When it comes to bold, hop-forward beers, Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo Extra IPA stands tall as a go-to choice for IPA lovers. It’s a beer that doesn’t shy away from delivering intense flavors, and while it’s mostly a home run, there are a few things to note for the more discerning drinker. Let’s dive in!
First Impressions
The beer pours a clear, deep amber with a foamy, off-white head that sticks around, leaving some beautiful lacing down the glass. Visually, it’s inviting, and that first sniff promises good things to come.
Aroma
Bam! The hop aroma hits you right away with a blast of pine, citrus, and floral notes. It’s as if you’re walking through a pine forest that happens to be next to a citrus grove. There’s also a subtle malt sweetness hiding underneath all those hops, hinting at some balance.
Tasting Notes
This is where the Torpedo lives up to its name. From the first sip, you get that punch of hops that IPA fans crave. The flavor profile mirrors the aroma with bold pine and grapefruit notes dominating the palate, followed by a slight earthy, resinous quality. As you sip, you also notice a touch of caramel malt sweetness that helps temper the bitterness, but make no mistake—this is a hop-forward beer.
The bitterness, sitting at around 65 IBUs, is strong, but not overpowering. For hopheads, it’s just right, but if you’re more of a casual IPA drinker, the bitterness might be a bit much. The finish is crisp and dry, with a lingering bitterness that keeps reminding you that you’re drinking a bold IPA.
Mouthfeel
Torpedo has a medium body with moderate carbonation that works well to keep the flavors vibrant without being too aggressive. It’s got just the right amount of heft to make it feel substantial but still refreshing enough to keep you coming back for more.
Positives
- Hop lovers rejoice: If you’re into bold, aromatic, and bitter IPAs, Torpedo will hit the spot.
- Well-balanced: Despite the hop intensity, the malt backbone provides enough sweetness to prevent it from being one-dimensional.
- Great finish: Crisp, dry, and perfect for those who love that lingering hop bitterness.
Negatives
- Bitterness might overwhelm some: If you’re not a die-hard IPA fan, the bitterness could be a little too intense, especially on the finish.
- Limited complexity: While the hop-forward flavors are enjoyable, the beer doesn’t evolve much as you drink it. You get what you get from the first sip to the last.
Overall Rating
- Aroma: 8/10 – Bold and inviting, full of classic pine and citrus notes.
- Flavor: 7.5/10 – A solid IPA, but maybe a bit too one-note for some.
- Mouthfeel: 8/10 – Perfect carbonation and a nice, refreshing body.
- Drinkability: 7/10 – Great for IPA lovers, but the bitterness may deter more casual drinkers.
Final Verdict: Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA is a strong, bold beer that delivers exactly what you’d expect from an aggressively hopped IPA. While it might not convert those who are on the fence about bitterness, it’s a standout choice for fans of West Coast-style IPAs who crave piney, resinous flavors.
If you’ve tried a Torpedo, please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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