Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a classic American craft beer that has been enjoyed by beer enthusiasts for decades.
Its distinct flavor profile includes a balanced malt backbone, a hoppy bitterness, and a clean finish.
If you’re a fan of this iconic brew, you may be curious to discover other beers that offer a similar taste experience. In this post, we’ll explore five beers that share similarities with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and delve into their origins and brewing methods.
The beers we’ll be discussing are:
1. Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale
2. Lagunitas New Dogtown Pale Ale
3. Stone Pale Ale 2.0
4. Odell Brewing Company’s Drumroll APA
5. Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Burning River Pale Ale
So grab a glass, and let’s dive into these tasty alternatives!
1. Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale
Origin and Brewing Method
Deschutes Brewery, located in Bend, Oregon, has been crafting delicious beers since 1988. Mirror Pond Pale Ale, named after the serene body of water in the heart of Bend, is one of the brewery’s flagship offerings. This beer is brewed using Cascade hops, which are known for their citrus and floral characteristics, along with a mix of pale and crystal malts.
Flavor Profile
Mirror Pond Pale Ale is a well-balanced beer with a similar malt backbone to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The Cascade hops impart a fresh, floral aroma and a moderate bitterness that lingers on the palate. With an ABV of 5.0%, this beer is an easy-drinking option for fans of Sierra Nevada’s flagship brew.
2. Lagunitas New Dogtown Pale Ale
Origin and Brewing Method
Lagunitas Brewing Company, founded in 1993 in Petaluma, California, is renowned for its creative and bold beers. New Dogtown Pale Ale is a modern take on the classic American pale ale style, utilizing a blend of American hops, including Columbus, Centennial, and Cascade varieties.
Flavor Profile
New Dogtown Pale Ale offers a more aggressive hop presence than Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, with a pronounced citrus and pine aroma. The malt profile is somewhat subdued in comparison, allowing the hops to take center stage. If you’re a fan of hop-forward beers, this 6.2% ABV pale ale is definitely worth a try.
3. Stone Pale Ale 2.0
Origin and Brewing Method
Stone Brewing, founded in 1996 in San Diego, California, is known for its bold and hoppy beers. Stone Pale Ale 2.0 is an updated version of the brewery’s original pale ale, featuring the addition of Mandarina Bavaria hops from Germany to the mix of Magnum and Cascade hops used in the original recipe.
Flavor Profile
Stone Pale Ale 2.0 offers a unique twist on the classic American pale ale, with a distinct tangerine and citrus aroma from the Mandarina Bavaria hops. The malt profile is slightly more robust than that of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, with a touch of biscuit and caramel flavors. At a 6.0% ABV, this beer is a great option for those looking to explore new hop varieties while still enjoying a familiar pale ale taste.
4. Odell Brewing Company’s Drumroll APA
Origin and Brewing Method
Odell Brewing Company, founded in 1989 in Fort Collins, Colorado, is known for its innovative and experimental beers. Drumroll APA, or American Pale Ale, is one of the brewery’s newer offerings, featuring a blend of American hops, including Citra, Mosaic, and Azacca varieties.
Flavor Profile
Drumroll APA is a juicy, fruit-forward beer with a strong aroma of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine. The bitterness is moderate, making it an approachable option for those new to hoppy beers. The malt profile is similar to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, providing a solid backbone to support the hop flavors. With a 5.3% ABV, Drumroll APA is an excellent choice for those seeking a refreshing and fruity pale ale.
5. Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Burning River Pale Ale
Origin and Brewing Method
Great Lakes Brewing Company, established in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio, is a pioneer of the craft beer movement in the Midwest. Burning River Pale Ale, named in honor of the infamous Cuyahoga River fire of 1969, is brewed with a combination of American hops, including Cascade and Centennial varieties.
Flavor Profile
Burning River Pale Ale is a well-rounded beer with a similar malt backbone to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The hop profile is slightly more subdued, with a pleasant citrus and floral aroma and a moderate bitterness. At a 6.0% ABV, this beer is an enjoyable option for those who appreciate a balanced pale ale.
Conclusion
In summary, while Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a beloved and classic American craft beer, there are plenty of alternatives out there that offer a similar flavor experience.
From the well-balanced Mirror Pond Pale Ale to the fruit-forward Drumroll APA, each of these beers brings something unique to the table, while still maintaining the essence of the pale ale style.
Personally, I highly recommend giving Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale a try, as its balance of malt and hops makes it a satisfying and versatile option for any occasion.
Cheers to exploring new beers and broadening your pale ale horizons!
FAQs
Is Sierra Nevada pale ale considered an IPA?
No, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is not considered an IPA (India Pale Ale). It is categorized as an American Pale Ale (APA), which is a distinct beer style known for its balanced hop bitterness and malt sweetness.
What are the characteristics of an IPA?
An IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a type of beer known for its hop-forward flavor profile. It typically has a higher alcohol content and a more pronounced bitterness compared to other beer styles. IPAs often showcase aromas and flavors of citrus, pine, floral, or resinous notes, derived from the hops used during brewing. They can range in color from pale golden to amber and have a medium to full body. IPAs are popular among craft beer enthusiasts due to their bold and complex flavors.
What type of beer is Sierra Nevada pale ale?
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a classic American pale ale. It is known for its distinct hoppy flavor, balanced with a malty backbone.
What qualifies a beer as an IPA?
An IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a beer style characterized by its hop-forward flavor profile and higher alcohol content. It typically has a prominent hop bitterness, floral or citrusy hop aromas, and a balanced malt backbone. IPAs can range from moderately bitter to intensely hoppy, and may have varying levels of malt sweetness. Overall, the key qualities that qualify a beer as an IPA are its hop-centric nature and higher alcohol content compared to other beer styles.
What makes an IPA vs pale ale?
An IPA (India Pale Ale) and a pale ale are both types of beer, but they differ in terms of their hop character and alcohol content. IPAs are known for their strong hop bitterness, higher alcohol content, and intense flavors. They often have a prominent hop aroma and can showcase a wide range of hop varieties. On the other hand, pale ales typically have a more balanced hop profile, lower alcohol content, and a slightly maltier flavor. While both styles can have varying degrees of hop bitterness, IPAs tend to be more assertive in this regard.
Is Sierra Nevada pale ale an IPA beer?
No, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is not an IPA (India Pale Ale) beer. It is actually categorized as an American Pale Ale (APA). While both styles share similarities, IPAs typically have a stronger hop bitterness and higher alcohol content compared to Pale Ales.
