Sierra Nevada is known for their unfiltered beers, which means that they do not go through a filtration process before being packaged. This is a deliberate choice made by the brewery to preserve the hazy flavor and appearance of their beers.
To achieve this, Sierra Nevada chills their fermenters at slightly higher temperatures than normal. This helps to keep the haze in the beer from fading. By maintaining a higher temperature, the yeast and other particles in the beer remain suspended, creating a cloudy appearance.
Skipping the filtration process allows Sierra Nevada to package their beers straight from the tanks, capturing all the hazy flavor in its prime. This means that when you crack open a can of Sierra Nevada beer, you are getting the beer exactly as it was intended to be enjoyed.
By leaving the beer unfiltered, Sierra Nevada is able to retain more of the natural flavors and aromas that are often filtered out during the brewing process. This can result in a fuller, more robust taste experience for the consumer.
Personally, I find the unfiltered nature of Sierra Nevada's beers to be quite appealing. It adds a certain authenticity and character to the drinking experience. The hazy appearance also adds to the visual appeal of the beer, making it feel more rustic and artisanal.
It's worth noting that unfiltered beers can have a slightly different mouthfeel compared to filtered beers. The presence of yeast and other particles can give the beer a slightly thicker or chewier texture. Some people enjoy this aspect, while others may prefer a lighter, crisper mouthfeel.
Sierra Nevada's decision to leave their beers unfiltered is a deliberate choice that adds to the unique qualities of their brews. It allows for a more authentic and flavorful drinking experience, capturing the essence of the beer in its purest form. So, if you're a fan of hazy, unfiltered beers, Sierra Nevada is definitely a brewery to check out.