(Chico, CA) – Quick note on Sierra Nevada Brewing . . .
The brewery continues to update the labels on its seasonal beers. Next up in the portfolio is Summerfest, a Pilsner-style lager. In addition to the label change, the beer will also be available in 24 oz. bottles for the first time.
Here is a shot of the old label for comparison.
How has Glissade Golden Bock, the brewery’s new spring seasonal, fared? Helles Bocks don’t earn as much praise as other styles and this beer is no exception to the rule. Reviews have been mixed and this currently sports a B average.
Recently released is Sierra Nevada Fritz and Ken’s Ale. Initial reviews are quite positive thus far.
I love beer advocate and rate beer but a principle failure in both sites their scales not withstanding, is that glissade nor any golden Bock will have a complex aroma compared to most top 100 beers on those sites.
I guess that’s a whole other issue though I will mention this . . . SN Golden Bock didn’t fair well against other Bocks on the site. BA’s ratings are inflated so the “good” rating that this received probably means something more like “Meh, won’t buy it again.” I felt about the same. Why? Because it is a spring seasonal that comes out in January. I can enjoy an IPA or a Biere de Mars or whatever just about any time of the year but Noble Pils and Golden Bock probably shouldn’t come out before March-April. To me those beers are more in the “refreshing” context. I agree those beers have a place but more from April-September.
Edit: It’s too bad that seasonals coming out 2 months in advance of the respective season is a standard in the industry.
I disagree. The SN Bock has been a delightful treat! I really hope they continue it in 2011. From a brewer’s perspective, a balanced golden bock was a nice retreat from the malty winter beverages that plagued us in 2009. We all like our paulaner Salvators but enough is enough. Thank you Ken Grossman.