Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 9.2%
IBU: 55
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has long been a trailblazer in the craft beer world, and their Atomic Torpedo Imperial IPA is a bold addition to their lineup. As a double IPA, this beer doesn’t shy away from intensity, delivering a punch of hops and a robust flavor profile that will appeal to hop enthusiasts while still maintaining a level of balance that showcases Sierra Nevada’s brewing expertise.
Appearance – 4.5/5
Atomic Torpedo pours a deep golden-orange color with a slight haze. It’s topped with a frothy, off-white head that lingers nicely, leaving behind intricate lacing on the glass. The carbonation is steady but not overly aggressive, making it visually appealing.
Aroma – 4.5/5
The nose bursts with a complex bouquet of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit. Bright notes of grapefruit, orange zest, and pineapple mingle with resinous pine and a hint of herbal dankness. There’s also a slightly sweet malt backbone that balances the hop-forward aromatics.
Taste – 4.3/5
As expected, hops dominate the flavor profile, but in a way that’s well rounded rather than purely bitter. The first sip delivers a wave of citrus, such as grapefruit, tangerine, and lime, followed by tropical hints of mango and passion fruit. A dank, piney resin develops mid-palate, giving way to a subtle caramel malt sweetness. The finish is dry with a lingering bitterness, though it doesn’t overwhelm. The 9.2% ABV is well masked, with just a slight warmth on the back end.
Mouthfeel – 4.0/5
Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, Atomic Torpedo has a smooth and slightly sticky mouthfeel. The resinous quality of the hops leaves a lasting impression, but the beer remains drinkable for its strength. It’s not overly heavy, making it surprisingly easy to sip considering the high ABV.
Drinkability – 4.2/5
For an Imperial IPA, Atomic Torpedo is remarkably smooth and well balanced. While it’s certainly a hop lover’s dream, the bitterness is controlled, making it more approachable than some ultra-bitter West Coast IPAs. However, the high ABV means it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
One standout feature of Atomic Torpedo is Sierra Nevada’s use of their proprietary “Hop Torpedo” dry-hopping device. This innovative tool allows the brewery to extract maximum hop aroma and flavor without adding excessive bitterness, resulting in a beer that’s intensely aromatic yet remarkably smooth. It’s a testament to Sierra Nevada’s commitment to both tradition and innovation in brewing.
While Atomic Torpedo is a well crafted beer, it may not be for everyone. The hop-forward profile could be overwhelming for those who prefer milder or maltier beers. Additionally, the bitterness, though balanced, might feel a bit aggressive for casual IPA drinkers. However, for fans of West Coast style IPAs, this beer is a winner.
Ratings
- Appearance – 4.5/5
- Aroma – 4.7/5
- Flavor – 4.6/5
- Mouthfeel – 4.3/5
- Overall – 4.525/5
Sierra Nevada’s Atomic Torpedo Imperial IPA is a bold, hop-driven beer that showcases the brewery’s mastery of the style. Its innovative dry hopping technique and balanced flavor profile make it a standout choice for IPA aficionados, though its intensity might not win over everyone. If you’re a fan of big, aromatic IPAs, this one is well worth seeking out.
If you’ve tried an Atomic Torpedo, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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