Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Chico, CA / Mills River, NC)
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 9.0%
IBUs: 45
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has a long standing reputation for quality and innovation in the craft beer world. Known for iconic beers like Pale Ale and Torpedo, they’ve built a loyal following with their consistency and hop-forward styles. Big Little Thing IPA is part of their “Little Thing” series, which includes beers like Hazy Little Thing and Wild Little Thing. This one pushes into imperial territory, boasting a 9% ABV while aiming to stay approachable.
Appearance
Big Little Thing pours a hazy, golden-orange hue with a frothy, off-white head that lingers nicely. The cloudiness suggests a juicy, unfiltered IPA, and the vibrant color is inviting.
Aroma
The nose is full of tropical fruit, such as pineapple, mango, and a bit of orange zest. A touch of pine and sticky resin remind you this is a West Coast brewer at heart. There’s also a noticeable malt sweetness. There’s a hint of alcohol warmth in the aroma, but it doesn’t overpower.
Taste
This is where Big Little Thing shines. The flavor profile is a balanced mix of citrus and tropical fruit, with notes of grapefruit, peach, and a touch of melon. The malt backbone provides just enough sweetness to counter the hop bitterness, which is present but not overpowering. At 9% ABV, the alcohol is surprisingly well hidden, making this dangerously drinkable for its strength.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with moderate carbonation. There’s a soft, almost creamy texture that makes it easy to drink despite the strength. You feel the weight, but it doesn’t slow you down…until maybe the second pint.
Finish
A slightly sticky finish with hop bitterness peeking through at the end. The sweetness lingers more than the bitterness, which could be a plus or minus depending on your preference.
Overall Impression
Big Little Thing delivers on its name. It’s a big beer with bold flavors but comes off smoother than you’d expect from a 9% Imperial IPA. Sierra Nevada leans into balance here. It’s not a palate wrecker, and it’s more accessible than many other imperial offerings. That said, hopheads looking for a drier, more aggressive bitterness might find it a bit tame. Still, it’s a solid option for those wanting something strong but well rounded.
Ratings
- Appearance – 4/5
- Aroma – 4/5
- Taste – 4.5/5
- Mouthfeel – 4/5
- Overall – 4.2/5
Big Little Thing is a strong showing from a legacy brewery that knows how to balance big hops with approachability. It’s not a cutting edge hazy, nor is it a palate wrecker. Instead, it finds a middle ground of big ABV, bold hop flavor, but clean and drinkable. It’s widely available, reasonably priced, and doesn’t feel like a compromise.
With this beer, Sierra Nevada has created a great gateway into the world of Imperial IPAs. Solid, dependable, and more nuanced than the flashy labels in the fridge might suggest. A bold, smooth imperial IPA that manages to feel both hefty and drinkable.
If you’ve tried Sierra Nevada’s Big Little Thing, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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