I usually don’t like Sierra seasonals, as they tend to taste very similar to their regular Pale Ale (last years Anniversary Ale, for example). This one however was suprisingly good. Rich palate with lots of nice hoppy bitterness. Much more body than I expected. However, the wow factor seemed to dissipate as the pint went on. While I thought it was great on first sip, by the end it was merely good.

(Draught at Stockholm Beer Festival, 26 Sep 2008) Amber colour with frothy, beige head. Fruity nose with fresh hops, orange, grapefruit and pine needles. Fruity, hoppy taste with grapefruit, pine needles, orange and generous doses of citrussy hops. Rather earthy finish. Possibly a bit one dimensional and on the sweet side but with a lovely hop character. Excellent beer!

Draught at SBWF08. Pours out in a clear amber colour with a small off-white foam. Floral, grapefruity and piney hop aroma with touches of caramel and peach. Medium-bodied with notes of wet grass, pine, grapefruit and apricots. Lonf bitter finish of grass, grapefruit and pine-needles.

Draught @ Brouwer’s, Seattle. Pours an amber color with a small off-white head. Has a malty hoppy pine needles aroma. Sweetish malty hoppy bitter flavor with some pine needles and citrus hints. Hoppy bitter finish with a long bitter aftertaste.

Tap SB&WF-08 - Clear Bronze colored beer with a huge caramel colored head. Aroma is grapefruity with notes of dry hops, malt and ripe fruits. Flavor is also very fruity and malty with a strong hoppy finish. Very nice!