If you’re a fan of hop-forward beers, Sierra Nevada Cool Little Thing IPA might just become your new favorite go-to. It’s a cousin to their popular “Hazy Little Thing,” but it carves its own path with a playful, approachable profile. Here’s my take:
First Impressions
The can design is bright, colorful, and pretty much screams “fun.” You already know you’re in for something that’s not too serious, and the beer itself lives up to that vibe. Pouring it into a glass, you’ll notice the light amber hue, a bit hazier than your typical IPA, but not as murky as some of the super-hazy versions out there.
Aroma (8/10)
On the nose, this beer hits you with tropical and citrusy notes. There’s a solid punch of pineapple, mango, and grapefruit. Underneath all that fruitiness, there’s a subtle hint of pine and a little resinous bite from the hops. It smells incredibly fresh, like you just cracked open a juicy fruit salad mixed with a pine forest. However, if you’re expecting something complex or super dank, it might not quite hit that level.
Taste (8.5/10)
Taking a sip, it follows through on the promises of the aroma. That tropical fruitiness comes alive on the palate with pineapple and citrus leading the charge. There’s a nice balance between sweet and bitter, and it’s refreshingly smooth for an IPA. The bitterness from the hops is present but doesn’t overwhelm — it’s more laid-back, making it super drinkable, even for those who don’t usually gravitate toward IPAs. The finish is clean with just a little lingering bitterness to remind you it’s still an IPA.
One slight downside is that it might feel a bit thin to more experienced IPA drinkers who are used to a heavier mouthfeel or more intense bitterness. But for someone looking for something lighter and more crushable, it’s perfect.
Mouthfeel (7.5/10)
Speaking of mouthfeel, it’s on the lighter side for an IPA. It’s not too carbonated, so you won’t get an over-fizzy sensation, but it doesn’t have that thick, chewy body some hazy IPAs boast. It’s definitely designed to be a more sessionable brew, so if you’re planning on sipping a few, it’s ideal. That said, some might find it a bit too light, especially compared to other hazy IPAs with a fuller mouthfeel.
Overall Drinkability (9/10)
Sierra Nevada has a reputation for making beers that are well-balanced, and Cool Little Thing IPA is no exception. It’s not the most complex IPA out there, but it’s not trying to be. This is a beer for hanging out with friends, grilling, or just unwinding after a long day. It’s perfect for warm weather but enjoyable year-round.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of tropical, citrus-forward IPAs that don’t knock you out with bitterness, Sierra Nevada’s Cool Little Thing IPA should be on your list. It’s refreshing, smooth, and easy to drink — a true “little thing” that packs a lot of enjoyable flavor. However, for those looking for a more intense hop bomb or something super dank, this one might feel a bit tame.
Overall Rating: 8/10 It’s a fun, easygoing IPA that offers a great balance of tropical flavors with mild bitterness. Great for casual sipping, but it might leave serious hop heads wanting a bit more intensity.
If you’ve tried Sierra Nevada’s Cool Little Thing, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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