Review: Sierra Nevada Hoptimum

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum (2013)
10.4% ABV
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, CA
12 oz btl

Served in Duvel tulip glass
No date on bottle
Reviewed on 5/26/13

This imperial IPA pours a light amber color with a good thin off-white head.  Decent lacing.

Smell consists of strong bitter hops, grapefruit, citrus, strong floral, herbal, hints of pepperiness, malt.

Taste consists of dry, bitter hops, strong citrus flavors with grapefruit, some apricot, touch of orange, strong floral notes, spiciness, malt.  Quite crisp and tasty.

Mouthfeel is smooth yet somewhat earthy on the palate.  Quite dry and bitter.  Very fresh and crisp.

Overall, this is a fresh imperial IPA that has a strong flavor profile of dry, bitter hops and a strong mix of citrus notes.  Even though the hops are quite dry and bitter, they don't overwhelm, and there's enough maltiness to make this rather smooth.  As it warms up, some good texture comes through.  Nicely done.  Rates well with other imperial IPAs.  As it's from Sierra Nevada, it's widely available at a decent price. 

My score: 96