Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale

I have come to realize that I am not nearly as good at reviewing or evaluating beers as I would like to be. I sometimes look at websites like www.ratebeer.come or www.beeradvocate.com or even www.beeruniverse.com and I see these fantastic descriptions and realize that there are entire flavor palates that I apparently cannot or do not taste. But I will continue on with this quest to describe good beers. And also to educate about beers which is why I am going to start putting a brief description of the type of beers (or at least the commercial description) and maybe what flavors should be expected. I just think it would be informative.

Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale 2010,



"Created in 1996, Harvest Ale features Cascade and Centennial hops from the Yakima Valley in Eastern Washington. These hops are harvested and shipped as “wet” un-dried hops—the same day they are picked—to our brewery in Chico where our brewers eagerly wait to get them into the brew kettle while their oils and resins are still at their peak"


Poured from a bottle to a snifter at home. The Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale is, in my humble opinion, one of the best beers that Sierra Nevada makes. I have not tried the Southern Hemisphere version (brewed from hops that are grown in New Zealand and then rushed here) but I would assume it would be very similar. Being an American IPA, I expect it to be very hoppy and bitter. American IPAs are very similar to their English cousins but Americans have increased the amount of hops exponentially making the American version much hoppier/more bitter than most other IPAs.

Appearance - Clear amber red with a nice thick head that is really clinging to the side of the glass. Head stayed with the beer for the entire time I was drinking it.
Aroma - Kinda fruity/hoppy
Taste/Mouthfeel - A dry bitter flavor, pretty hoppy grapefruit flavor that starts bitter and ends really mellow. A really completely mouth filling flavor. The flavor intensified as the beer warmed and was quite nice.
Drinkability - It is fantastic, I could drink more than one but with this being an imperial pint, I think I will be full when I finish the bottle. Either way, I always look forward to the Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale and it has never disappointed.

My beer making quest, week one

I have started my first brew using an actual brewing rig. I have made a couple of beers before using the 'Mr Beer' brewing system and the first one turned out pretty good, the second one not so much (honey is not always a good addition let’s just say). I have high hopes for my creation this time.

I made it on November 30th. For my birthday (yes, all the way back in May) Jamie and I bought the bucket and glass carboy and all the extra bits necessary. I had just finished a round of beer thru the Mr Beer and I was very gung ho. Somehow, all that energy dissipated. Not sure why but I never got around to it.

Either way, after sitting in the garage for a summer, I had to buy a few new bits (who knew that yeast would not survive a 115̊F summer garage?) which added on to the cost. Hopefully my Nut Brown Ale will be worth it tho. I have to admit, having a very limited amount of knowledge about what I was doing kinda made it a very laborious process. I am just glad Jared (cousin and very experienced brewer) was on call for support. Hopefully next time will be easier and I will remember all the steps (we had a bit of a moment when I realized I had forgotton to add the dried malt extract. It sure is fun, freaking out and all).

Well, I still need to collect a few more big bottles to fill and wait another couple weeks and we will see how it goes!! I hope to have it bottled and conditioned before Christmas.

I will update next week when I transfer the beer from the bucket to the carboy.
Jess