Sierra Nevada Rocks!

The folks from Chico have long been among my favorite brewers, and two recent releases have done nothing to cool my ardor for them.  The Estate Homegrown Ale is made entirely from ingredients grown by the brewery, and it is a fresh tasting, subtly hoppy ale.  It poured a hazy orange with a creamy white head, nice lacing up the side of the glass and frisky carbonation.  The hops were fruity and sharp, and the malts were fruity as well, with some plum and citrus.  I wanted to grab some more of this, but by the time I got back to my local beer emporium, it was all gone.  I am glad I grabbed a bottle when I did, 8.5/10.

I was a big fan of the Southern Hemisphere Harvest Ale, so I had high hopes for the Northern Hemisphere edition.  Although not quite as good, the Northern Hemisphere Harvest Wet Hop Ale was still a fine drink, with some piney and resinous hops, balanced by some bready and sweet malts.  It had a mild apple cider aftertaste that was very nice.  I did not love it, but I did like it, 7/10.