has had 4 cases stacked by the beer coolers for several weeks now. For only $3.50 how could I not try at least 1 bottle. The problem with trying many different beers all the time, you kind of forget some of the really good everyday beers.

I had a Boulevard 21st Anniversary sitting around so I decided to drink them both in the same night. I started with the Sierra Nevada and it was better than I remembered. The hops flavor was present but much less muted than in an ordinary Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. But the malty flavor was wonderful, almost creamy. For a beer with "hop" in its name it had no bitterness and was a more complementary flavor to the malt. I absolutely loved it.

The Boulevard 21st Anniversary I had right after just didn't stack up. I didn't really think the first one I had was that great which is why I had another one sitting around. I bought 2 when it came out with every intention of drinking both of them pretty quickly but I never really wanted the second one. It just doesn't have a ton of flavor, malty or hoppy and it's has just a bit of a spicy flavor that I could do without.

I know there's more Sierra Nevada Harvest around town but not much. I'm a little late to the party on it, but I'm definitely going to stock up on it my next trip to Tipsy's. Boulevard 21st Anniversary has come and gone so I'm really late on it. If you're upset you missed it, just pick up a Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest and be happy you're getting a better beer at half the price.

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