I am a fan of nearly everything Sierra Nevada and Avery brew; I celebrate their entire catalog. This version of a blend of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot and Avery Hog Heaven, or “Big Hog”, to quote the guys in charge, just doesn’t deliver, in my opinion.  It ends up being pretty one note, all hops.  It is missing all the complexity brought by the deep dark fruit flavors that the style beckons for.  If you told me it was an Imperial Red IPA, I would say it’s true to its profile.  But hey, it does the job at 9.4% ABV.

Color: Hazy burnt sienna

Aroma: Boozy pine tree, very subtle prune and plum, with light toffee

Taste: Sticky pine resin

Finish: Pine with resiny bitterness

Body: Full