Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Sidecar Orange Pale Ale
What the brewers say
“This new take on the hoppy pale ale is brewed with Cascade, Equinox, and Mandarina hops with a hint of orange peel from additions in both the brew kettle and the fermentor that tweak the classic hops profile and add a zesty pop of bright orange flavor.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Bright pithy character, yet not overly juicy. Lemony citrus, with orange zest underneath, and just a hint of lime. Perfume esters and clean malt that approaches vanilla. Indistinct hops, but a light aura of grassiness.”
Flavor: “The orange-peel flavor is light and wedged somewhere between the malt and hops but doesn’t heighten either. The hops are grassy, floral, resinous, and bitter, and the malt is clean and bready. A little astringency in there, with a light, crisp body. Mildly soapy character, with a bit of bitterness in the finish.”
Overall: “A great brunch beer. Fresh and fruity, with orange and citrus, and some fruity flavors. Easy drinking and very sessionable. Would like to see more balance when it comes to the bitterness and the subdued flavors, as well as the lighter body.”
